Unveiling the Growing Connection: How Cannabis is Increasingly Linked to Anxiety and Depression

Experiencing the highs of cannabis might come with emotional lows.

The scientific community remains divided over the impact of cannabis on health. While some studies suggest it may enhance cognitive function in older adults, other research indicates that these benefits might be overstated.

Adding to the debate, a recent study highlights a concerning link between cannabis consumption and negative mental health outcomes.

Previous research has demonstrated that cannabis can affect brain function by altering dopamine levels, mimicking the patterns seen in psychosis.

Now, a study conducted by McMaster University, recently published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, reveals a concerning trend: as cannabis use increases, there is a corresponding rise in mental health issues.

“We see that Canadians who use cannabis tend to be more likely to meet criteria for anxiety and depressive disorders, and more likely to report suicidality,” said Jillian Halladay, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster. “We also see that this co-occurrence has strengthened over time.”

Researchers analyzed the mental health outcomes and marijuana use of more than 35,000 Canadians aged 15 and up, over the course of a decade, between 2012 and 2022.

They found that the number of people who reported generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive episode nearly doubled. Meanwhile, suicidal thoughts increased by 44% in youths.

Only a few years ago, in 2022, Canadians who used cannabis two or more times a week were about five times more likely to report anxiety, depression or suicidality than those who didn’t.

The researchers also saw that the number of people using cannabis multiple times a week more than doubled, and the number of people who reported using cannabis in the last year increased to nearly 21%.

The co-occurrence of cannabis use and mental health issues echoes the findings of a previous study conducted by the research team between 2002 and 2012, according to Halladay.

That study revealed that anxiety and depression rates among teenagers increased nearly threefold in the decade.

A previous study led by the American Heart Association found similar results, linking nicotine and THC vaping amongst young adults to increased depression and anxiety symptoms.

The findings come even as many still turn to marijuana to cope with chronic pain, sleep difficulties and a wide range of other health concerns, including anxiety.

And while many believe weed is safer than smoking cigarettes, research suggests it could increase the risk for cardiovascular issues, no matter if it’s in the form of gummies, joints, teas or tinctures.

Halladay notes the latest research highlights the need for earlier detection and routine screening of anxiety, depression, and suicidality among those who use cannabis.

She also said this called for improved prevention efforts, as well as easier access to services that treat substance use and mental health issues together, and that the effects can be a vicious cycle.

“It’s important for people to recognize when and how their cannabis use may be impacting their mental health, and how their mental health may be influencing their cannabis use,” Halladay said.