By: Dylan Kretchmar

Marijuana is one of the most popular psychotropic substances used in the United States. In 2019, approximately 18% of Americans reported using marijuana at least once, and one in five teens between the ages of 13 and 17 said they frequently used marijuana (Oladunjoye et al. 2023). Due to the varied age groups partaking in marijuana, the usage of the substance can range from recreational use to medicinal purposes.

In some cases, marijuana and other cannabis products can help alleviate pain and psychiatric symptoms in individuals facing chronic pain and mental health disorders. As a result, this reduces the use of conventional medicines like opioids and antidepressants (Zaske, 2018). However, for individuals with existing mental disorders or those susceptible to developing them, research shows that frequent marijuana use is associated with worsened mental health symptoms and an increased risk of suicidal behaviors. The legalization of recreational marijuana in 24 states could contribute to a lower perception of these discussed risks (Oladunjoye et al. 2023).

As America’s mental health crisis deepens and marijuana continues to be legalized across the country, it is crucial to understand how marijuana impacts mental health.

What is Marijuana & What Does it Do? 

Marijuana is commonly used as a psychoactive drug. What we know as cannabis refers to a specific variety of the cannabis plant and is distinguished by its higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) ratio compared to other cannabis products. THC is responsible for marijuana’s intoxicating and potentially addictive effects, while CBD contributes to its therapeutic benefits.

Research finds that cannabis use directly affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination, emotion, and reaction time (CDC, 2025). Its consumption can cause numerous cognitive and psychomotor alterations. This includes euphoria, perceptual changes in time and space, decreased alertness, anxiety, analgesia, sedation, and increased appetite. In some individuals, marijuana use can lead to severe anxiety, panic attacks, dysphoria, manic or mixed episodes, paranoia, and psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms can include numerous adverse mental, physical, and behavioral effects (Escelsior et al., 2021). 

Cannabis Use Disorder and the Mental Health Crisis

Due to its higher THC content, frequent marijuana users can quickly become addicted and develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that approximately four million people in the United States who use cannabis have a CUD (Sandee LaMotte, 2021). Meanwhile, other research finds that as many as three in ten marijuana users develop CUD (CDC, 2025). The risk is particularly high among adolescents who use marijuana before age 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop CUD than adults (Sandee LaMotte, 2021).

Like other substance use disorders, CUD can have a significant impact on mental health. Studies in both adults and adolescents have found strong associations between excessive marijuana use and adverse mental health outcomes, including nonsuicidal self-injury as well as increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors, even after adjusting for confounding variables such as depression, alcohol use, and mental health services (Fontanella et al., 2021). One long-term study found that individuals who used cannabis more than 50 times by age 18 faced a higher risk of dying due to suicide (Fontanella et al., 2021). Rates of CUD have increased significantly in recent years, driven by increases in THC potency and reductions in CBD content in today’s marijuana products, along with marijuana’s growing legalization (Escelsior et al., 2021).  This can cause disastrous symptoms, especially for those already battling mental health troubles.

Individuals with preexisting mental disorders or those who are predisposed to developing mental disorders are especially vulnerable to marijuana’s adverse psychological effects. In 2022, approximately 23.1% of all U.S. adults had at least one mental illness. Among these, rates were highest in young adults aged 18–25 (36.2%), followed by adults aged 26–49 (29.4%), and adults 50+ (13.9%) (NIMH, 2024). CUD is strongly associated with numerous mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, conduct disorder, and other substance use disorders such as alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and stimulant use disorders (Oladunjoye et al. 2023). Multiple studies have found significant links between marijuana use and increased suicidal behaviors, attempts, and mortality in adults (Sandee LaMotte, 2021).

Youth, Neurodevelopment, and Vulnerability

Children and young adults are particularly susceptible to marijuana’s adverse effects due to the drug’s impact on the developing brain. Research indicates that exposure to cannabinoids during critical periods of neurodevelopment can alter brain structure and function, leading to long-term behavioral and cognitive changes (Oladunjoye et al. 2023; CDC, 2025).

Individuals who use marijuana before age 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop CUD compared with adults. In some cases, young people turn to marijuana as a perceived safer alternative to prescription medications, hoping to avoid their side effects (Sandee LaMotte, 2021). However, this self-medication often worsens mental health outcomes over time.

CUD is especially common among adolescents and young adults with preexisting mood disorders. Among young marijuana users with mood disorders, the three most frequent causes of death are unintentional overdose, suicide, and homicide (Sandee LaMotte, 2021).

Take Control of Your Life

For many people, marijuana can become an addictive substance that may negatively affect daily life. If you or someone you know is struggling with CUD, help is available. Reach out to a doctor, therapist, or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to discuss treatment options and create a personalized recovery plan. It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional who can monitor withdrawal symptoms and guide you through a safe and healthy detox process.

If you haven’t used marijuana but are considering it, take time to evaluate your mental health and understand the potential risks. Crucially, ensure any decision aligns with current local and state laws regarding use and possession. Making informed, legal choices about your well-being is the best way to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

 

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Sources:

Fontanella et al., (2021), Association of Cannabis Use With Self-harm and Mortality Risk Among Youths With Mood Disorders, JAMA Pediatrics, 175(4). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7816117/

Sandee LaMotte, (2021), Marijuana abuse by youth with mood disorders linked to suicide attempts, self-harm and death, study finds, CNN.  https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/20/health/marijuana-abuse-teens-suicide-wellness

Escelsior et al., (2021), Cannabinoid use and self-injurious behaviours: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Affective Disorders, 278(85-98). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032720327154 

Oladunjoye et al. (2023), Cannabis use disorder, suicide attempts, and self-harm among adolescents: A national inpatient study across the United States, PLOS ONE, 18(11).  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0292922 

Breen & Johnston, (2024), Maps show states where weed is legal for recreational, medical use in 2024, CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/legal-weed-map-states/#:~:text=Map%20of%20states%20where%20recreational,years%20of%20age%20and%20older.

National Institute of Mental Health, (2024), Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness#:~:text=due%20to%20SMI.-,Prevalence%20of%20Any%20Mental%20Illness%20(AMI),among%20Asian%20adults%20(16.8%25).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2025), Cannabis Facts and Stats.  https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/data-research/facts-stats/index.html#:~:text=Fast%20facts,45

Zaske, (2018), Can marihuana ease mental health conditions?, American Psychological Association, 49(11). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/12/marijuana