(Reuters Health) – Regular cannabis use has risen more quickly among people with depression, and they’re less likely to perceive it as risky, compared with people who aren’t depressed, a U.S. study suggests. Current cannabis use was highest among people 18 to 25 years old with depression, at almost 30%, the study found. “There is anecdotal evidence that some folks perceive cannabis as less risky than psychiatric medicines and with legalization, (cannabis) may be less expensive and more available and associated with less stigma,” Goodwin said. “There is no evidence to suggest that cannabis use will ease depression symptoms, except temporarily, and there are data to suggest that cannabis use may worsen or prolong depression,” Goodwin said. “Historically, patients in treatment/recovery from depression are advised to avoid cannabis use.”SOURCE: https://bit.ly/2sZPLUB Addiction, online December 4, 2019.

Source: National Post December 26, 2019 20:48 UTC