Self-medication of mood and anxiety disorders with marijuana: Higher in states with medical marijuana laws
Abstract
Background
Self-medication with drugs or alcohol is commonly reported among adults with mood or anxiety disorders, and increases the risk of developing substance use disorders. Medical marijuana laws (MML) may be associated with greater acceptance of the therapeutic value of marijuana, leading individuals to self-medicate.
Methods
The study utilized data from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2004–2005). Participants were sampled from households in the general population and included adults with a mood or anxiety disorder in the past 12 months (n=7418), and the subset of those who used marijuana and no other drug (n=314). Weighted logistic regression models predicted the prevalence of self-medication with drugs in U.S. states with and without MML, adjusting for individual and state-level covariates. As a negative control, analyses were repeated for self-medication with alcohol.
Results
Overall, self-medication with drugs was 3.73 percentage points higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–6.53) among those living in MML states (p=0.01). For the subpopulation that only used marijuana, self-medication with drugs was 21.22 percentage points higher (95% CI: 3.91–38.53) among those living in MML states (p=0.02). In contrast, self-medication with alcohol had nearly identical prevalence in MML and non-MML states, overall and for drinkers.
Conclusions
Among adults with mood or anxiety disorders, living in a medical marijuana law state is associated with self-medication with marijuana. While additional research is needed to determine the reasons for this association, clinical screening for self-medication with marijuana may be particularly important in states with medical marijuana laws.
This library aims to empower you with knowledge but it does not replace the personalized advice and guidance a healthcare professional can provide. Before implementing any changes to your health regimen based on the contents of this library, we strongly advise you to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor’s expertise is essential for interpreting how these insights may apply to your unique health circumstances.