High-Potency Marijuana Raises Addiction Risks Despite Mental Health Use Surge

Marijuana use for mental health is becoming more common, with 27% of people aged 16 to 65 in the US and Canada reporting they have tried it for this reason. However, research shows that high-potency cannabis carries risks, including a higher chance of addiction and potential harm to vulnerable groups.

Medical cannabis programs now exist in 38 US states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These programmes cover 97% of the US population, with most introduced between 2010 and 2016. Despite its growing availability, studies have found no evidence that marijuana effectively treats anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other serious mental health conditions.

The potency of marijuana has risen sharply over time. In the 1970s, THC levels averaged around 4%, but today's products often contain 18% to 20%, with some reaching 35%. This increase in strength has been linked to a higher risk of addiction—about 3 in 10 US users develop cannabis use disorder.

Experts warn that regular use can be particularly dangerous for certain groups. Pregnant women, adolescents, and those with mood disorders or a family history of mental illness face greater risks. Meanwhile, proven treatments for mental health issues remain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

While marijuana use for mental health continues to grow, research does not support its effectiveness for most conditions. The rise in THC potency and addiction risks highlights the need for caution, especially among vulnerable individuals. For now, established therapies like SSRIs and CBT remain the recommended approaches for managing mental health concerns.