Meta-analysis: youth cannabis use linked to 28-87% higher odds of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 80% higher adjusted odds of suicide attempts among youth cannabis users
- Evidence Grade:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies with adjusted estimates, representing strong aggregate evidence despite individual study limitations.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2026, covering studies from 2013-2025.
- Original Title:
- Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth.
- Published In:
- Addictive behaviors, 172, 108528 (2026)
- Authors:
- Sanz-Pérez, A(3), Serrano, D R(3), Fraguas-Sánchez, A I(3), Pardo, M C, Sánchez de León, J M Ruiz, Estupiñá, F J, Pérez, T, González-Burgos, E
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08603
Evidence Hierarchy
Combines results from multiple studies to find an overall pattern.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis cause depression in young people?
This meta-analysis found a 28% higher adjusted risk of depression among youth cannabis users, but observational studies cannot prove causation. Some of the risk may be explained by shared risk factors.
How strong is the link to suicidal behavior?
The association with suicidal ideation (65% higher) and suicide attempts (80% higher) was the strongest finding and persisted or increased after adjusting for other risk factors.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08603APA
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
MLA
Sanz-Pérez, A, et al. "Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth.." Addictive behaviors, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of c..." RTHC-08603. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/sanz-perez-2026-growing-concerns-a-systematic
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.