The dangers of legalised marijuana are drawing increasing attention in the United States. While marijuana use has grown markedly in recent years, experts warn of its significant impact on mental health, particularly among young adults. With its rapidly rising THC potency to levels as high as 99%, marijuana poses risks that are only now being fully understood.

The association between cannabis use, mental health challenges, and suicidality in young adults reveals complex patterns, with risks varying significantly between men and women, as evidenced by nationwide survey data.

How Legalised Marijuana Affects Mental Health

Studies reveal a worrying link between marijuana and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The number of adults using cannabis more than doubled between 2008 and 2019, climbing from 22.6 million to 45.0 million. Simultaneously, the prevalence of mental health issues, such as major depressive episodes (MDE) and suicidal thoughts, also rose sharply.

These overlapping trends are more than coincidental. Research shows that cannabis use disorder (CUD), daily cannabis use, and even occasional use are linked to higher risks of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.

Marijuana Use and Teenage Vulnerability

Particularly worrying is the increased impact of high-potency marijuana on teenagers, whose developing brains are more susceptible to cannabis’s harmful effects. Recent data shows that states with legalised marijuana report a 25% higher teen addiction rate. During critical developmental phases, marijuana addiction significantly raises the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

The statistics are alarming. Among people with cannabis addiction, 14% report experiencing suicidal thoughts. That number leaps to 50% for individuals with pre-existing depression.

Connections Between Marijuana Use and Suicidality

A Study on Suicidality Trends

A survey including 281,650 young adults between 18 and 34 years found associations between marijuana use and suicidality, with the risks being especially pronounced in women. Suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts rose across various groups, particularly among individuals with MDE who used cannabis daily or suffered from CUD.

Key Findings from the Study Include:

• Suicidality Boom: From 2008 to 2019, adults with MDE and daily cannabis use showed extremely high rates of suicidal ideation (52.6%), planning (22.4%), and attempts (9.6%).
• Notable Sex Differences: Women with MDE demonstrated higher rates of suicide attempts (13.7%) compared to men with MDE (9.2%).
• Cannabis Use Without Depression: Even individuals without MDE who used cannabis displayed an increased prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, underscoring marijuana’s independent risk factor.

Why Women Are at Greater Risk

The study highlighted that women are disproportionately affected by marijuana-related mental health risks. Adjusted data revealed that suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts were consistently more prevalent in women compared to men, especially among those using cannabis daily or facing CUD.

Some researchers suggest that hormonal differences and the interaction of cannabis with brain development could explain these disparities. For example, findings indicate that female adolescents who use marijuana are more likely to develop adult depression.

Exploring Contributing Factors

High THC Potency and Addiction

One of the primary concerns surrounding legalised marijuana is the increasing potency of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the compound responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects. THC levels in modern cannabis products often range from 15% to as high as 99%, far exceeding what previous generations consumed.

This heightened potency significantly raises the potential for addiction and intensifies the mental health risks associated with cannabis use. Addiction, in turn, further exacerbates issues like anxiety, depression, and substance dependence, creating vicious cycles of mental health challenges.

Socioeconomic and Regional Variables

The prevalence of marijuana addiction and suicidality is higher among low-income groups and unemployed individuals. Regions where marijuana is legalized for recreational use often lack adequate healthcare systems to address the complexity of addiction and mental health issues. Critics argue that some US states rushed to legalise marijuana without implementing the necessary public health strategies to mitigate its risks.

Calls for Stricter Control of Legalised Marijuana

The commercialisation of cannabis has prioritised profits over public health, critics assert. These concerns are further compounded by the industry’s aggressive marketing tactics targeting young adults, who are particularly vulnerable to addiction.

Given the escalating rates of mental health challenges and suicidality associated with cannabis use, many experts advocate stricter regulations. Policies must aim to restrict the production of products with excessively high THC potency and make mental health support more accessible, especially in underprivileged communities.

Source: JAMA Network