Among 545 sexually active young women of color, smoking cannabis 20+ times per month was prospectively associated with increased depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors over 6 to 12 months.
Clinicians working with adolescent girls and young women in urban settings; public health researchers studying substance use disparities.
2.7x higher suspension odds with 20+ cannabis uses per month
What the researchers found
Using cannabis 20+ times monthly was associated with 2.71 times higher odds of school suspension, increased depressive symptoms, and increased delinquent behaviors. Cross-lagged models showed frequent cannabis use predicted depressive symptoms 6 months later and higher delinquency at both 6 and 12 months, suggesting cannabis preceded the negative outcomes rather than the reverse.
Why it matters
Young women of color are underrepresented in cannabis research despite potentially facing compounded risks from substance use and structural inequities. The prospective design strengthens the case that frequent cannabis use contributes to these negative outcomes rather than simply co-occurring.
The numbers in context
545 participants. 94% people of color (37% non-Black Hispanic, 16% Hispanic Black, 41% non-Hispanic Black). Cannabis 20+ times/month: OR 2.71 for suspension (95% CI 1.48-4.57). Cross-lagged: depressive symptoms at 6 months (beta 0.09), delinquency at 6 months (beta 0.20) and 12 months (beta 0.12).
How the study worked
Prospective cohort of 545 sexually active female adolescents and young adults in an inner-city setting. 94% identified as people of color. Questionnaires at three visits over one year. Multivariable regression and cross-lagged panel models.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported cannabis use and outcomes. Specific population (sexually active, inner-city, predominantly women of color) limits generalizability. Threshold of 20+ times monthly represents heavy use; lighter use patterns were not examined separately. Potential unmeasured confounders.
How to read the evidence
Prospective cohort with cross-lagged analysis supporting temporal ordering, though self-report and specific population limit broad generalization.
When this study was published
2024 study
The bigger picture
The finding that frequent cannabis use predicts future depression and delinquency in this population suggests a window for intervention before consequences accumulate, particularly in communities where both cannabis access and structural disadvantages converge.
Questions still open
- Is there a threshold of cannabis frequency below which these negative outcomes diminish? Would culturally tailored interventions be more effective for this population?
Common questions
Does this mean cannabis causes depression in young women?
Why focus on sexually active young women of color?
Read the original research
Psychosocial Effects of Frequent Cannabis Smoking in Adolescent Women of Color: Results from a Prospective Cohort of Inner-City Youth.
International journal of mental health and addiction, 22(5), 3197-3210
Citation
Duroseau, Nathalie; Niu, Li; Wilson, Karen; Nucci-Sack, Anne; Burk, Robert D; Diaz, Angela; Schlecht, Nicolas F. (2024). Psychosocial Effects of Frequent Cannabis Smoking in Adolescent Women of Color: Results from a Prospective Cohort of Inner-City Youth.. International journal of mental health and addiction, 22(5), 3197-3210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-023-01043-9
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