Examining the influence of adolescent marijuana use on adult intelligence

• In Event: Current Issues in Biosocial Criminology

Abstract

There is currently a debate in the literature surrounding the influence of adolescent marijuana use on adult intelligence. Some research suggests, for example, that adolescent marijuana use negatively influences intelligence levels in adulthood. On the other side of the debate, however, are findings by indicating that the association between adolescent marijuana use and adult intelligence may be confounded by socioeconomic status and personality traits. In order to address this debate, we examined the association between adolescent (and adult) marijuana use and adult intelligence in a nationally representative sample. Our findings reveal that while marijuana use appears to have a significant negative association with adult intelligence scores, the effect sizes are relatively small.

Authors

• Cashen Boccio, Florida State University

• Kevin M. Beaver, Florida State University