Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with significant personal and economic consequences. In 2021, 8.3% of U.S. adults experienced at least one major depressive episode. Rising marijuana use has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health. Prior studies show mixed results, necessitating further investigation.
Objectives: To examine the association between marijuana use and depression among U.S. adults.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 2022 and 2023 NSDUH data for adults US populations 18 years and older. The primary outcome was depression, with marijuana use as the main covariate. Additional covariates included age, sex, race, marital status, education, income, co-morbidities, and other illicit drug use. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted.
Results: The study included 89,271 adults, with a weighted frequency of 513,824,013 representing the entire US population. In univariate models, depression was significantly associated with marijuana use, age, sex, race, marital status, education, income, co-morbidities, and other illicit drug use (p < 0.25). Adjusted analyses showed that marijuana users were 1.89 times more likely to develop depression than non-users (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.74-2.05). Adults (>65) are less likely to develop depression compared to younger adults (OR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.08-0.12). Blacks were less likely to develop depression than Whites (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.47–0.65). Males had lower odds than females (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.45–0.53). Married individuals were less likely to experience depression than single individuals.
Conclusions: This study found a significant association between marijuana use and depression. Young adults who use marijuana face the highest risk. These findings emphasize the need for targeted mental health interventions, particularly for young and frequent users.
