Cannabis use and binge eating among young adults: The role of depressive symptoms

Understanding the association between cannabis use and binge eating is of interest amidst growing global cannabis legalization. While preliminary research suggests a link between cannabis use and binge eating, population-based data among young adults, both female and male, are lacking. Given that depressive symptoms can act as an important precipitant of both cannabis use and binge eating, exploring the role of depressive symptoms is essential.

Emerging adults (n = 1568; 53% female, 22.2 ± 2.0 years old) completed surveys in 2017-2018 as part of EAT 2010-2018 (Eating and Activity over Time). Gender stratified models of past-year cannabis use by binge eating were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI).

Using cannabis in the last year was reported by 33% (n = 233) of males and 27% (n = 218) of females. Rates of binge eating differed (p < 0.001) between female cannabis users (24%, n = 51), and non-users (13%, n = 74). These differences were not found among males (5.5% vs 8.2%, p = 0.2). Adjusted regression model suggested that cannabis use is linked with binge eating among females but not among males (p < 0.001), and that this link remains significant after controlling for depressive symptoms.

The observed association between cannabis use and binge eating in female young adults, independent of depressive symptoms, suggests a direct connection potentially influenced by cannabis-induced changes in appetite and cravings. These findings inform policy and practice by emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions, such as psychoeducation programs, to address the effects of cannabis on appetite and its link to binge eating.