Story perspectives

Study Links Cannabis Use to Rising Youth Mental Health Issues

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Canadian study links cannabis use with worsening mental health, especially among youth.
Since 2018 legalization, reports of anxiety and major depression have nearly doubled, affecting 5.2% and 7.6%.
The number of people using cannabis multiple times weekly has more than doubled.
Researchers say frequent cannabis use makes people five times more likely to experience anxiety or depression and urge routine screening in mental health settings and updated guidelines.

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Story summary

The Canadian study links cannabis use with worsening mental health, especially among youth.
Since 2018 legalization, reports of anxiety and major depression have nearly doubled, affecting 5.2% and 7.6%.
The number of people using cannabis multiple times weekly has more than doubled.
Researchers say frequent cannabis use makes people five times more likely to experience anxiety or depression and urge routine screening in mental health settings and updated guidelines.