Population-based associations among cannabis use, anxiety, and depression in Norwegian adolescents

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the use of cannabis among Norwegian adolescents and examine associations with self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, age, and dose/frequency of use. Methods: A total of 36,714 Norwegian adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 completed a cross-sectional national survey. Results: Cannabis users reported significantly more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to non-users. There were no significant differences on anxiety and depression scores between those who had tried the drug once and those who had tried it six times or more. Both cannabis use and the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression were found to increase with age. Girls reported less use of cannabis and slightly more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to boys. Conclusions: The present study contributes to the existing knowledge about important associations between cannabis use and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents. Future research should focus on longitudinal methods in order to better understand the role of environmental and neurobiological explanatory factors.