Adults who used cannabis in the past 30 days had 54% higher odds of suicidal ideation and 53% higher odds of depression compared to non-users in a nationally representative sample.
Clinicians, public health researchers, and policymakers interested in cannabis and mental health.
54% higher odds of suicidal ideation among recent cannabis users
What the researchers found
After adjusting for potential confounders, recent cannabis users (past 30 days) had significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation (aOR 1.54), depression (aOR 1.53), and having recently seen a mental health professional, compared to those without recent cannabis use.
Why it matters
With cannabis use prevalence rising, understanding its relationship with suicidal thinking is critical for public health screening and policy decisions.
The numbers in context
21,726 participants: 18,599 non-users, 3,127 recent users. Suicidal ideation aOR 1.54 (95% CI 1.19-2.00, p=0.001). Depression aOR 1.53 (95% CI 1.29-1.82).
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of 21,726 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005-2018). Multiple logistic regression adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidities, with survey sample weights.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation or direction of effect. Self-reported cannabis use. Does not account for quantity, potency, or reason for use.
How to read the evidence
Large, nationally representative dataset with appropriate statistical adjustments, but cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
When this study was published
Published in 2022 using NHANES data from 2005-2018.
The bigger picture
The relationship between cannabis and suicidality is likely multifactorial. People with depression or suicidal thoughts may use cannabis as self-medication, making the direction of causation unclear.
Questions still open
- Does cannabis use contribute to suicidal ideation, or do people with suicidal thoughts use cannabis for relief? Would results differ by frequency or type of cannabis use?
Common questions
Does this mean cannabis causes suicidal thoughts?
How strong was the association?
Read the original research
The Association between Recent Cannabis Use and Suicidal Ideation in Adults: A Population-based Analysis of the NHANES from 2005 to 2018.
Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 67(4), 259-267
Citation
Diep, Calvin; Bhat, Venkat; Wijeysundera, Duminda N; Clarke, Hance A; Ladha, Karim S. (2022). The Association between Recent Cannabis Use and Suicidal Ideation in Adults: A Population-based Analysis of the NHANES from 2005 to 2018.. Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 67(4), 259-267. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743721996112
Explore the wider topic
- LGBTQ+ and Cannabis: Higher Use Rates and Recovery
- Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: What It Is, Who's at Risk, and What to Do
- BetterHelp, Cerebral, and Online Therapy: Honest Review
- Quitting Weed with ADHD: Why It Is Harder and What Actually Helps
- Quitting Weed with Depression: What You Need to Know
- Quitting Weed with PTSD: A Practical Guide
- Self-Medicating with Weed: Why It Works Until It Doesn't
- Weed and OCD: Self-Medicating Intrusive Thoughts
- Weed and PTSD: What the Research Actually Shows
- Weed and Childhood Trauma: ACEs, Self-Medication, and the Path to Real Healing
- Weed and Suicidal Thoughts: What You Need to Know