Determining the cognitive sequelae of adolescent cannabis use: a longitudinal cohort study

The aim of this recently funded NHMRC grant is to examine the cognitive sequelae of cannabis and alcohol use in adolescence, after controlling for premorbid intellectual functioning and personality factors. The study will also characterise the potential vulnerability or protective role of pre-existing cognitive and personality factors measured prior to any substance use in predicting or moderating later cannabis/alcohol-related sequelae in a large cohort of adolescents. The current project offers a unique opportunity to examine these important relationships by following up a sample of 750 adolescents (the Wollongong Youth Study [WYS]) that have been comprehensively assessed annually since 2003 on measures of personality and academic ability. This project is in collaboration with Dr Nadia Solowij, Dr Joseph Ciarrochi and A/Prof Patrick Heaven at the University of Wollongong. This study has recently commenced recruitment.