RT Journal Article
T1 Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth
A1 Sanz-Pérez, Amadeo
A1 Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
A1 Fraguas Sánchez, Ana Isabel
A1 Pardo Llorente, M. Del Carmen
A1 Ruiz Sánchez de León, José María
A1 Estupiñá Puig, Francisco José
A1 Pérez Pérez, Teresa
A1 González Burgos, Elena María
AB Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit drug globally. In 2021, 46 % of countries identified cannabis as the predominant substance associated with drug abuse disorders, with 34 % indicating it as the primary cause for seeking treatment. Young individuals represent the largest consumer demographic, experiencing substantial negative health effects. Despite extensive research on its mental health impacts, many aspects remain unclear. This study examines cannabis use among young people including anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior. Studies involving individuals aged 15–30 were included. Data sources included PubMed, Mendeley, Embase, WOS, CINAHL, and Scopus. After screening 6466 articles, 36 met the inclusion criteria, with 18 included in the meta-analysis. These studies were published between 2013 and 2025. The results indicated that the odds of depression were 51 % higher in young cannabis users (OR = 1.51, 95 %CI = 1.23–1.86), decreasing to 28 % after adjustment (aOR = 1.28, 95 %CI = 1.10–1.50). Anxiety showed a 58 % increase (OR = 1.58, 95 %CI = 1.15–2.15). For suicidal ideation, the increase ranged from 50 % in unadjusted models (OR = 1.50, 95 %CI = 1.05–2.14) to 65 % in adjusted models (aOR = 1.65 95 %CI = 1.40–1.93). Finally, the odds of suicide attempt were 87 % higher (OR = 1.87, 95 %CI = 1.25–2.80), remaining elevated at 80 % after adjustment (aOR = 1.80,95 %CI = 1.30–2.49).
PB Elsevier
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/125712
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/125712
LA eng
NO Sanz-Pérez A, Serrano DR, Fraguas-Sánchez AI, et al. Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth. Addictive Behaviors 2026;172:108528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528.
NO Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528
NO Ministerio de Sanidad (España)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 20 mar 2026