In response to the escalating mental health concerns among students in Chicago schools, a century-old organization is stepping up its efforts to provide support and intervention. This initiative comes amidst a backdrop of increasing cannabis usage among youth globally, with particular focus on its impact on mental well-being.
Cannabis, with its long history of usage for medical, spiritual, and recreational purposes, has witnessed a surge in popularity among young demographics worldwide, reflecting a prevalence of 2.8%. In the United States, where cannabis ranks as the second most-used substance after alcohol, youth prevalence stands at 7.1%. Similarly, in Australia, approximately 34% of young individuals aged 14 and above report cannabis use.
Despite perceptions of its benign nature and low risk of dependency, a growing body of evidence underscores the adverse effects of frequent and prolonged cannabis use on mental health. The psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis is primarily implicated in these negative outcomes, although the plant also contains beneficial compounds like cannabichromene (CBC) with potential therapeutic properties.
In a comprehensive review, researchers have meticulously examined existing data on the mental health ramifications of cannabis use among young populations in both Australia and the United States. With both countries undergoing similar processes of cannabis legalization for recreational and medicinal purposes, they provide a unique context for such investigations.
The study methodology involved a meticulous search across electronic databases to identify pertinent human studies focusing on the mental health impact of cannabis among youth. A total of 24 studies were scrutinized, encompassing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and various study designs such as cohort, longitudinal, and cross-sectional analyses.
Findings from the review underscored the detrimental effects of cannabis use on various mental health domains including depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, psychosis, and cannabis dependency.
Depression and Anxiety:
The analysis revealed a significant correlation between cannabis use and heightened risk of depression among young individuals aged 12 to 32, particularly among African American females and LGBTQI individuals. While some studies indicated a trend of increased cannabis use from adolescence to adulthood, conclusive associations between age of cannabis use initiation and depression development were lacking. Findings on anxiety risk varied across studies, with some demonstrating an increased risk linked to cannabis use while others found no such association.
Suicidal Risk:
Cannabis use was found to elevate the risk of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among adolescents, with past-year cannabis use disorder and daily cannabis consumption associated with higher rates of suicidal tendencies. Females exhibited a greater susceptibility to these risks compared to males.
Psychosis:
A direct relationship was observed between the frequency of cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, and the risk of psychosis among young individuals, with females displaying a higher prevalence than males. Increased cannabis consumption frequency correlated with elevated risks of experiencing psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia.
Cannabis Use Disorder and Dependence:
The intensity of cannabis use demonstrated a direct link with cannabis use disorder, with recent users exhibiting a higher vulnerability. Adolescents with cannabis use disorder were also found to be more prone to developing alcohol and opioid dependencies. Additionally, evidence suggested higher risks of cannabis use disorder, abuse, and dependence associated with certain forms of cannabis consumption, with blunt use posing the greatest risk.
The significance of this review lies in its emphasis on the association between cannabis use among young individuals and the heightened risk of various mental health issues. Factors such as frequency, duration, intensity, and type of cannabis use all contribute to this risk. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in formulating targeted interventions to address the growing mental health challenges faced by youth in the context of cannabis usage.
