Changes in cannabis use among young people

Abstract

Cannabis use among youth remains prevalent, and recent studies are consolidating previous findings that adolescents are especially vulnerable to mental health disorders associated with cannabis. This suggests that cannabis involvement requires increased prominence in research, prevention initiatives, routine screening, and interventions to improve adolescent mental health.

Childhood maltreatment, psychopathology and well-being: The mediator role of global self-esteem, attachment difficulties and substance use

“…Several studies have demonstrated an association between alcohol or substance use and mental health problems among adolescents (Copeland, Rooke, & Swift, 2013;Mangerud, Bjerkeset, Holmen, Lydersen, & Indredavik, 2014;Skogen et al, 2014). The results from a recent study from the US, suggest that substance use partially mediates the association between sexual abuse and symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in young women (Ulibarri, Ulloa, & Salazar, 2015).…”

Evidence for Sex Convergence in Prevalence of Cannabis Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression

“…Although there is evidence to suggest that chronic cannabis use is associated with a range of negative outcomes (Hall & Degenhardt, 2014), especially in adolescence (Copeland et al, 2013), and that increases in any cannabis use at a population level may lead to increases in risk of disorder (Hasin et al, 2015), future research can help determine whether sex-specific changes are also occurring in other patterns of cannabis use and related harms (e.g., regular or frequent use, abuse and dependence). Last, given that many of the cohorts that have seen the greatest sex convergence in cannabis use are now only in their 20s or 30s, it is not possible to comment on the impacts of these changes over the life span as these cohorts age.…”

“…Similarly, a recent analysis of data from France, Germany, and the United States determined that despite some variations in patterns of use across these three countries, cannabis use was beginning at an earlier age among more recent cohorts (Legleye et al, 2014). These findings are particularly concerning given mounting evidence that chronic or prolonged cannabis use at young ages is associated with adverse psychiatric and other sequelae (Copeland et al, 2013;Hall & Degenhardt, 2009;Silins et al, 2014;Volkow et al, 2014).…”

“…Although studies from some countries have shown declines in prevalence of cannabis use among more recent birth cohorts (ter Bogt et al, 2014), others have reported significant increases over the past decade, with recent estimates of past-year prevalence in the United States as high as 9.5% (Hasin et al, 2015). In other countries, patterns of use over time have been more complex, particularly among young people (Copeland et al, 2013). In Australia, for example, although overall prevalence of cannabis use among those aged 12-17 has been declining, those who are using cannabis are doing so in greater quantities (Roxburgh et al, 2010).…”

Peer Network Counseling as Brief Treatment for Urban Adolescent Heavy Cannabis Users

“…Heavy and persistent cannabis use has been associated with reduced educational attainment (MacLeod et al, 2004), neuropsychological decline (Meier et al, 2012), lower income, greater welfare dependence, unemployment, and criminal behavior (Brook et al, 2013;Fergusson & Boden, 2008). A recent review implicated adolescent cannabis use with vulnerability to the development of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, personality disorders, and interpersonal violence (Copeland et al, 2013). Therefore, testing interventions that target heavy cannabis users is particularly important.…”