New study links cannabis use with Depression Severity and Suicidality

Adolescence is characterized by an important period of ongoing neurodevelopment, during which many teens begin to show symptoms of depression and other psychiatric disorders. The prevalence in the US of lifetime adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) is 11% to 17%. Adolescent depression is also associated with increased risk for morbidity and mortality, and since suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 19. So, adolescent depression represents a significant individual and public health concern with the potential for significant adverse outcomes.

One factor that may be associated with MDD severity and suicidal behavior is cannabis use.

Being a vulnerable period for the onset of mental health disorders, many teens begin experimenting with substance use. Cannabis is among the most used substances during adolescence, with those aged 12to 17 years the largest age group to initiate cannabis use as of 2019. Although the lifetime and past 12-month prevalence of cannabis use have remained relatively steady over the past few decades, daily cannabis use has risen over the past 2 years to its highest level in 3 decades.

Cannabis use is twice as common among adolescents with MDD which is associated with greater risk of progressing to substance use problems, including substance use disorders. Currently, studies have shown that comorbid MDD and substance use disorders are generally associated with more severe depression and substance use problems, poorer clinical outcomes, and decreased treatment adherence.

The researchers for this study investigated the association of cannabis use with major depression and suicidal behavior in adolescence. They analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Survey - Adolescent Supplement, a nationally representative survey of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. The findings show that Cannabis use is

·         Associated with higher odds of depression and depression severity in adolescence.

·         Adolescents with lifetime cannabis use were found to have 2 times higher odds of mild/moderate depressive disorder and 3 times higher odds of severe major depressive disorder.

·         As expected, depression was associated with higher odds of suicide attempt. 

·         Also, cannabis use was independently associated with higher odds of attempted suicide.

At Gobi we see many, many families whose teens are struggling with depression by smoking weed.  Outcomes in the study were somewhat less for teens that had past 12-month use but worsened for those who use 3 or more days a week.   

At this point there is no credible evidence that marijuana is anything more than a short-term fix AND it’s expensive.  On the other hand, there is clinical evidence that meditation, yoga, exercise, playing music or taking a walk are beneficial in dealing with depression. These are healthy choices and are much less expensive than buying and self-medicating with cannabis.