Teen Cannabis Use Linked to Depression and Suicide Risk: Major Study
What Researchers Found About Depression and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
JAMA Psychiatry, 2019
Researchers
Multiple institutions (International)
Study Type
Meta-AnalysisParticipants
23,317 patients · Longitudinal (adolescence to young adulthood)
Key Finding
The high prevalence of adolescents consuming cannabis generates a large number of young people who could develop depression and suicidality attributable to cannabis. This is an important public health problem.
Key Finding: The high prevalence of adolescents consuming cannabis generates a large number of young people who could develop depression and suicidality attributable to cannabis. This is an important public health problem.
What Researchers Studied About Depression and Cannabis
Cannabis is the most commonly used drug of abuse by adolescents worldwide. While the link between adolescent cannabis use and psychosis has been well-studied, less was known about its impact on mood and suicidality.
This meta-analysis examined whether cannabis use during adolescence (before age 18) is associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior in young adulthood (ages 18-32).
Researchers searched 5 databases and included only longitudinal studies that followed adolescents into adulthood and adjusted for baseline mental health.
How This Meta-Analysis Was Conducted
From 3,142 articles screened, 11 longitudinal studies with 23,317 individuals were included.
All studies assessed cannabis use in adolescents younger than 18 years and then measured depression in young adulthood (18-32 years).
Importantly, all odds ratios were adjusted for baseline depression and/or anxiety, meaning the analysis accounted for pre-existing mental health problems.
Depression Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Depression risk: 37% higher in cannabis users (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.62)
- 2Suicidal ideation: 50% higher risk (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.11-2.03)
- 3Suicide attempt: 3.46 times higher risk (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.53-7.84)
- 4Anxiety: No significant association (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.84-1.67)
- 5Depression finding had no heterogeneity (I-squared = 0%)
- 6All results adjusted for baseline mental health
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 23,317 | Individuals followed from adolescence to young adulthood across 11 studies |
| 37% | Increased risk of depression in young adulthood for adolescent cannabis users |
| 3.46x | Higher risk of suicide attempt for adolescent cannabis users |
| 0% | Statistical heterogeneity for depression finding (very consistent across studies) |
Individuals followed from adolescence to young adulthood across 11 studies
Increased risk of depression in young adulthood for adolescent cannabis users
Higher risk of suicide attempt for adolescent cannabis users
Statistical heterogeneity for depression finding (very consistent across studies)
What This Means for Depression Patients
This research has important implications for adolescents and their parents.
Adolescent cannabis use is associated with significantly increased risks of depression (37% higher) and suicidal thoughts (50% higher) in young adulthood, even after accounting for pre-existing mental health issues.
Most concerning: adolescents who use cannabis are 3.46 times more likely to attempt suicide as young adults.
While individual-level risk remains "moderate to low," the high prevalence of teen cannabis use means millions of young people may develop depression and suicidality attributable to cannabis.
This does not mean every teen who tries cannabis will become depressed. But the association is real, consistent across studies, and concerning enough that the authors call it "an important public health problem."
Quick Answers: Depression and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does smoking weed as a teenager cause depression?
Yes, 37% higher depression risk. A 2019 JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis of 23,317 people found adolescent cannabis use is associated with 37% higher risk of depression in young adulthood, consistent across all 11 studies.
Source: Gobbi et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 2019 (PMID: 30758486)
Is marijuana safe for teenagers?
Yes, significant risks are documented. Adolescent cannabis users have 37% higher depression risk, 50% higher suicidal ideation risk, and 3.46x higher suicide attempt risk in young adulthood, according to a meta-analysis of 23,317 people.
Source: Gobbi et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 2019 (PMID: 30758486)
Is teen marijuana use linked to suicide?
Yes. Adolescent cannabis use was associated with 50% higher risk of suicidal thoughts (OR 1.50) and 3.46 times higher risk of suicide attempt (OR 3.46) in young adulthood, even after adjusting for baseline mental health.
Source: Gobbi et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 2019 (PMID: 30758486)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Observational studies cannot prove causation
- Individual-level risk remains moderate to low
- Suicide attempt finding had higher heterogeneity (I-squared = 61%)
- Data through January 2017 only
- Cannot determine dose-response relationship
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Depression
This JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis of 23,317 people found adolescent cannabis use is associated with 37% higher risk of depression, 50% higher risk of suicidal thoughts, and 3.46x higher risk of suicide attempt in young adulthood. These findings held after adjusting for baseline mental health. While individual risk is moderate, the high prevalence of teen cannabis use makes this a significant public health concern.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Depression, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
- Can Cannabis Treat Mental Health Conditions? The Evidence
- The Endocannabinoid System: Why Cannabis Works
- Medical Cannabis for Cancer Patients: Real-World Results
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Co-Occurring Conditions (2024)
- Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Practical Review
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Gobbi G, Atkin T, Zytynski T, et al. "Association of Cannabis Use in Adolescence and Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in Young Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis" JAMA Psychiatry. 2019. DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.4500
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 7 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Depression
Does teen marijuana use cause depression?
Yes, 37% higher risk of depression. This meta-analysis found adolescent cannabis use is associated with 37% higher risk of depression in young adulthood. The consistency across 11 studies with 23,317 people is concerning.
Is marijuana linked to suicide?
Yes. Adolescent cannabis use was associated with 50% higher risk of suicidal ideation and 3.46 times higher risk of suicide attempt in young adulthood (ages 18-32), according to this JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis.
Is cannabis safe for teenagers?
Caution is warranted. Adolescent cannabis use is associated with significantly higher risks of depression (37%), suicidal thoughts (50%), and suicide attempts (3.46x) in young adulthood, described as "an important public health problem."