Research Reveals Increased Mortality and Psychosis Risks Associated with Heavy Cannabis Use

Recent findings published in JAMA Network Open suggest that heavy cannabis consumption may pose greater health risks than previously understood. A comprehensive study from Ontario, Canada, indicates that individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) face a mortality risk nearly three times higher than those without the disorder over a five-year span.

The research discovered that patients with CUD admitted to hospitals or emergency departments were tenfold more likely to die by suicide compared to the general public. Furthermore, they exhibited heightened susceptibility to death from trauma, drug overdoses, and lung cancer.

In a separate analysis, also published in JAMA Network Open, researchers investigated the correlation between CUD and rising incidences of psychosis and schizophrenia in Canada since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018. The findings raise concerns that CUD may be more prevalent than current data suggests.

By examining health records of 106,994 individuals diagnosed with CUD from 2006 to 2021, researchers found that 3.5% of these patients died within five years of their treatment, in stark contrast to just 0.6% of a comparable group without CUD. Even after accounting for other risk factors, such as mental health disorders, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and the use of other substances, individuals with CUD still faced a 2.8 times greater risk of mortality compared to the general population. Young adults aged 25 to 44 were identified as particularly vulnerable.

Lead researchers emphasized that the actual number of individuals suffering from CUD might be significantly higher since many do not seek professional help. According to the study, for every person treated for CUD, there could be an estimated three others who did not pursue care.

While the study could not establish a direct causal relationship between cannabis use and increased mortality, it highlighted the necessity for healthcare interventions and ongoing monitoring for this high-risk group.

Another aspect of the research focused on the impact of cannabis legalization on mental health. By evaluating periods before and after legalization, researchers noted that while the overall rate of schizophrenia remained stable, the proportion of cases attributed to CUD rose from 3.7% to 10.3%. Additionally, the rate of psychosis, distinct from schizophrenia, nearly doubled, with young adults aged 19 to 24 being the most affected demographic.

Experts warn that modern cannabis products are significantly more potent than those used in previous generations, which may contribute to the increasing health risks. The perception of cannabis as a harmless substance is challenged by experts who liken its potential dangers to those of alcohol, calling for a more cautious approach to its use.

In summary, the research underscores the pressing public health implications associated with heavy cannabis use, particularly concerning mortality risks and mental health disorders.