A new review pooling data from more than 265,000 people reports that cannabis users are about twice as likely to commit violent acts as non-users. The same analysis also found that cannabis users face a higher risk of becoming victims of violence.
The researchers describe the link as statistically significant but emphasize that the findings do not establish a causal relationship. Other factors, such as social environment or co-occurring substance use, could explain the association.
The review adds to a mixed body of evidence on cannabis and aggression. Because the study is observational, the authors say the results should guide further research rather than be read as proof that cannabis itself drives violence.