Using marijuana as a teenager is linked to an increase risk of depression and suicide, according to a new report by a team of international scientists.
Data from eleven studies involving more than 23,000 people was analysed to explore the association between cannabis use and depression, anxiety and suicide.
In one of the first research projects to follow cannabis users from teenagers to adulthood, the chosen studies looked at cannabis users younger than 18 years-old and then measured the development of depression in adulthood between ages 18 to 32.
The findings - published in the Journal of the American Medical Association - found that cannabis consumption was associated with a higher risk of developing depression and suicidal behaviour.
The numbers showed that odds of attempting suicide were almost 3.5 times worse among those who used marijuana before the age of 18. But they didn’t find any real increase in anxiety for those who used cannabis as a teenager.
Wayne Hall, a professor at the Youth Substance Abuse Research Centre at the University of Queensland, says the findings are consistent with other studies.
However, a pitfall with this type of study is that it doesn’t account for the possibility that young people using marijuana may already have an increase risk in developing depression.
“One reason young people start using cannabis is that it lifts their mood,” he said.
The report explains that the adolescent brain is still under development and drugs like cannabis may alter it.
While researchers said the individual risk remains moderate to low and there should be more studies to solidify their conclusions, they did stress their finding that the impact of cannabis was real.
In Australia, weed is the most commonly used illicit drug.
Recent use of an illicit drugs, by age, 2001 to 2016. Data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2017 Source: AIHW
Mr Hall says people should watch out for themselves and their mates if cannabis is being used to treat depression.
“The evidence is that it doesn’t help and you are more at risk of developing a cannabis use problem later on.”
“If you’re depressed and having a tough time and you’re using cannabis to make you feel better, then it’s easy to use it. Then you become involved using it most days and most weeks,” he said.
If you would like to talk to someone about your mental health, here are some people ready for your call:
• SANE Australia Helpline 1800 18 SANE (7263) www.sane.org
• beyondblue support service line 1300 22 46 36
• Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
• MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au
