A recent study conducted by Columbia University and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) raises serious concerns about the impact of recreational marijuana use among teenagers.
The research, which involved over 68,000 teens from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, revealed significant associations between casual cannabis use and psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Ryan Sultan, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, emphasized the increasing misconception among teenagers that marijuana is safe.
“Kids, year by year, have been moving towards a view that marijuana is safe and benign — that’s factually incorrect,” Sultan said.
His research found that teens who use cannabis recreationally are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression and have suicidal thoughts compared to non-users. Those with cannabis use disorder are even more likely to face mental health issues.
The study also highlighted correlations between marijuana use, poor academic performance, truancy, and legal problems. Dr. Sultan initially focused on teens addicted to cannabis but expanded the study to include recreational users, uncovering the heightened risk of mental health issues in this group.
Dr. Danelle Fisher, chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, concurred with Sultan’s findings. She raised concerns about underreporting and the broader implications on youth mental health.
“Marijuana affects the developing brain, and kids’ brains develop up until they’re 25 years old. Mental health is such an issue — this can make it worse,” Fisher said.
The study did not delve into the causal relationships but suggested a troubling cycle where cannabis use exacerbates conditions like depression and anxiety.
Dr. Muhammad Zeshan, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, added that the issue is complex, often involving self-medication for underlying emotional and mental health problems.
Parents are advised to be vigilant and engage in open discussions with their children about the risks associated with marijuana use.
Experts recommend a compassionate approach, focusing on understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for cannabis use, rather than punishment.
This study’s revelations are particularly significant as marijuana legalization spreads across the United States, challenging prevailing perceptions about its safety, particularly among teenagers. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this emerging public health concern.