Study Finds Cannabis Use Disorder Raises Psychiatric Illness Risk in 52 Million

Recent studies reveal growing concerns and mixed evidence regarding cannabis use, especially medicinal cannabis, in mental health treatment and recreational contexts. Health professionals in Guernsey have raised alarms about the recreational use of strong medicinal cannabis among youths, highlighting potential risks due to brain development. In Canada, despite widespread cannabis use, nearly one-third of users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), a condition lacking formal clinical guidelines and approved treatments, which is partly attributed to cultural perceptions minimizing its dangers. Australian research suggests medicinal cannabis, particularly formulations containing CBD and THC, may benefit anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD, though results vary and adverse effects are common. Meanwhile, a UK study on cannabis-based medical products found significant improvements in quality of life and symptom reduction for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), though side effects were reported by a small fraction. Complementing these findings, Yale scientists report that cannabis use disorder increases the risk of various psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the need for cautious evaluation of cannabis’s mental health impacts.