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Experts, researchers, and victims gathered today at the National Press Club to warn parents about a growing body of evidence showing the effects of marijuana use on mental health. In addition to discussing existing research, we also released a new report from SAMHSA which found that adults who first used marijuana before age 12 were twice as likely to be classified as having serious mental illness in the past year than were adults who first used marijuana at age 18 or older.
A number of prominent studies (PDF) have recently identified a direct link between marijuana use and increased risk of mental health problems. Recent research makes a stronger case that cannabis smoking itself is a causal agent in psychiatric symptoms, particularly schizophrenia. During the past three years, these studies have strengthened that association and further found that the age when marijuana is first smoked is a crucial risk factor in later development of mental health problems.
Here's the rundown:
- Young people who use marijuana weekly have double the risk of developing depression.
- Teens aged 12 to 17 who smoke marijuana weekly are three times more likely than non-users to have suicidal thoughts.
- Marijuana use in some teens has been linked to increased risk for schizophrenia in later years.
- A British study found that as many as one in four people may have a genetic profile that makes marijuana five times more likely to trigger psychotic disorders.
In addition to addressing the news media regarding this troubling trend, we will publish an open letter next week aimed at parents regarding outdated views of pot use. The letter will appear in USA Today and newspapers in the 25 largest cities nationwide, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, and will also run in The Nation, The National Journal, The National Review, The New Republic, Newsweek, Time and The Weekly Standard.
Some resources on marijuana use and mental health:
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