A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Cannabis Use and Mental Health in Canada’s Young Adults: Canadian Cannabis Survey

Abstract

Cannabis use is common among emerging adults and has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes. This study analyzed data from the 2024 Canadian Cannabis Survey ( n = 1240) among young adults aged 20–24 years old. Overall, 48% reported past 12-month non-medical cannabis use, 79% believed that daily or near-daily cannabis use increases the risk of mental health problems, and 62% reported favourable mental health. Regression analyses revealed that poorer mental health was significantly more likely to be reported among those reporting past-year (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.21–1.96), past-month (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.31–2.19), and daily or almost daily non-medical cannabis use (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.42–2.85). Conversely, respondents who were heterosexual, had higher income, higher education, and resided in Quebec had lower odds of reporting poorer mental health. Interventions should consider the socioenvironmental context and harm reduction approaches which help individuals recognize the cannabis-mental health relationship.