The prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Among Cannabis Users

Background
Over the last decade, the prevalence of cannabis use among the inhabitants of Slovenia has increased. The purpose of this paper is to present the prevalence and severity of mental health disorders caused by cannabis use within two distinct groups of cannabis users, differentiated by the risk of their use.

Methods
Data was obtained within the National Survey on the Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs 2023. This is a cross-sectional survey on a probability sample conducted among 8940 individuals aged between 15 and 74 years living in private households and residing in the Slovenian territory.

Results

According to the National Survey on the Use of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs, the percentage of cannabis users among the inhabitants of Slovenia, aged 15-64, has increased from 2012 to 2023. While literature suggests a correlation between cannabis use and mental health issues, especially when usage is frequent and initiated at an early age, this aspect remains unexplored in Slovenia. Hence, we included a question regarding the experience of mental health issues due to cannabis use in the latest National Survey on the use of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs. In this paper, we will present the prevalence of mental health disorders due to cannabis use, such as anxiety, psychosis, depression, and mental distress, within two groups of inhabitants: those identified as high-risk cannabis users according to the CAST test, and those who have used cannabis in the past year but do not fall into the high-risk category. We will also investigate whether users from both groups who have experienced mental health issues due to cannabis use sought professional help. Furthermore, our analysis will compare the prevalence of mental health issues due to cannabis use in individuals from both groups who initiated cannabis use at the age of 17 or earlier.

Conclusion
The findings will reveal the prevalence of mental health disorders due to cannabis use among cannabis users and whether this phenomenon is associated with high-risk use and the age at first use. These findings will serve as an indicator, highlighting the necessity for targeted preventive measures and support services for diverse groups of cannabis users. Additionally, they underscore the need for more in-depth research into the correlation between cannabis use and mental health issues.