Cannabis use and risk of suicidal behavior-related outcomes : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Amiri, Sohrab and Kieu, Alexander and Mahmood, Nailah and Khan, Moien A. B. (2025) Cannabis use and risk of suicidal behavior-related outcomes : a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Substance Use. ISSN 1465-9891

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Abstract

Objective Cannabis is a commonly used recreational substance that can have diverse effects on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. We examined the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal-related behavioral outcomes. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) and manual searches of Google Scholar and ResearchGate. Results The results showed that cannabis use was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, as well as suicide plans, mortality, and self-injury. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each relationship were calculated, and a random-effects method was used for the meta-analysis. Specifically, the odds ratio for suicidal ideation was 1.63 (95% confidence interval = 1.44–1.85; P < 0.001), and the odds ratio for suicide attempts was 1.93 (95% confidence interval = 1.56–2.37; P < 0.001). Furthermore, women who used cannabis were more likely to experience suicidal ideation, while men and women who used cannabis were more likely to experience suicidality. Conclusion Results suggest individuals who use cannabis are more likely to experience suicidal-related outcomes than those who do not use cannabis.