A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies found that cannabis use among 15-30 year olds was associated with 28% higher adjusted odds of depression, 58% higher odds of anxiety, 65% higher adjusted odds of suicidal ideation, and 80% higher adjusted odds of suicide attempts.
Young cannabis users, parents, educators, and mental health professionals working with youth.
80% higher adjusted odds of suicide attempts among youth cannabis users
What the researchers found
Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for youth cannabis users: Depression OR 1.51 (aOR 1.28). Anxiety OR 1.58. Suicidal ideation OR 1.50 (aOR 1.65). Suicide attempts OR 1.87 (aOR 1.80). The adjusted estimates for depression were lower than unadjusted, suggesting confounding, while suicidal ideation estimates increased after adjustment, suggesting a robust association.
Why it matters
Young people are the largest cannabis consumer demographic and also the population most vulnerable to mental health disruptions. This meta-analysis quantifies the magnitude of the mental health risks associated with cannabis use during this critical developmental period.
The numbers in context
6,466 articles screened, 36 included, 18 in meta-analysis. Depression: OR 1.51, aOR 1.28 (95% CI 1.10-1.50). Anxiety: OR 1.58 (95% CI 1.15-2.15). Suicidal ideation: OR 1.50 (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.40-1.93). Suicide attempts: OR 1.87 (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.30-2.49). Ages 15-30.
How the study worked
Systematic review of 6,466 articles from PubMed, Mendeley, Embase, WOS, CINAHL, and Scopus, with 36 meeting inclusion criteria and 18 contributing to meta-analysis. Studies published 2013-2025 involving individuals aged 15-30. Random effects meta-analysis with both unadjusted and adjusted estimates.
What this study cannot tell us
Most included studies were observational and cannot establish causation. Heterogeneity across studies in how cannabis use and mental health outcomes were defined and measured. Publication bias possible. The age range (15-30) spans very different developmental periods.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies with adjusted estimates, representing strong aggregate evidence despite individual study limitations.
When this study was published
Published in 2026, covering studies from 2013-2025.
The bigger picture
The finding that adjusted estimates for suicidal behavior are higher than unadjusted suggests that cannabis use may be particularly associated with suicidality beyond what is explained by other risk factors. This contrasts with depression, where adjustment reduced the estimate, suggesting more confounding in that relationship.
Questions still open
- Why did adjusting for confounders increase the suicidal ideation estimate? Is there a dose-response relationship between frequency of use and mental health risk? Would early intervention for cannabis use reduce mental health outcomes?
Common questions
Does cannabis cause depression in young people?
How strong is the link to suicidal behavior?
Read the original research
Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth.
Addictive behaviors, 172, 108528
Citation
Sanz-Pérez, A; Serrano, D R; Fraguas-Sánchez, A I; Pardo, M C; Sánchez de León, J M Ruiz; Estupiñá, F J; Pérez, T; González-Burgos, E. (2026). Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth.. Addictive behaviors, 172, 108528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528
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