A Systematic Review: Adolescent Cannabis Use and Suicide

Abstract

Objective: We aim to review studies on the relationship between cannabis use and suicide risk among adolescents. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from a PubMed and Google Scholar search, resulting in a close examination of 12 papers from 1990 to 2019 concerning cannabis use and suicide in relation to adolescents. Key search words included “marijuana OR cannabis OR THC OR tetrahydrocannabinol, AND suicide, AND adolescents” and only published studies between 1990 and 2019 were included. Included are a single review, 3 longitudinal studies, 7 cross-sectional investigations, and 1 letter to the editor. We referred to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 checklist and flowchart in the selection of our studies. Results: The review of the literature suggests that there is an association between cannabis use and suicidal behavior, as well as suicidal thoughts and attempts. Among cannabis users, adolescents were found to be most at risk for suicidal behavior. Our comprehensive examination of the literature suggests that cannabis is an independent predictor of suicide, with the frequency of use being associated with increased suicide attempts. Conclusions: Findings underscore the significance of the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behavior in adolescents. Increased awareness of the detrimental outcomes due to adolescent cannabis use is necessary due to changing cannabis laws. The increasing legalization of cannabis use may change adolescents’ attitudes on using marijuana. Health care providers need to be increasingly aware of the potential effects that cannabis use has on adolescents.