Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
Short communication Decreased depression in marijuana users Thomas F. Densona, , and Mitchell Earleywineb
aUniversity of Southern California, Seeley G. Mudd Building, Room 501, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1061, United States
bUniversity at Albany, State University of New York, United States
Available online 20 June 2005.
Abstract
Over 4400 adult internet users completed The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and measures of marijuana use. We employed an internet survey in an effort to recruit the most depressed and marijuana-involved participants, including those who might prove unwilling to travel to the laboratory or discuss drug use on the phone or in person. We compared those who consumed marijuana daily, once a week or less, or never in their lives. Despite comparable ranges of scores on all depression subscales, those who used once per week or less had less depressed mood, more positive affect, and fewer somatic complaints than non-users. Daily users reported less depressed mood and more positive affect than non-users. The three groups did not differ on interpersonal symptoms. Separate analyses for medical vs. recreational users demonstrated that medical users reported more depressed mood and more somatic complaints than recreational users, suggesting that medical conditions clearly contribute to depression scores and should be considered in studies of marijuana and depression. These data suggest that adults apparently do not increase their risk for depression by using marijuana.
Keywords: Marijuana; Depression; Interpersonal symptoms; Somatic and retarded activity; Deppressed affect; Positive affect; Medical marijuana
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New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has proposed strengthening the states anti- laws.  The government is undertaking a complete rewrite of such laws in response to concerns voiced by some health professionals about the link between the drug and mental health issues.  The proposed legislation will also increase jail sentences for those convicted of growing cannabis . 

"There is growing evidence of a link between long-term cannabis use and the incidence of severe mental health problems," said Mr Iemma. 

Under the plan the current cannabis cautioning system, introduced in 2000, is to be reviewed. Cannabis users would be required to attend counseling to "understand the link between cannabis use and mental illness" to avoid being charged for their first offence. At present those issued with their second cautioning notice are required to call a counseling service.