Fauzia Naz.
Cannabis (bhang, charas) consumption; emotional and cognitive disturbances and depressive symptoms in young adults.
Professional Med J Jan ;23(05):597-602.

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.

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