By Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D.Mar 18 2024 A review article published in the journal Epidemiologia describes the impact of cannabis use on mental health among Australian and American youth.
The estimated prevalence of cannabis use among youth in the United States is 7.1%, making it the second-most used substance after alcohol. In Australia, cannabis use prevalence is about 34% among young people aged 14 years and above. In this review, authors have extensively analyzed existing evidence on the impact of cannabis use on mental health among Australian and American youth.
A total of 24 studies were selected and analyzed in the review, which included three systematic reviews and meta-analyses, seven cohort studies, seven longitudinal studies, and seven cross-sectional studies. Of these studies, three were conducted in Australia and 21 in the US. Regarding anxiety risk, studies produced mixed results, with some showing a significantly higher risk of anxiety development due to cannabis use and others showing the absence of any such association.The analysis revealed that cannabis use can increase the risk of suicidal ideation, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal plans among adolescents.
Considering different forms of cannabis, the evidence indicated that the risk of a cannabis use disorder, abuse, and dependence is higher for blunt use, followed by dual cigar and blunt use, and non-blunt marijuana use.