A comprehensive study based on data from 11.6 million Canadians has revealed troubling insights into the dangers of cannabis use. The focus of the research was on individuals requiring hospital-based care for cannabis use disorder (CUD). The findings show a stark difference in mortality rates compared to the general population, highlighting the significant risks tied to marijuana use.

Elevated Mortality Rates Among CUD Patients

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examined data collected in Ontario over 15 years, from 2006 to 2021. It found that 3.5% of people hospitalised for CUD died within five years. This is six times higher than the general population’s mortality rate of 0.6%. Adjustments for factors like age, socioeconomic status, and health conditions still revealed a threefold higher risk of death. These numbers underscore the severity of the dangers of cannabis use.

Major Causes of Death for CUD Patients

The research uncovered alarming details about the causes of death among CUD patients. Those hospitalised for cannabis use were:

• 9.7 times more likely to die by suicide.
• 5 times more likely to die from opioid poisoning.
• 4.6 times more likely to die from trauma.

Additional risks included overdoses from alcohol or drugs and illnesses like lung cancer. These findings illustrate the wide-ranging health risks of marijuana use, showing its impact extends far beyond dependency.

Experts Sound the Alarm

Health experts have responded to the findings with serious concern. Dr. Jodi Gilman of Harvard Medical School warned about the unregulated sale of high-potency cannabis products and their harm to public health. Drs. Laura Bierut and Fang Fang also highlighted the addictive nature of cannabis and its long-term risks, urging the public to rethink its perceived safety.

This data surfaces during an ongoing debate over cannabis regulation. Advocates for public health argue that more robust policies are needed to reduce preventable deaths and protect citizens. These calls to action stress that addressing the risks of marijuana use is a crucial step toward fostering a healthier society.

Source: Mailchi