Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) - Medical Marijuana

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The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) stated the following in its May 2008 report titled "Teen Marijuana Use Worsens Depression: An Analysis of Recent Data Shows 'Self-Medicating' Could Actually Make Things Worse," available on the National Criminal Justice Reference Service website:

“Some teens use marijuana to relieve the symptoms of depression (‘self-medicate’), wrongly believing it may alleviate these depressed feelings…

However, recent studies show that marijuana and depression are a dangerous combination. In fact, using marijuana can worsen depression and lead to more serious mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, and even suicide. Weekly or more frequent use of marijuana doubles a teen’s risk of depression and anxiety.”
May 2008