Among 150,992 college students, organized sports participation moderated the link between cannabis use and mental health diagnoses, with student-athletes showing lower rates of depression and anxiety across all cannabis use levels.
College health professionals, athletic departments, students who use cannabis, and campus mental health advocates.
What the researchers found
Higher cannabis use frequency was associated with greater likelihood of depression, anxiety, and PTSD diagnoses. However, organized sports participation significantly moderated this relationship — student-athletes had lower mental health diagnosis rates at every level of cannabis use compared to non-athletes.
Why it matters
This massive dataset suggests sports don't just benefit mental health generally — they specifically buffer the mental health risks associated with cannabis use, providing a concrete, actionable protective factor for college health programs.
The numbers in context
150,992 participants. 87.5% ages 18-29, 70.3% female, 72.3% non-Hispanic White. Weekly-to-daily cannabis users had highest mental health diagnosis rates. Sports participation significantly lowered rates across all cannabis use levels (p < 0.001).
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of National College Health Assessment III data (Fall 2019-Fall 2023) examining 150,992 participants for associations between cannabis use, mental health diagnoses, and organized sports participation as a moderator.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design — healthier students may both play sports and have fewer mental health issues. Self-reported diagnoses and cannabis use. Cannot determine if sports participation preceded cannabis use or vice versa.
How to read the evidence
Very large national sample with clear moderation effects, but cross-sectional design limits causal claims about sports participation's protective role.
When this study was published
Recent analysis of 2019-2023 data from the largest college health survey in the US.
The bigger picture
Rather than focusing solely on reducing cannabis use among college students, encouraging sports participation could be a complementary strategy that reduces associated mental health risks without requiring abstinence.
Questions still open
- Does the protective effect of sports persist after graduation? Would intramural and recreational sports show similar benefits as organized sports?
Common questions
Can playing sports protect against cannabis-related mental health risks?
Does more cannabis use mean worse mental health in college?
Read the original research
Moderating Effect of Participation in Organized College Sports on Mental Health and Frequency of Cannabis Use in a National Cohort.
American journal of preventive medicine, 70(4), 108148
Citation
Zeiger, Joanna S; Conner, Bradley T. (2025). Moderating Effect of Participation in Organized College Sports on Mental Health and Frequency of Cannabis Use in a National Cohort.. American journal of preventive medicine, 70(4), 108148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2025.108148
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