Mental Health
Using marijuana is linked to more thoughts of suicide.
How do we know? Experts we trust found moderate evidence that using marijuana is linked to more thoughts of suicide.
Marijuana increases the chances of developing schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
How do we know? Experts we trust found substantial evidence that using marijuana increases the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. These include symptoms like:
- delusions,
- hallucinations,
- lack of interest or motivation to engage in social settings, and
- impaired thinking (cognition).
Marijuana increases the chances of experiencing social anxiety.
How do we know? Experts we trust found moderate evidence that regular marijuana use increases the risk of experiencing social anxiety. Social anxiety includes symptoms like:
- feeling fearful of situations in which you may be judged negatively,
- worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself,
- avoiding doing things out of fear of embarrassment, and/or
- feeling intense fear or anxiety during social situations.
There is a lot of information about marijuana. Some is accurate, and some is not. You can use these questions to understand what you hear about marijuana.
Where does this information come from?
The information on how marijuana use impacts mental health comes from experts we trust, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. They have experts study tough issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and provide independent and objective information. They have no financial interest in the information (they aren’t trying to sell anything to you).
- Knowing where information comes from helps you understand the motive behind it.
Why are we telling you this?
There is a lot of information out there, and it can be confusing. We want you to understand that marijuana can impact mental health by increasing thoughts of suicide, the risk of developing schizophrenia and other mental health disorders, and the risk of developing social anxiety. This information can help you to make healthy choices.
- Asking this helps you understand how the source of the information is trying to influence you.
How do you know it’s accurate?
This information is based on the conclusions of multiple studies – each of which was reviewed by several researchers not involved in the study. Using multiple studies that have been reviewed by other researchers decreases the chances of errors. This is the most accurate information available at this time.
- Asking about accuracy helps you avoid inaccurate or misleading information.
How does this help you make healthy choices?
Mental health is an important part of your overall health. Experts are still learning a lot about how marijuana use impacts mental health. Growing your knowledge and asking questions about how marijuana impacts mental health can help you make healthy choices.
It’s up to you to choose.
- Here’s how to say “no”
- Give a firm “No thanks."
- Change the subject.
- Say your parents are really strict.
- Say you have to get up early tomorrow for school, work, or practice.
- Say you will be driving.
- Plan ahead to avoid situations where people might be using.
