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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
Language: English
Authors: Saurabh Kalra (ORCID 0000-0002-0398-6384), Nandakumar Nagaraja, Deepak Kalra
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
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  Data: Synthetic Cannabinoid Use and Sports-Related Concussion Risk among US Adolescents: Implications for School Health Screening and Prevention
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Saurabh+Kalra%22">Saurabh Kalra</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0398-6384">0000-0002-0398-6384</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Nandakumar+Nagaraja%22">Nandakumar Nagaraja</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Deepak+Kalra%22">Deepak Kalra</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+School+Health%22"><i>Journal of School Health</i></searchLink>. 2026 96(2).
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  Data: 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
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22High+Schools%22">High Schools</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Secondary+Education%22">Secondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1111/josh.70112
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  Data: 0022-4391<br />1746-1561
– Name: Abstract
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  Data: 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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  Data: 2026
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