Study: Depressed Americans Using Cannabis More

Study results, reported by Reuters Health, show that use of cannabis by people with depression is on the rise. The study also found that this group has a lower risk-perception of marijuana use. Reuters quotes Rene Goodwin, the senior author of the study from Columbia University in New York City. Goodwin says, “Those with depression who perceive little or no risk associated with use have a much higher prevalence of cannabis use, relative to those who perceive higher associated risks.”

The study was conducted between 2005 and 2017 and looked at people 12 years and older. It found that about 19% of people with depression reported using cannabis, compared with just over 10% in a prior study from 2005.

Among people 19 to 25 years old who reported struggling with depression, the study concluded that cannabis use was almost 30%. The study did not look at whether legalization had an affect on usage among people with depression.

Original Story: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-depression-cannabis/cannabis-use-rising-faster-among-depressed-americans-idUSKBN1YU16Y