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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Posttraumatic stress disorder and cannabis use in a nationally representative sample
Jesse R Cougle1, Marcel O Bonn-Miller, Anka A Vujanovic
1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, P.O. Box 3064301, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. cougle@psy.fsu.edu
Summary
This study found that adults diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have higher odds of using cannabis. This association between PTSD and cannabis use remained significant even after accounting for other factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition.
- Cannabis use is prevalent in the general population and among individuals with mental health disorders.
- Understanding the relationship between PTSD and cannabis use is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and various patterns of cannabis use.
- To determine if this relationship persists after controlling for sociodemographic factors, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large, representative US adult survey dataset (N = 5,672).
- Statistical adjustments for sociodemographic variables, alcohol use disorders, and nicotine dependence.
- Examination of lifetime and past-year PTSD diagnoses in relation to lifetime cannabis use, past-year daily cannabis use, and any past-year cannabis use.
Main Results:
- Lifetime and current PTSD diagnoses were significantly associated with increased odds of lifetime cannabis use and past-year daily cannabis use.
- Lifetime PTSD diagnosis was uniquely linked to a higher risk of any past-year cannabis use.
- The association between PTSD and lifetime cannabis use remained significant after adjusting for co-occurring anxiety/mood disorders and trauma frequency.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a significant relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and cannabis use.
- Individuals with PTSD may be at higher risk for initiating or maintaining cannabis use.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying this association and its clinical implications.
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