New publication looks at cannabis use and depression

Photo above: Jillian Halladay

Jillian Halladay, a part-time instructor in the School of Nursing, is the lead author on a new article in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry exploring the relationship between cannabis use and depression. Co-authors include Dr. Susan Jack, associate professor in the School of Nursing.

The study found that women who reported using cannabis reported higher levels of distress than their male counterparts.

In an article in PsyPost, Halladay explained that, “Given Canada recently legalized recreational cannabis nationally, we thought it was important to examine who might be at particular risk of both using cannabis and also experiencing depression or suicide,” says Halladay.

Halladay is enrolled in the PhD program in Health Research Methodology at McMaster focusing on Psychiatric Clinical Epidemiology. She also works on the Child and Youth Inpatient Mental Health Unit and in the Psychiatric Emergency Department at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Halladay is a graduate of the BScN program; you can read her Alumni Profile here: Jillian Halladay.

Journal article:

Halladay J, Boyle M, Munn C, Jack S, Georgiades K. (2018). Sex Differences in the Association Between Cannabis Use and Suicidal Ideation and Attempts, Depression, and Psychological Distress Among Canadians. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. First published online: September 27, 2018

Related Faculty

• Susan Jack