Adolescent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
British and Canadian researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies to examine whether use of cannabis in adolescence (younger than 18 years) is associated with depression, anxiety and suicidality in young adulthood (18–32 years). Cannabis use in adolescence was associated with a significantly increased risk of depression (odds ratio 1.37) and suicidality (odds ratio 1.18) in adulthood, but not anxiety. The high prevalence of adolescence using cannabis means that there is a large number of young people who could develop depression and suicidality. This research emphasises the value of initiatives educating adolescents on the risks associated with cannabis use and teaching them skills to resist peer pressure.
doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.4500.
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