A study published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found a reduction in Canada’s cannabis-related emergency department (ED) visits among schizophrenia patients following recreational cannabis legalization.
Researchers at York University in Toronto analyzed data on ED visits in a cohort of 121,061 patients with schizophrenia. The research team examined data collected between 2015 and 2021 that reflected three specific periods: pre-legalization, legalization of cannabis flower and herbs (phase 1), and legalization of edibles, extracts, and topical products (phase 2).
The study showed decreases in cannabis-related ED visits, mental health-related ED visits, and cannabis and psychosis-related ED visits among patients with schizophrenia in the years following cannabis legalization. This trend contrasts with pre-legalization data, which indicated incremental month-to-month increases in cannabis-associated hospitalizations.
Data analysis revealed cannabis legalization was associated with significant reductions, particularly during phase 1. The team observed no significant changes related to phase 2. The study indicates that legalization and cannabis regulation may help reduce acute care needs in vulnerable patient populations. Data analysis showed a 25.8% decrease in cannabis-related ED visits in men and an 18.5% decrease in mental health-related ED visits in women.
The findings suggest that regulatory measures accompanying legalization could enhance the quality and safety of cannabis products, potentially leading to fewer adverse health outcomes in vulnerable patient populations. Cannabis regulation and patient education can improve mental health outcomes. Some patients consume cannabis, tobacco, and other substances to cope with schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions, so improving cannabis access policy and public awareness can play a critical role in mental health initiatives.
Although several studies have suggested cannabis use disorder increases the risk of schizophrenia, many studies have found no association between state-level cannabis legalization laws and a statistically significant increase in psychosis-related health outcomes.
Sources: NORML, NORML, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
