Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast Cannabis and Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Sleep, and Cognitive Function Update and Review
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Aug 29, 2025 Liam Browning, a returning guest known for his insights on patient perspectives regarding cannabis, and Danielle Lu, a medical student engrossed in mental health, dive deep into the latest research on cannabis and its effects. They discuss its complex relationships with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the risk factors of high potency cannabis. Their conversation navigates the challenges of PTSD recovery, balancing relief with potential addiction risks, and the importance of recognizing emotions rather than numbing them. A thought-provoking discussion on cannabis' role in mental health!
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Cannabis Use Correlates With Higher Depression Odds
- Large epidemiological studies link cannabis use and depression, with higher use associated with greater odds.
- Meta-analyses show dependent users have 2–4.8x higher odds of depressive disorders than nondependent users.
Longitudinal Evidence Strengthens Causality Case
- Longitudinal and twin studies support temporality and dose-response for cannabis increasing depression risk.
- Heavier adolescent use consistently predicts higher later depression and worse academic outcomes.
Rising Potency May Change Risk Profiles
- Potency is increasing dramatically and older studies often used much lower THC levels.
- Current high-potency products may amplify risks but are underrepresented in research.