Article by Rosa Saba, Macleans.ca via CityNews
There are correlations between cannabis use and mental health issues, but studies have yet to show causation.
The more provable consensus is that people who are already at risk of mental health issues are more likely to suffer adverse effects from cannabis use.
Though cannabis is not a physically addictive substance in the way tobacco or harder drugs are—withdrawal symptoms are minimal—it is possible to develop a dependency.
The risk of dependence among those who use cannabis is nine per cent compared to 16 per cent for alcohol. But that risk almost doubles for people who begin consuming as teenagers.
Substance addiction is often associated with other mental health issues.