Cannabis Use in Adolescence Linked With Depression, Suicidality

Cannabis use in adolescence is linked to increased risk of depression and suicidality in young adulthood, according to the results from a recent meta-analysis.

Although many studies have examined the effects of cannabis use during adolescence on development of psychosis, little is known about its effects on mood and suicidality in young adulthood, according to the study authors.

To examine these effects, they conducted a meta-analysis of data from 11 studies involving 23,317 individuals.

Overall, the odds ratios [OR] of developing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or suicidal attempt in cannabis users were 1.37, 1.18, and 1.50, and 2.46, respectively, compared with nonusers.

“Although individual-level risk remains moderate to low and results from this study should be confirmed in future adequately powered prospective studies, the high prevalence of adolescents consuming cannabis generates a large number of young people who could develop depression and suicidality attributable to cannabis. This is an important public health problem and concern, which should be properly addressed by health care policy,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Gobbi G, Atkin T, Zytynski T, et al. Association of cannabis use in adolescence and risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in young adulthood [published online February 13, 2019]. JAMA Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.4500