Among 470 adolescents in psychiatric inpatient care, those who vaped cannabis as their primary method had 2.4 times higher odds of a recent suicide attempt, even after controlling for other substance use.
Child psychiatrists, emergency clinicians, and adolescent health providers
2.4x higher odds of suicide attempt with cannabis vaping
What the researchers found
Vaping as the most frequent cannabis method was associated with 2.38 times higher odds of past 30-day suicide attempt (p=0.002) and greater suicidal ideation. The suicide attempt association remained significant after controlling for depressive symptoms, impulse control, psychosocial impairment, and other substance use.
Why it matters
Cannabis vaping is rapidly increasing among adolescents, and this study suggests it may be a specific risk marker for suicidality in psychiatrically vulnerable youth, beyond what is explained by general cannabis use or other substance use.
The numbers in context
470 adolescents. 26.8% had past 30-day suicide attempts. 44.3% ever used cannabis. 31.5% used cannabis in past 30 days. 30.8% of cannabis users primarily vaped. Vaping: AOR=2.38 for suicide attempts (p=0.002).
How the study worked
Chart review of 470 adolescents (ages 11-18, 64% female) admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital between 2021-2023. Assessment battery measured cannabis use methods, psychiatric symptoms, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Logistic regression with adjustment for confounders.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Inpatient psychiatric sample is not representative of all adolescents. Vaping cannabis users may differ from other cannabis users in unmeasured ways. Self-reported cannabis use methods.
How to read the evidence
Reasonable sample in a high-risk population with appropriate statistical controls, but cross-sectional design and inpatient-only sample limit conclusions.
When this study was published
2024 study using 2021-2023 data
The bigger picture
The specificity to vaping (rather than all cannabis use methods) raises questions about whether the delivery method matters. Vaping delivers cannabis more rapidly and potentially at higher potency, which could amplify acute psychiatric effects in vulnerable youth.
Questions still open
- Is the vaping-suicide link driven by higher THC exposure from vaping, or do youth who choose vaping have other risk factors? Would the association hold in community samples? Could vaping-specific prevention messaging reduce risk?
Common questions
Is cannabis vaping linked to teen suicide?
Why might vaping cannabis be riskier than smoking it?
Read the original research
Cannabis Vaping Is Associated With Past 30-Day Suicide Attempts and Suicidal Ideation Among Adolescents in a Psychiatric Inpatient Setting.
JAACAP open, 2(4), 263-273
Citation
Thomas, Sarah A; Thompson, Elizabeth C; Maron, Micaela M; Meisel, Samuel N; Spirito, Anthony; Wolff, Jennifer C. (2024). Cannabis Vaping Is Associated With Past 30-Day Suicide Attempts and Suicidal Ideation Among Adolescents in a Psychiatric Inpatient Setting.. JAACAP open, 2(4), 263-273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaacop.2024.03.003
Explore the wider topic
- How to Talk to Your Teenager About Weed (Without Losing Them)
- My Kid's Friends Smoke Weed: A Parent's Guide
- I Smoke Weed But Don't Want My Kids To: Navigating the Hypocrisy
- Quitting Weed as a Parent: Why It Is the Hardest and Most Important Quit
- Quitting Weed as a Teen or Young Adult
- My Kid Is Smoking Weed: A Parent's Guide