Teen marijuana use linked to depression

Washington -- U.S. researchers said recent data suggest teens use of marijuana to cope with depression may lead to more serious mental illness.

The report, from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said marijuana use can worsen depression and lead to such problems as schizophrenia, anxiety and even suicide, the White House said Friday in a report.

Data showed that 2 million teens felt depressed over the past year, and depressed teens were more than twice as likely as others to have used marijuana during that period.

"Marijuana is not the answer. Too many young people are making a bad situation worse by using marijuana in a misguided effort to relieve their symptoms of depression," said John P. Walters is the Director of National Drug Control Policy.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.