Past-year cannabis use was significantly associated with suicidal ideation and elevated suicide risk among Gulf War veterans, independent of other risk factors.
Veterans health researchers, military mental health clinicians, and suicide prevention specialists.
1,126 veteransin national sample showing independent association between cannabis use and suicide risk
What the researchers found
Logistic regression showed cannabis use was associated with both past-year suicidal ideation and elevated risk for suicidal behavior in Gulf War veterans, even after controlling for key covariates.
Why it matters
Veterans face elevated suicide risk, and understanding modifiable risk factors like substance use is critical for prevention efforts in this population.
The numbers in context
National sample of 1,126 Gulf War veterans. Cannabis use independently associated with past-year suicidal ideation and elevated suicidal behavior risk after adjusting for covariates.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional study using a national sample of Gulf War veterans with self-reported cannabis use. Logistic regression models controlled for key covariates.
Who was studied
National sample of 1,126 Gulf War veterans.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation — cannabis use may be a consequence rather than cause of suicidal distress. Self-reported measures may underestimate actual use. Gulf War veterans may not represent all veteran populations.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional survey with statistical controls for covariates; cannot establish causal direction.
When this study was published
Studies Gulf War era veterans, a population now decades post-deployment.
The bigger picture
This adds to a growing body of research connecting cannabis use to suicide risk in military populations, highlighting the need for careful substance use screening in veteran mental health care.
Replication
Corroborates findings from other military populations; longitudinal studies needed.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- Is cannabis use a risk factor for or response to suicidal distress in veterans?
- Would addressing cannabis use in veteran treatment programs reduce suicide risk?
Read the original research
Cannabis use and suicide risk among Gulf War veterans.
Death studies, 47(5), 618-623
Citation
Grove, Jeremy L; Kimbrel, Nathan A; Griffin, Sarah C; Halverson, Tate; White, Mark A; Blakey, Shannon M; Beckham, Jean C; Dedert, Eric A; Goldston, David B; Pugh, Mary J; Calhoun, Patrick S. (2023). Cannabis use and suicide risk among Gulf War veterans.. Death studies, 47(5), 618-623. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2022.2108944