Synthetic Cannabinoid Use and Sports-Related Concussion Risk among US Adolescents: Implications for School Health Screening and Prevention
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| Title: | Synthetic Cannabinoid Use and Sports-Related Concussion Risk among US Adolescents: Implications for School Health Screening and Prevention |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Saurabh Kalra (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of School Health. 2026 96(2). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Drug Abuse, Adolescents, Correlation, Athletics, Brain, Head Injuries, Incidence, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, Drinking, Marijuana, Depression (Psychology), Suicide, Psychological Patterns, High School Students, Health Behavior |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Youth Risk Behavior Survey |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70112 |
| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| Abstract: | Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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). Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Incorporating SC-use screening into sports physicals and improving equitable access to concussion education may help reduce preventable injuries. Conclusions: SC use is associated with elevated sports-related concussion risk among adolescents. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1494587 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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). Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Incorporating SC-use screening into sports physicals and improving equitable access to concussion education may help reduce preventable injuries. Conclusions: SC use is associated with elevated sports-related concussion risk among adolescents. |
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| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70112 |
