A new study shows that cannabis use has increased in the United States between the years 2005 to 2017. Prevalence of the herb has increased among both depressed and not depressed individuals. However, compared to those without depression, cannabis use has become twofold common among people with depression.
The journal Addiction has published this latest report. The study was based on a survey that had 728,691 participants who were older than 12 in age.
What Did The Study Find?
In 2017, the idea that chronic cannabis use comes with risks was lower among those who have depression. This was in comparison with those who didn’t have depression. This awareness regarding risks involved in cannabis use went down from 2005 to 2017 among depressed people. Simultaneously, more and more people with depression started using the herb
Use of the herb was more prevalent among those with depression who didn’t consider regular cannabis risky in the past 30 days compared to those who thought regular use came with risks. Furthermore, 29.7% of young adults in the age bracket of 18 to 25 reported using cannabis in the past month.
The research also found that past month use of cannabis was 18.9% prevalent among individuals with depression. Comparatively, the substance’s prevalence was 8.7% among those without depression. Moreover, daily use of the herb was 6.7% common among those with depression while being 2.9% common among those without the ailment.
Cannabis And Depression
Opinions on whether cannabis helps with depression or treats it are mixed. Some experts say that the therapeutic properties of the herb can lower depression and anxiety. This is because cannabinoids such as CBD can calm stress by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body. On the other hand, there is a view that cannabis can cause depression.
This is specifically in the case of adolescents. Studies show that young adults shouldn’t use cannabis as the herb can increase their risk of depression. In fact, it can also up the risk of suicidality later in life. There is limited research on what cannabis can and cannot do for health. There is also no confirmation of what risks it brings along.
Since the teenage brain is still developing, cannabis use can have detrimental effects on it. Therefore, it is important to use cannabis with caution. In fact, adolescents shouldn’t use the herb.
Sum Up
Cannabis use is becoming more and more common. It has increased more among people with depression than among those without the disease. People with depression who do not think of cannabis as risky, use is more common among them. However, this doesn’t mean that the plant is safe. It may even be a trigger for depression than a treatment.
Furthermore, use is more common among young adults. Previous research shows that adolescents shouldn’t use cannabis considering it can increase their risk of depression and suicidality.
