Cannabis and Tranquilizer Use Were Linked to Suicidal Behavior in Colombian Adolescents Alongside Depression and Aggression

Cannabis use (t=2.83, P<.05) and tranquilizer use (t=2.37, P<.05) had significant independent relationships with suicidal behavior. Physical aggression, cognitive and affective depression, affective instability, few social relationships, and self-harm were also independently associated. Depression and borderline personality traits were the strongest predictors of suicidal behavior.

Cross-sectional study of 352 adolescents aged 12-18 (mean 15.09) from a public and private school in Sincelejo, Colombia. Purposive sampling. Self-report instruments with t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression.

Adolescent suicide is a growing concern in Latin America, and understanding the clustering of risk factors (substance use, depression, aggression, personality traits) helps identify who needs intervention. Cannabis use appearing as an independent predictor adds to the risk factor profile.

This study comes from a rural Colombian city, adding geographic diversity to the literature on adolescent cannabis and suicide risk. The independent association of cannabis with suicidal behavior after accounting for depression and personality traits suggests it may contribute additional risk.

Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Purposive sampling limits generalizability. Self-reported substance use and suicidal behavior. Two schools in one city may not represent broader populations. Cannabis use frequency and quantity not detailed.