Marijuana use is linked with an increased risk for several substance use disorders, according to an analysis of 34,653 individuals.

Participants were interviewed 3 years apart in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Investigators estimated the strength of independent relationships between cannabis use at wave 1 of the survey and presence of psychiatric disorders at wave 2. They measured psychiatric disorders via structured interview.

Cannabis use was reported by 1,279 individuals, and these respondents were more than 6 times more likely to have a substance use disorder vs those who did not use marijuana.

They were also:

• 2.7 times more likely to have alcohol use disorder.

• Nearly 10 times more likely to have cannabis use disorder.

• 2.6 times more likely to have drug use disorder.

• 70% more likely to have nicotine dependence.

There was no increased association with mood or anxiety disorders.

Citation: Blanco C, Hasin D, Wall M, et al. Cannabis use and risk of psychiatric disorders: prospective evidence from a us national longitudinal study. [Published online ahead of print February 17, 2016]. JAMA Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.3229.