Cannabis legalisation has been a topic of significant debate, particularly concerning its impact on mental health treatment and medication utilisation. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on this issue, revealing how legalisation affects prescription patterns for medications used to treat mental health disorders. This article delves into the study’s findings, exploring the complex relationship between cannabis laws and mental health treatment in the United States.

Study Overview

The study investigated the association between medical and recreational cannabis legalisation and the dispensing of psychotropic medications, focusing on benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Researchers analysed data from over 10 million commercially insured patients across the U.S., examining prescription patterns from January 2007 to December 2020.

Key Findings

Benzodiazepines

Cannabis policies were consistently associated with reductions in benzodiazepine dispensing. Medical cannabis laws (MCLs) were linked to a 12.4% reduction in the prescription fill rate per 10,000 enrollees, while recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) resulted in a 15.2% decrease. This significant reduction suggests that cannabis access might serve as an alternative for managing anxiety symptoms, potentially reducing reliance on benzodiazepines, which are known for their risk of addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms.

Antidepressants

Contrary to benzodiazepines, the study found an increase in antidepressant dispensing following cannabis legalisation. Medical cannabis laws were associated with a 3.8% increase in antidepressant fills, while medical dispensaries contributed to an 8.8% rise. Recreational dispensaries also showed significant increases in the mean days’ supply of antidepressant fills. These findings highlight a complex interplay between cannabis use and antidepressant medication, warranting further investigation.

Antipsychotics

The study also reported an increase in antipsychotic medication dispensing, particularly at the intensive margin. Medical dispensaries were associated with a 2.6% increase in the mean day’s supply per prescription fill. The rise in antipsychotic use raises concerns, given existing research linking cannabis use with psychosis and worsening mental health symptoms.

Implications for Mental Health Treatment

The findings suggest that cannabis legalisation could lead to a shift in mental health treatment paradigms. While the reduction in benzodiazepine use might indicate a safer alternative for anxiety management, the increases in antidepressant and antipsychotic prescriptions are concerning. These patterns underscore the need for further research to understand cannabis’s role in mental health treatment and its broader implications.

Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders are prevalent and costly in the U.S., with 22.8% of adults reporting at least one disorder as of 2021. Despite available treatments, only 65.4% of individuals with a mental health disorder received treatment in the past year. Cannabis has emerged as a potential therapeutic option, especially in states with legalised medical and recreational use.

Benefits and Concerns of Cannabis Use for Mental Health

Cannabis use presents both potential benefits and risks for mental health. While some studies suggest benefits in managing conditions like chronic pain and anxiety, others highlight risks such as the early onset of psychosis and exacerbation of mental health symptoms. The study’s findings contribute to this ongoing debate, suggesting that while cannabis may reduce reliance on certain medications, it could also lead to increased use of others with their own risks.

Source: JAMA Network