What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in The Journal of school health on February 1, 2026.

Synthetic Cannabinoids Linked to Higher Concussion Risks in Teens

Q: What did this research study find?

**6.0% of teens reported synthetic cannabinoid use**, with **22.9% experiencing sports-related traumatic brain injuries**

Synthetic Cannabinoid Use and Sports-Related Concussion Risk Among US Adolescents: Implications for School Health Screening and Prevention.

The Journal of school health • February 1, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

A groundbreaking study reveals alarming risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids among adolescents. Researchers analyzed national survey data from 27,482 teens, uncovering that 6.0% reported using synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2, which are cheap and often undetectable in standard drug tests.

The research found significantly higher rates of sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among synthetic cannabinoid users. Teens using these substances had a 48% higher chance of experiencing a concussion, compared to non-users. Additional risk factors emerged, including current alcohol use, marijuana consumption, and mental health challenges like depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.

These findings highlight critical public health concerns, suggesting that school health screening programs should incorporate synthetic cannabinoid use assessment. The study emphasizes the need for targeted concussion prevention strategies and improved education about the dangerous neurological risks associated with these unregulated substances. Particular attention should be given to vulnerable adolescent populations, especially male athletes and teens from diverse racial backgrounds.

💡 Key Findings

6.0% of teens reported synthetic cannabinoid use, with 22.9% experiencing sports-related traumatic brain injuries

High

90%

48% higher odds of sports-related concussion for synthetic cannabinoid users

High

85%

Additional risk factors include male gender, alcohol use, marijuana consumption, and mental health challenges

Good

75%

📄 Original Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), such as Spice and K2, appeal to adolescents because they are inexpensive and often evade standard drug tests. We assessed associations between SC use and sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among US adolescents. We analyzed nationally representative Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2017-2021 (n = 27,482). Sports-related TBIs were defined as self-reported concussion in the past year. SC use was defined as lifetime use. Weighted multivariable logistic regression assessed the associations, adjusting for demographic and behavioral factors. Overall, 6.0% reported SC use, and 13% reported a sports-related TBI. TBI prevalence was higher among SC users (22.9%) than non-users (12.4%). SC use was associated with increased odds of a sports-related TBI (AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.30-1.70). Other significant predictors included boys vs. girls (AOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.28-1.49), Black race vs. White (AOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.40), current alcohol use (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.61-1.91), marijuana use (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.28), depressive symptoms (AOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.11-1.32), and suicidal ideation (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.25). Incorporating SC-use screening into sports physicals and improving equitable access to concussion education may help reduce preventable injuries. SC use is associated with elevated sports-related concussion risk among adolescents.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: The Journal of school health
Published: February 1, 2026
PMID: 41490792
DOI: 10.1111/josh.70112

Authors (3)

Saurabh Kalra Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
Nandakumar Nagaraja College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Deepak Kalra Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida, USA.