A revealing study has uncovered a troubling connection between early marijuana use and suicidal ideation amongst African American college students. The findings come as part of an alarming context, with suicide rates for African Americans aged 15 to 24 having soared by 47% for males and an even starker 59% for females between 2013 and 2019.

The research, conducted with a sample of 221 students attending a historically black college or university (HBCU), highlights marijuana use as a potentially significant risk contributor. Early onset marijuana use—defined as initiation during adolescence—was reported by 28% of the participants. Disturbingly, approximately 19% of the students disclosed experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Amongst those who began using marijuana early, the likelihood of reporting suicidal ideation was over three times higher than their non-using peers. The study’s adjustment for factors like mental health treatment and demographic variables further underscored the strong association between early marijuana use and mental health risks (AOR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.06–10.44).

Such findings underscore the urgent need to address early marijuana use before it evolves into more severe mental health outcomes. By identifying it as a modifiable risk factor, mental health professionals and educators can incorporate focused prevention strategies to deter youth from experimenting with substances that might jeopardise their future well-being.

Promoting environments free from recreational usage of marijuana and other substances could help shield young people from unnecessary risks. Encouraging healthier alternatives and providing robust support networks may pave the way for African American students to thrive throughout their educational and personal journeys, untethered from the burdens that substance misuse imposes.

Source: TandFonline