More frequent cannabis use is associated with fewer days of good mental health among adults, particularly men, according to a study coauthored by a University of Miami Business School professor.
Michael T. French, professor and chair of the Department of Health Management and Policy, and Weiwei Chen, an economist at Kennesaw State University, examined how cannabis use relates to self-reported overall, physical and mental health. Their study, "Cannabis Use and Individual Health Measures," was published in Medical Care Research and Review.
"People have some preconceived notions about alcohol and other drug use, including how they affect individuals, society and governments," said French. "I believe this paper is another example of how our preconceived notions aren't always correct, especially when it comes to cannabis use and related policies."
The study examined the relationship between cannabis use and overall physical and mental health, added French, who has spent much of his career studying substance use policies and risky behaviors.
Cannabis use has become more prevalent as additional states pass medical and recreational cannabis laws. In April, FDA-approved cannabis medications and cannabis sold under state medical licenses were moved out of the Schedule I classification they shared with heroin and into Schedule III, a category for drugs with accepted medical uses and a moderate risk of dependence, such as ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.
French and Chen applied statistical techniques to data on cannabis use, health status and other individual characteristics from the 2016–2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The analysis included adults from 38 states and found that more days of cannabis use were associated with fewer days of good mental health among younger adults, particularly men. Results for adults 65 and older were mixed and often not statistically significant.
The main analyses did not find a consistent relationship between cannabis use and physical health in either age group. The authors caution that this does not mean cannabis use carries no physical health risks.
"Although medical use of marijuana has numerous benefits, the cannabis industry, just like the pharmaceutical industry or the medical-device industry, tends to emphasize all the advantages of their products without a full assessment of the potential consequences," said French. "Objective academic researchers and other scientists without a predetermined agenda can provide unbiased analyses of the true costs and benefits.
"As articulated in the paper, we are presenting our findings without advocating for a particular policy or law. Policymakers can use our results to formulate more informed initiatives that consider the full spectrum of pros and cons associated with cannabis use."
