CANNABIS (BHANG, CHARAS) CONSUMPTION

EMOTIONAL AND COGNITIVE DISTURBANCES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Cannabis or marijuana is an illegal drug that is being used mostly by young adults
can have adverse effects i.e., dependence syndrome, impaired respiratory and cardiovascular
functions, psychosocial and mental health disorders. Objective: The present study examined
the effects of cannabis (including bhang & charas) consumption on emotional and cognitive
disturbances and depressive symptoms in young adults who use cannabis. The research
further explored that cannabis consumption frequency will mediate between emotional and
cognitive disturbances and depressive symptoms in young adults. Study Design: Correlational
research design. Settings: Lahore city. Method: Sample included 200 young adults who used
cannabis in routine and 200 young adults who did not consume any kind of substance. The
age range of the sample was between 20 years to 27 years. Snowball sampling technique was
used to recruit sample. The comparison group was matched on age, education and socioeconomic
status. Cognitive Failure Questionnaire1, Emotional Regulation Scale2 and Patient
Health Questionnaire3 were used as assessment measures. Results: Results showed that
young adults who use cannabis had higher emotional and cognitive disturbances and had
more depressive symptoms compared to the normal controls. There was a significant positive
relationship and association between cannabis consumption and emotional and cognitive
disturbances and depressive symptoms. Cannabis consumption had mediating relationship
between cognitive and emotional disturbances and depressive symptoms. Implications of the
study along with strengths and limitations of the current study are discussed.