Did We Really Get the Full Picture? A Mini Scoping Review of Cannabis Use and Anxiety in Canadian Youth in the Context of COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Rates of recreational cannabis use among Canadian adolescents have increased following national legalization, coinciding with a rise in youth mental health challenges, particularly anxiety symptoms. This mini scoping review aims to explore the relationship between regular recreational cannabis use and anxiety symptoms in adolescents aged 13 to 18 in Canada. The purpose is to synthesize the existing evidence, identify research gaps, and inform public health strategies and future studies.

Methods: A scoping review methodology was used to identify and synthesize relevant literature on cannabis use and anxiety symptoms among Canadian adolescents. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal peer-reviewed studies were included. Data extraction focused on patterns of cannabis use, reported anxiety outcomes, and potential moderating variables such as gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Thematic analysis was used to organize findings into key domains.

Results: The review found a mixed but suggestive relationship between regular recreational cannabis use and increased anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Cross-sectional studies frequently reported positive associations, while longitudinal studies showed more variable outcomes, with some indicating persistent anxiety symptoms following sustained cannabis use. Available data suggest that gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status may moderate these associations, though a lack of demographic stratification in many studies limits findings.

Discussion: The findings point to a potential link between regular recreational cannabis use and anxiety symptoms in Canadian adolescents, although causality remains uncertain due to the limitations of the existing literature. Moderating factors, such as gender and socioeconomic status, appear to be important but are underexplored. The variability in study design, measurement tools, and population samples contributes to mixed results, indicating a need for more rigorous and targeted research.

Conclusion: This review highlights the complexity of the relationship between adolescent cannabis use and anxiety symptoms. There is a clear need for longitudinal, demographically nuanced research to better understand causality and mechanisms. These insights are critical for developing effective public health interventions and informing policy aimed at minimizing mental health risks associated with adolescent cannabis use. However, the limited number of studies (n = 5) constrains the generalizability of these findings.