Relationships between cannabis use and mental disorders: assessing the coherence of evidence from studies with different methodologies

This international study led by NCYSUR Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall published in The Lancet Psychiatry analysed evidence from epidemiological, genetic, experimental, and preclinical studies to assess relationships between daily cannabis use and psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviours. Coauthor on the study Associate Professor Janni Leung said the relationship between daily cannabis use and psychosis was the strongest and most consistent finding, with young people particularly at risk. Study authors advised a cautious approach to policymakers considering cannabis legislation and clinicians prescribing cannabis products.  This study is part of a three paper series on several aspects of cannabis use and mental health including a paper led by Jack Wilson from the Matilda Centre on evidence for the effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating common mental disorders and a paper led by Tom Freeman from the University of Bath on the impacts of cannabis legalisation on mental health.  Read the paper and listen to the series podcast on cannabis and mental health. 

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