What You Need to Know

In 2025, the global cannabis market size was valued at nearly $103 billion. By 2034, that number is expected to explode by roughly 1,400% to more than $1.43 trillion.

As LGBTQ people face a mental health crisis, the mainstream stereotypes that depict weed as an antidote for anxiety, panic and depression aren’t painting the full picture. And that could be exacerbating the mental health struggles so many queer people, and especially youth, face.

Multiple studies suggest a link between marijuana use and an increased risk of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression and anxiety in individuals who are genetically predisposed.

One study found that daily marijuana use, especially among younger people, makes some individuals seven times more likely to develop psychosis.

The increase in higher-potency strains of marijuana could pose unknown risks. In 1995, the average content of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in confiscated marijuana was less than 4%. In 2022, it was more than 16%. Researchers don’t know the full extent of the impact that these higher concentrations can have on mental health and especially on younger people whose brains are still developing.

While the above stats paint a grim picture, there is also some research that suggests benefits of cannabis use:

A 2025 systematic review found that medicinal weed showed some efficacy in relieving withdrawal symptoms of opioid use disorder.

THC use has been associated with improvement of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, bipolar symptoms and sleep quality.

Other studies found that THC administered in a controlled setting was associated with a decrease of symptoms and adverse effects for a range of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, psychotic symptoms and anorexia nervosa.

Beyond what we pulled from academia, there is an astounding lack of information about the interplay between weed and mental health. As we dive deeper into Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope advocacy organizations, influencers and news outlets ramp up their coverage of this important topic that affects the countless LGBTQ weed smokers, many of whom are already struggling.

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Last month, our work was republished or cited in 20 different publications! We share all of our new stories for republication with our Uncloseted News Network, an editor’s digest of roughly 100+ editors, reporters and creators. If you want to be a part of it, shoot me an email and CC Sam Donndelinger at sam.donndelinger@unclosetedmedia.com.

Over the next week, be on the lookout for new Uncloseted reporting:

🆕 SATURDAY: Though Canada is widely considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world, rates of mental illness among queer Canadian youth are strikingly similar to those in the U.S. Why? Canadian journalists Sophie Holland and Emma Paidra investigate.

🆕 TUESDAY: Why are 50% of trans youth in the U.S. who want access to mental health resources not receiving them? In a joint investigation, Fierce Healthcare and Uncloseted’s Sam Donndelinger talk with youth, families, and industry experts to uncover system-level gaps in care.

🆕 WEDNESDAY: On the next episode of “UNCLOSETED, with Spencer Macnaughton,” I talk to Sam Donndelinger about her recent investigation into the foster care system, where trans youth face abuse, instability and systemic discrimination.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to email me with questions, complaints and story ideas!

Spencer Macnaughton, Editor-In-Chief — spencer@unclosetedmedia.com

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