Addiction Risk, Decision Making, and Mood Regulation: The Impact of Nicotine and Cannabis on Adolescent Brain Development

Abstract

Adolescent nicotine and marijuana use has been shown to increase risk for addiction, impair decision-making, and disrupt mood regulation—heightening susceptibility to future substance use disorders. Nicotine and cannabis affect the brain's circuits in different ways, but their overall impact on the adolescent brain is remarkably similar. A literature review was conducted to understand the mechanisms and implications of nicotine and cannabis use. Data from 2003 to 2024 from PubMed, PsychINFO, and SCOPUS were collected using key words such as adolescent, nicotine, cannabis, brain development, and mental health. Since adolescence is a time of brain development, consumption of a drug during this time can lead to long-term consequences. Addiction risk and impacts on decision making and mood regulation are among the most concerning consequences. Teenagers who use cigarettes and marijuana acquire heightened risk of mood and anxiety disorders, as these chemicals interfere with the brain's processes for regulating stress. Additionally, initiation of drug use is highly associated with social isolation, low selfesteem, and suicidal thoughts, especially for teenagers with risk factors for mental health. Research is developing new therapeutic approaches and evaluating the effects of nicotine and cannabis on adolescent brain health. This report offers a comprehensive overview of studies investigating adolescent brain development.