Problematic Use
The effects of marijuana on mental health are very different among users. Some report using marijuana as a coping mechanism, to help relieve anxiety and depression, or to think clearer. Medicinal marijuana has been shown to be a beneficial treatment for social anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Others may experience more anxiety, paranoia, or disorientation. The CDC reports that marijuana users are more likely to experience temporary psychosis or be unable to distinguish what is real. Further research on marijuana and psychiatric disorders or mental health is becoming a larger field with increasing global acceptance.
Supporting Articles
Marijuana motivations across adolescence: Impacts on use and consequences.
Anderson, K. G., Sitney, M., & White, H. R. (2015). Marijuana motivations across adolescence: Impacts on use and consequences. Substance Use & Misuse, 50(3), 292-301. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2014.977396
Adverse Effects
Feeney, K. & Kampman, K. (2016). Adverse Effects of Marijuana Use [Abstract]. The Linacre Quarterly, 83(2), 174-178. https://doi.org/10.1080/00243639.2016.1175707
Relationships Between Marijuana Use and Quality of Life
Laio, J., Mooney, L.J., Zhu, Y., Valdez, J., Yoo, C. & Hser, Y. (2019). Relationships between marijuana use, severity of marijuana-related problems, and health-related quality of life. Psychiatry Research, 279, 237-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.010