Among 84 youth receiving treatment for mood disorders, 76% believed cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for mental health, and positive expectations predicted intention to use.
Child psychiatrists, adolescent mental health providers, parents of teens with mood disorders
What the researchers found
In a multisite survey of 84 youth and 66 parents across six mood disorder clinics, 76% of youth and 65% of parents believed cannabis is safe and effective for mental health conditions. Similar numbers endorsed CBD. Both groups believed regular use reduces depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. Among youth, male sex and positive cannabis expectancies were associated with higher use intentions. Intergenerational differences in attitudes were observed, with some varying by state cannabis law status.
Why it matters
Youth with mood disorders are at elevated risk for both cannabis use and cannabis-related adverse outcomes. The finding that most of these vulnerable patients already believe cannabis treats their conditions suggests they may self-medicate based on these beliefs, potentially interfering with evidence-based treatment.
The numbers in context
84 youth and 66 parents; 76% of youth and 65% of parents believed cannabis treats mental health; 74% of youth believed CBD treats mental health; 68% of parents for CBD; male sex and positive expectancies predicted use intentions; attitudes varied by state law
How the study worked
Multisite cross-sectional survey of 84 youth receiving mood disorder treatment and 66 parents across six child mood clinics in 11 US states with variable cannabis laws. Anonymous surveys assessed attitudes, health perceptions, and behaviors related to cannabis and CBD. Covariate-adjusted regressions examined respondent group and state law as between-subject factors.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample from specialized mood clinics; may not generalize. Self-report attitudes may not predict behavior. Cross-sectional design. Treatment-seeking youth may differ from non-treatment-seeking peers. Cannot assess whether beliefs are influenced by personal experience or external information.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: small convenience sample from specialized clinics with cross-sectional design.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
The gap between public perception (cannabis helps mental health) and clinical evidence (limited and mixed) is particularly concerning in a treatment-seeking population. If patients believe cannabis is treating their condition, they may be less adherent to prescribed therapies.
Questions still open
- Are youth who believe cannabis treats mental health less adherent to prescribed mood disorder treatments?
- Would evidence-based psychoeducation change these beliefs?
Read the original research
Differences in Cannabis and Cannabidiol Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors Between US Adolescents Receiving Mood Disorder Treatment and Their Parents Across Legal Contexts.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(10)
Citation
Hammond, Christopher J; Fristad, Mary A; Moon, Yoon Ji; Batt, Melissa M; Dopp, Richard; Ghaziuddin, Neera; Hulvershorn, Leslie; Leffler, Jarrod M; Singh, Manpreet K; Sullivan, Aimee E; Weinstein, Sally; Miller, Leslie. (2025). Differences in Cannabis and Cannabidiol Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors Between US Adolescents Receiving Mood Disorder Treatment and Their Parents Across Legal Contexts.. International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101576
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