Cannabis-Related Visits Among Youth: A Seattle Children’s Practice Based Research Network Study

Cannabis use among adolescents and young adults represents a significant public health concern, particularly with the changing legal landscape and increased availability of cannabis products. Cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with several adverse health outcomes including higher rates of associated mental health disorders, worsened academic performance, and increased risk of development of substance use disorders.  

Pediatric healthcare settings are increasingly encountering cannabis-related visits yet comprehensive data characterizing these encounters within primary care networks remains limited. Previous studies have focused primarily on emergency department visits or hospitalizations. However, there is limited data on the spectrum of cannabis related concerns that present to primary care, trends over time, and factors associated with presentation.  

To address this gap, CERP has partnered with Dr. Alexis Ball from UW Pediatrics in a study that seeks to characterize cannabis-related visits among youth (ages 12-21) to clinics participating within Seattle Children’s Practice Based Research Network from 2015-2024.

Status: Analysis and manuscript preparation underway

---