While we know cannabis use affects mental health in some ways, we still don’t understand all its impacts. Researchers have solidly established that heavy use can trigger psychosis and schizophrenia in those susceptible to it, but haven’t fully determined the association between cannabis use and subsequent depression and suicidality.
A recent study by Dr. Jesse Hinckley of the University of Colorado sheds some light on that association.
In 2023, Hinckley conducted a survey of young people using the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement, which includes data from of 10,123 respondents aged 13-18. He used a statistical method called regression analysis to compare Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and suicidal behavior with cannabis use. His analysis revealed that any youths who had ever used cannabis had higher odds of suffering MDD. He also found that cannabis use was associated with increased suicide attempts. The highest frequencies of both occurred in users who had used cannabis for three or more days per week for the previous twelve months. In addition, the earlier the respondents began using cannabis, the greater the likelihood of MDD and suicidal behavior.
Hinckley points out that this association between cannabis use and depression may arise by several paths,including brain biology triggering both, or shared environmental and genetic risk factors. Researchers haven’t yet firmly established cause and effect between cannabis use and MDD, but the evidence, especially from this large study, does suggest some biological links between the two.
Click here to review the original study, or here for additional information.