Cannabis use more than doubled the risk of suicide attempt in youth ages 11-21
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 2.33x higher risk of suicide attempt in cannabis-using youth
- Evidence Grade:
- Large meta-analysis with consistent direction of effects, though high heterogeneity and mostly cross-sectional studies limit causal inference.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022 with studies searched through July 2021.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in young individuals of 11-21 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Published In:
- Journal of psychiatric research, 153, 90-98 (2022)
- Authors:
- Fresán, Ana(2), Dionisio-García, Diana María, González-Castro, Thelma Beatriz(2), 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
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03851
Evidence Hierarchy
Combines results from multiple studies to find an overall pattern.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis cause suicidal behavior in young people?
The meta-analysis found a strong association but cannot prove causation. Cannabis use could contribute to suicidality, or both could share common risk factors like depression, trauma, or social isolation.
Does age matter for the risk?
Yes. Meta-regression found that younger age was negatively associated with suicide attempt risk, meaning earlier adolescent cannabis use was linked to greater risk.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03851APA
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
MLA
Fresán, Ana, et al. "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, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.053
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and ..." RTHC-03851. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/fresan-2022-cannabis-smoking-increases-the
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.