Cannabis Use Disorder and Adolescent Suicide Risk - PsyQ Episode 36

In this episode of PsyQ, we review a large national inpatient study examining the association between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and suicide attempts/self-harm among hospitalized adolescents in the United States. Using data from more than 800,000 adolescent hospitalizations, the study demonstrates that CUD is independently associated with approximately 40% increased odds of suicide attempts and self-harm, even after controlling for psychiatric and substance use comorbidities. The data further highlight depression as a key moderator, with adolescents experiencing both CUD and depression showing markedly higher suicide risk compared to those with either condition alone. The findings reinforce the importance of routine substance use screening, suicide risk assessment across all inpatient settings (not just psychiatric units), and implementation of dual-diagnosis treatment approaches targeting both cannabis use and co-occurring psychiatric illness. These results are particularly relevant given rising cannabis use among adolescents and shifting risk perceptions related to legalization and accessibility. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit upathak.substack.com