Depressive symptoms in individuals who use cannabis as compared to psychotropic medications

Abstract

Marijuana legalization throughout the U.S. has increased over the years; however, research has been limited due to government restrictions at the federal level. This study's purpose is to use the National Survey on Drug Use and Health to investigate the relationship between marijuana use and depressive symptoms as compared to those taking prescribed medications for depression. Data were utilized from participants within the age range of 18-64 years old who endorsed experiencing depressive symptoms within the past year. Using SPSS, we investigated the relationships using an independent samples t-test to find any significant differences between the two variables. Results revealed a significant difference between depressive symptoms between marijuana users and psychotropic medication users, showing those medicated for these feelings scored higher on average. These findings indicate that marijuana does not seem to increase depressive symptoms and may in fact lower them.