Research suggests that marijuana use may have connections to various mental health aspects

Anxiety and Paranoia: Increased anxiety and paranoia can be particularly concerning in safety-sensitive roles, where emotional stability and focus are critical.

Depression: Studies indicate a possible link between marijuana use and an increased risk of depression, especially in heavy or long-term users.

Cognitive Impairment: Marijuana use can impair memory, learning, and decision-making abilities, all essential for performing safety-sensitive duties effectively.or performing safety-sensitive duties effectively.

Psychosis and Schizophrenia: In some individuals—especially those with a family history of mental illness—marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of psychosis or schizophrenia. These conditions can involve hallucinations, delusions, and loss of contact with reality, which pose serious safety risks.

Backed by Research

The information in this lesson is supported by credible studies and health organizations. You don’t need to read these unless you’re curious, but the links are here if you’d like to see the research behind it:

• Anxiety & Paranoia: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Depression: Cambridge University Press
• Cognitive Impairment: NIH – Cannabis & Cognitive Function
• Psychosis & Schizophrenia: Health Canada