Conversations about marijuana often focus on legalization or lifestyle, but one of the most important questions remains: does it negatively affect mental health?
The evidence suggests that it can. Cannabis affects the brain, influences mood, and can play a role in developing mental health challenges. If you already use marijuana and have noticed changes in how you feel, you are not alone.
At Columbia Mental Health, we often hear from people who use marijuana and wonder how it affects their mental health. Exploring the connection between marijuana and mental health can help you understand what’s happening and guide you toward healthier choices.
Marijuana and the brain
Marijuana contains THC, a compound that alters how the brain functions. It influences regions responsible for memory, attention, coordination, emotions, and decision-making. Over time, these effects can interfere with learning, focus, and daily life.¹
When marijuana use begins in adolescence, the risks are higher. About one in six teens who use marijuana develop cannabis use disorder, compared to one in ten adults.² The younger the brain, the more vulnerable it is to long-term changes in learning, attention, and motivation.¹
Marijuana and mental health
Scientists are still studying exactly how marijuana interacts with mental health, but research points to clear connections. Cannabis use has been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety.²
There is also a strong association between marijuana use and psychosis. Some people experience hallucinations or paranoia after using marijuana, and frequent use may increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia in those already at risk.¹
While marijuana may not directly “cause” these conditions, it can make symptoms worse or add new challenges for those already struggling with their mental health.
The cycle of self-medication
Many people use marijuana because they want relief from stress, sadness, or anxiety. In the short term, cannabis may seem to ease these feelings. But when the effects wear off, symptoms often return, sometimes more intensely. This can lead to more frequent use in an effort to chase relief.
That cycle can be exhausting. Over time, marijuana may reduce the brain’s ability to regulate emotions naturally. Instead of feeling more in control, people can feel stuck, relying on cannabis while still experiencing the very symptoms they hoped to escape. Breaking this pattern often requires support, since substance use and mental health issues usually need to be addressed together.
Cannabis use disorder
Not everyone who uses marijuana develops dependency, but the risk is real. Cannabis use disorder is characterized by cravings, difficulty cutting back, and continued use even when it harms relationships, responsibilities, or health.
About three in ten people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder.¹ The risk is especially high for people who start young, use frequently, or consume high-potency products. Signs may include:
- Using more than intended
- Struggling to cut back despite wanting to
- Choosing marijuana over activities once enjoyed
- Feeling irritable, restless, or unable to sleep without it
If you see yourself in these signs, it does not mean you have failed. It means your brain and body are responding to cannabis in a way that is common and treatable.
Daily life and functioning
Marijuana affects more than brain chemistry. It can show up in daily routines, relationships, and long-term goals. Research indicates that regular cannabis use may be linked to lower educational achievement, reduced career success, and decreased life satisfaction.²
Physical health also matters. Smoking marijuana can damage the lungs, while edibles increase the risk of accidental overconsumption. Cannabis use raises heart rate and blood pressure soon after consumption, which may put people with cardiovascular concerns at greater risk.¹
If you’re rethinking your relationship with marijuana
If you are using marijuana and questioning its effects on your life, it is important to approach yourself with compassion. Many people explore their relationship with cannabis at some point, and curiosity about its impact is a valid reason to seek support.
Consider simple steps:
- Notice your patterns. Track when and why you use. Do certain moods, situations, or times of day make use more likely?
- Reflect on the outcome. Write down how you feel before and after using. Patterns often become clearer when you can look back.
- Reach out for support. Talking with a therapist or psychiatric provider can help you find other strategies for coping.
- Lean on your community. Friends, family, or peer groups can provide encouragement if you choose to cut back or stop.
You don’t need to hit a breaking point to ask for help. You don’t need to prove that your situation is “bad enough” to deserve care. The fact that you are wondering about your relationship with marijuana is reason enough.
A compassionate perspective
Public conversations about cannabis often split into extremes. Some argue it is harmless; others insist it is dangerous. The reality is more nuanced. Marijuana use carries real risks, especially for mental health, but acknowledging those risks is not about judgment. It is about care and honesty.
If you have noticed marijuana affecting your mood, focus, or relationships, you deserve support. Whether you want to reduce your use, quit entirely, or simply explore healthier coping tools, help is available.
Help is here for marijuana dependence
From its links to depression and psychosis to its role in creating cycles of dependence, cannabis can complicate both short- and long-term mental well-being.¹
But the bigger message is this: you don’t need to wait until things get worse to reach out for help. Everyone deserves support, whether they use marijuana casually, regularly, or not at all. If you are questioning the role cannabis plays in your life, that is enough reason to seek guidance and explore new ways to care for your mental health.
Columbia Mental Health is here to support your mental health journey. Whether you are questioning the effects of marijuana, seeking therapy, or looking for new ways to strengthen your well-being, our team is ready to help you take the next step. For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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