The association between cannabis use, mental illness, and suicidal behavior: What is the role of hopelessness?

Abstract

Cannabis is one of the most common illegal psychoactive substance used in European countries, in particular among adolescents and young adults (1). It has been estimated that almost 55% of adolescents aged 15-19 years have used cannabis at least once in their lifetime (2), while past year use is reported by approximately 30% of 15-17 year olds and over 47% of those aged 18-19 years (3). Cannabis use has been associated with several adverse life outcomes including unemployment, legal problems, dependence, early school leaving, increased risk of developing both psychotic and affective disorders (3, 4) together with brain structural and functional abnormalities (5, 6). An association between cannabis use, psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior has also frequently been reported, although the exact nature of this link is still poorly understood (4). Globally, suicide is one of the most common causes of death among young people aged 10-24 years (6% of deaths), exceeded only by motor vehicle accidents (10%) (7). Over the last decade suicidal behavior has increased among adolescents and young adults, there has also been a trend toward the earlier initiation of cannabis use (8). This has led researchers to investigate the associations between the two factors to determine if cannabis use may be considered a factor that can trigger suicidal behavior.