What are two potential longer-term mental health risks of adolescent cannabis use?

• A. Increased risk of anxiety or psychosis in predisposed individuals and potential lasting cognitive effects.
• B. Guaranteed violent behavior.
• C. No risks at all.
• D. Only physical health effects.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that cannabis use during adolescence can influence mental health in the longer term, especially for those who are predisposed. The adolescent brain is still developing, and cannabis can affect mood, thinking, and how stress is processed. The two main risks here are: first, an increased likelihood of anxiety or psychosis in people who have a predisposition or vulnerability (such as family history or genetic factors); second, potential lasting cognitive effects, like difficulties with memory, attention, and learning, that can persist even after stopping use. These outcomes are about probability, not certainty, and they’re more about long-term mental health impacts rather than immediate or only physical effects.

The other options aren’t correct because violence is not a guaranteed outcome of cannabis use, and there are well-established risks beyond no risk at all. Also, saying there are only physical health effects ignores real mental health and cognitive concerns associated with adolescent use.