Marijuana use worsens depression

This year, a magazine specialized in scientific dissemination published a study that analyzes the reasons associated with marijuana use and the effects on mental health. Their results suggest that using marijuana to reduce stress worsens depressive symptoms.

Methodology: The study involved 988 young adults who used marijuana and completed an anonymous online survey that assessed six possible reasons for using marijuana and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Results: Previous evidence suggests that marijuana use only works in the short term and in the long term only worsens symptoms and concerns. In this research, it was found that those who consumed it to avoid thinking about their worries or to feel happy had more symptoms of stress and depression. And those who consumed it to “understand” things or to “expand consciousness” had more symptoms of stress and anxiety.

More evidence on the harmful effects of marijuana use and depression:

  1. A study published in the , indicates that smoking marijuana significantly reduces levels of depression, anxiety and stress in the short term, but then worsens them in the long term. Bread for today, hunger for tomorrow.
  2. Another study by , found that marijuana use before age 18 increases the risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and attempts between ages 18 and 32.

All of these analyzes make a lot of sense. People consume it to feel good, to numb sensations and get away from unpleasant thoughts, and marijuana offers an almost instantaneous response that at first glance seems to help, but in the long term it only manages to corner people into permanent consumption and not It helps them solve their problems and much less change their relationship with thoughts and sensations.

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Original study reference: Glodosky, NC, & Cuttler, C. (2020). Motives Matter: Cannabis use motives moderate the associations between stress and negative affect.

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