Over the past decade, cannabis has undergone a radical rebranding. Once the symbol of counterculture, it’s now a billion-dollar industry wrapped in organic packaging, pushed by influencers, and sold in storefronts that resemble yoga studios more than headshops. In many regions, it’s not just legal—it’s celebrated.

But as public acceptance soars, the science is quietly accumulating behind the scenes—and much of it is troubling. New research suggests that cannabis exposure during pregnancy may reshape fetal brain development, while regular high-potency use may elevate the risk of psychosis in vulnerable adolescents and young adults.

It’s a collision of culture and science, with potentially long-term consequences for mental health.

A recent study published in Nature Mental Health (2024) analyzed brain scans and behavioral outcomes from over 9,000 children aged 9 to 12, part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. It found that prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE)—even before a mother knew she was pregnant—was associated with measurable differences in brain development. These changes were observed in white matter tracts and cortical regions linked to attention, emotion regulation, and executive function.

More strikingly, these neurodevelopmental alterations partially mediated the........

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