A meta-analysis of over 34,000 young people found cannabis smoking was associated with 2.3 times the risk of suicide attempt, 2.0 times the risk of suicidal ideation, and 1.7 times the risk of suicide planning.
Parents, educators, clinicians, and public health professionals concerned about youth mental health.
2.33x higher risk of suicide attempt in cannabis-using youth
What the researchers found
Across 20 studies with 34,859 youth, cannabis smokers had significantly higher risk of suicide attempt (OR 2.33), suicidal ideation (OR 2.04), and suicide planning (OR 1.67) compared to non-users. Subgroup analysis showed American teens had particularly increased risk of suicidal ideation. Meta-regression found that younger age was associated with greater risk of suicide attempt.
Why it matters
Cannabis is the most frequently consumed drug among young people worldwide. Quantifying its association with suicide behaviors in this vulnerable age group informs prevention priorities.
The numbers in context
34,859 youth for suicide attempts (OR 2.33), 26,937 for suicidal ideation (OR 2.04), 9,054 for suicide planning (OR 1.67). All associations statistically significant. High heterogeneity across studies (I2 >90%).
How the study worked
Systematic review and meta-analysis searching PubMed, EBSCO, and Science Direct through July 2021. Calculated pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, and suicide planning in cannabis users aged 11-21.
What this study cannot tell us
High heterogeneity (I2 >90%) across studies. Most studies were cross-sectional, preventing causal conclusions. Cannot determine whether cannabis causes suicidality or both share underlying risk factors.
How to read the evidence
Large meta-analysis with consistent direction of effects, though high heterogeneity and mostly cross-sectional studies limit causal inference.
When this study was published
Published in 2022 with studies searched through July 2021.
The bigger picture
The finding that younger age increased suicide attempt risk suggests that early adolescent cannabis use may carry particularly elevated risks for suicidal behavior.
Questions still open
- Does cannabis directly contribute to suicidality in youth, or do shared risk factors explain the association? Would early intervention for cannabis use reduce suicide risk?
Common questions
Does cannabis cause suicidal behavior in young people?
Does age matter for the risk?
Read the original research
Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in young individuals of 11-21 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of psychiatric research, 153, 90-98
Citation
Fresán, Ana; Dionisio-García, Diana María; González-Castro, Thelma Beatriz; Ramos-Méndez, Miguel Ángel; Castillo-Avila, Rosa Giannina; Tovilla-Zárate, Carlos Alfonso; Juárez-Rojop, Isela Esther; López-Narváez, María Lilia; Genis-Mendoza, Alma Delia; Nicolini, Humberto. (2022). Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in young individuals of 11-21 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Journal of psychiatric research, 153, 90-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.053
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