People who use cannabis face a higher probability of both committing violent acts and experiencing violence themselves, according to a large review led by researchers at King’s College London.
King’s College London study links cannabis use to elevated violence risks
Data from 63 studies encompassing over 265,000 individuals was aggregated by researchers associated with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). Their analysis separated the general population from patients receiving psychiatric care. The findings were published in Psychological Medicine.
Broad definitions and psychiatric distinctions in the data
The review utilized the World Health Organization’s broad definition of violence. This covers physical, sexual, and psychological violence directed toward another person, encompassing incidents both within relationships and outside them.
The research team examined self-reported violence separately from violence that resulted in a criminal conviction. When a study measured more than one kind of violence, researchers used the most serious instance.
Professor Sir Robin Murray, senior author of the study from the IoPPN, detailed the statistical disparities.
Individuals who used cannabis were around one and a half times as likely to be victims of violence. Notably, this link proved stronger for women than for men.
Clinical observations amid commercialization
Dr. Marta Di Forti, co-author of the study from the IoPPN at King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, reflected on the clinical implications.
Murray also emphasized the context of a shifting global market.
Methodological limits and potency factors
Across more than 265,000 participants and 63 studies, data was compiled by the researchers who analyzed the general public and psychiatric patients separately (Trotta G, Rodriguez V, Marino P, et al. Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of violence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine. 2026;56:e296. DOI: 10.1017/S0033291726105856).
Funding for the research was provided by the Medical Research Council (MR/T007818/1) alongside the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre: Maudsley. These opinions belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Department of Health and Social Care or the NIHR.
Crucially, the authors note that the review shows an association and cannot prove that cannabis causes violence. Cannabis use frequently coexists with other variables that elevate risk, such as alcohol consumption, other drug use, and difficult social circumstances.
Few of the evaluated studies measured how much or how often people used cannabis, and the findings on convictions derive from a limited number of studies. Most research evaluated was also carried out before high potency cannabis became widespread. Consequently, the researchers suggest that daily use of today’s more potent types may demonstrate greater effects.
Recommendations for mental health services
In light of these findings, researchers argue that mental health services should routinely ask about cannabis use when assessing the risk of violence. They also advocate for incorporating the risk of violence into public health messaging concerning cannabis.
Readers should consult qualified professionals for medical advice or individual health concerns.
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