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Cannabis Use Linked to Worsening Mental Health Crisis
5 Mar
Summary
- Cannabis use shows increasing ties to anxiety and depression.
- Mental health disorders nearly doubled in Canada over a decade.
- Young Canadians show alarming increases in suicidality.
A decade-long Canadian study indicates a strengthening link between cannabis consumption and worsening mental health conditions. The research, analyzing data from over 35,000 individuals aged 15 and older, spans the period before and after Canada legalized recreational cannabis in 2018.
Findings show a significant co-occurrence of cannabis use with anxiety and depressive disorders, alongside increased reports of suicidality. From 2012 to 2022, generalized anxiety disorder and major depression rates nearly doubled. Concurrently, the number of individuals using cannabis multiple times weekly more than doubled.
By 2022, those using cannabis at least twice weekly were five times more likely to experience depression or anxiety than non-users. This association was most pronounced among youth, with suicidality rising by 44% during the study period. Experts suggest increased cannabis potency and availability may impact developing young brains.
Mental health providers are urged to screen for cannabis use to help individuals understand its impact on their well-being. The study highlights the need for greater investment in integrated substance use and mental health services for prevention and intervention.
