A Scoping Review of Associations Between Cannabis Use and Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults

Colleen Stiles-Shields, Joseph Archer, Jim Zhang, Amanda Burnside, Janel Draxler, Lauren M. Potthoff, Karen M. Reyes, Faith Summersett Williams, Jennifer Westrick, Niranjan S. Karnik*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cannabis and anxiety are both rising issues that impact young people. This review seeks to explore the association between anxiety and cannabis in adolescents and young adults (AYA). A database search was run retrospectively from July 2020 through calendar year 2013. Articles had to present outcomes examining cannabis use and symptoms of anxiety, be written in English, contain samples with ≥ 50% who are age 25 or younger, and be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Forty-seven studies were identified that examined the relationship between anxiety and cannabis use. Twenty-three studies found a positive association that greater anxiety among AYA was associated with greater cannabis use. In contrast, seven studies found a negative association that greater anxiety was related to less cannabis use. And finally, 17 studies found no clear association between anxiety and cannabis use. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between anxiety and cannabis use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)639-658
Number of pages20
JournalChild psychiatry and human development
Volume54
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2023

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Anxiety
  • Cannabis
  • Review
  • Young adults

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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