Hailey Tran
Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug used worldwide, with nearly one in five Americans over 12 years old using it in 2021. As the drug becomes more socially acceptable and widely available, emergency department (ED) visits related to cannabis have increased. Between 2019 and 2023, the rate of cannabis-induced disorder ED visits per 10,000 ED visits rose from 3.9 to 5.7, an increase of 46.2%. This trend is particularly notable among young people, with higher rates of cannabis-involved ED visits during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. The increasing potency of marijuana and the rise in THC vaping among younger individuals contribute to the growing number of ED visits related to cannabis use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rate of increase in cannabis-induced and cannabis-involved disorder emergency department (ED) visits between 2019 and 2020 | Nearly 50% |
| Rate of cannabis-induced disorder ED visits per 10,000 ED visits in 2019 | 3.9 |
| Rate of cannabis-induced disorder ED visits per 10,000 ED visits in 2020 | 5.7 |
| Average weekly visits for young people between 2020 and 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 | Higher across the board |
| Age group with more than 90% of cannabis-related hospital trips | 15 to 24 years old |
| Average number of cases where children under 10 visited emergency departments due to cannabis consumption before the pandemic | 18 to 23 times a week |
| Highest number of average weekly cannabis-related ED visits for children under 10 during the pandemic | 71.5 |
| Annual incidence of cannabis-related serious adverse events in 2007 | 3.2 per 1000 regular users |
| Annual incidence of cannabis-related hospitalizations in Toulouse Urban Unit in 2007 | 1.9 per 1000 recent cannabis users and 3.2 per 1000 regular cannabis users |
| Percentage of patients with psychiatric disorders | 57.5% |
| Percentage of patients with central and peripheral nervous system disorders | 44.0% |
| Number of myocardial infarctions observed | 7 |
| Number of Americans over 12 years old who used cannabis in 2021 | Nearly 1 in 5 |
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What You'll Learn
- Cannabis-related hospitalisations rose steadily from 2007 to 2023
- Cannabis-induced psychosis visits increased 46.2% from 2019 to 2020
- Cannabis-related ED visits are higher among adolescents and young adults
- Cannabis use is linked to self-harm, suicide attempts, and death
- Marijuana use increased among people aged 19–30 during the pandemic
Cannabis-related hospitalisations rose steadily from 2007 to 2023
Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States. The prevalence of cannabis use has been rising steadily, with rates continuing to increase since the legalisation of non-medical cannabis in October 2018. From 2007 to 2020, past-year cannabis use among those aged 15 years and older increased from 11% to 18%. In 2022, past-year cannabis use among the general population (aged 16 years and older) was 27%, an increase from 25% in 2021.
The increase in cannabis use has resulted in a rise in hospitalisations. Between 2007 and 2020, the overall rate of cannabis-attributable inpatient hospitalisations increased by 120%, from 6.4 in 2007 to 14.0 per 100,000 in 2020. Cannabis-attributable emergency department (ED) visits increased by 113%, from 52.1 per 100,000 in 2007 to 111.0 per 100,000 in 2019, and then decreased by 12% in 2020.
The increases in hospitalisations and ED visits were partly attributed to neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly hospitalisations due to psychotic disorders and ED visits due to acute intoxication among children and youth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mean weekly cannabis-involved ED visits among all young persons were higher in 2020, 2021, and 2022 compared with the corresponding periods in 2019.
The potency of marijuana has also increased dramatically over the past several decades, which may lead to more acute intoxications and long-term side effects. States that have progressed towards legalisation should be prepared to manage an increasing number of ED patients with cannabis-associated cyclical vomiting or hyperemesis, traumatic injuries, neuropsychiatric disorders, and burn injuries.
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Cannabis-induced psychosis visits increased 46.2% from 2019 to 2020
Cannabis-related emergency department (ED) visits have been increasing over the years, with a notable surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study by Truveta Research, the rate of cannabis-induced psychosis ED visits increased by 46.2% from 2019 to 2020, and this trend continued through 2023. This issue predominantly affects adolescents and young adults aged 15-24, with even larger increases observed in younger age groups. The rise in ED visits is attributed to the increased availability and potency of cannabis products, including vapes and highly concentrated extracts. The legal status of cannabis in some regions may also contribute to the perception of its safety, potentially leading to more frequent and higher-risk consumption.
The consequences of cannabis use extend beyond the individual to broader public health implications. Research suggests a correlation between high-potency cannabis consumption and the incidence of psychotic disorders. For instance, a multicenter case-control study across 11 sites found that the prevalence of daily use and high-potency cannabis consumption predicted the likelihood of psychotic disorders. Furthermore, the study estimated that eliminating high-potency cannabis could prevent 12.2% of first-episode psychosis cases, with even higher percentages in cities like London (30.3%) and Amsterdam (50.3%). These findings highlight the significant impact of cannabis use on mental health.
Cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) is a recognized condition with various treatment methods. A retrospective study at the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment in Thailand examined the real-world clinical outcomes of CIP treatment. They assessed the efficacy of pharmacological interventions using the Brief Psychotic Rating Scale (BPRS). Additionally, the study found that approximately 7.0% of patients with CIP developed schizophrenia, emphasizing the link between CIP and the risk of schizophrenia.
The increasing trend in cannabis-related ED visits underscores the need for improved treatment methods and harm reduction strategies. Dr. Lewis Nelson, an expert in the field, emphasizes the importance of addressing the potency of cannabis and providing warnings to reduce potential harm. Furthermore, implementing evidence-based programs in schools can help prevent cannabis initiation and harmful use among young people. By acknowledging the short- and long-term consequences of cannabis use, we can develop more effective strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on mental health.
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Cannabis-related ED visits are higher among adolescents and young adults
Cannabis-related hospital visits have been a growing concern in recent years, especially with the increasing legalisation of the drug across various states. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a significant role in the rise of cannabis-related emergency department (ED) visits, with stress and mental health issues being a major factor.
During the pandemic, the average number of weekly cannabis-involved ED visits involving young people under the age of 10 ranged from 30.4 to 71.5 per 10,000 visits, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic average of 18.7 to 23.2. Among adolescents aged 11 to 14, the mean number of weekly cannabis-involved ED visits during the pandemic reached as high as 209.3 in 2022, compared to a pre-pandemic range of 90.5 to 138.5. These figures highlight a worrying trend of increasing cannabis use among younger age groups.
Adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 account for a significant proportion of cannabis-related ED visits. A study found that an estimated 24,922 patient visits related to injuries associated with cannabis use occurred during a three-year period. The majority (37%) of these injuries were due to falls, followed by poisonings (21.9%), anger-related self-harm (10.8%), and recreational vehicle accidents (9.9%). The rates of cannabis-related injuries showed a concerning upward trend, with the highest percentages of patient visits occurring in 2021 and 2022.
The increasing potency of marijuana and the popularity of ingestion methods that deliver higher concentrations of THC, such as vapes and edibles, may also contribute to the rise in acute intoxications and long-term side effects. The variety of diagnoses associated with cannabis-related injuries, including internal injuries, fractures, and contusions, underscores the potential severity of these incidents and the burden they place on healthcare systems.
To address these issues, there have been calls for improving clinicians' awareness of rising cannabis-involved ED visits to aid in the early diagnosis of cannabis intoxication. Additionally, implementing evidence-based prevention programs in schools and communities can help improve coping and problem-solving skills among adolescents and young adults, potentially reducing the harmful use of cannabis and other substances.
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Cannabis use is linked to self-harm, suicide attempts, and death
While the number of people visiting the hospital due to marijuana use is not readily available, there has been an increase in cannabis-related emergency department (ED) visits. A study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, young females were more likely than males to require hospital admission, with the highest rates among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years.
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) has been linked to an increased risk of suicide attempts and self-harm, especially in adolescents. A national inpatient study across the United States found that adolescents with CUD had a higher likelihood of suicide attempts and self-harm behaviors compared to those without CUD. The presence of depression further increased the odds of suicide attempts or self-harm.
The association between CUD and suicidal behaviors is important to recognize to implement targeted interventions in inpatient settings. Understanding the risk factors for suicidal behaviors among hospitalized adolescents can help inform these interventions. The study also highlights the need to address co-occurring mental and substance use disorders along with CUD to mitigate suicide risk.
While the direct link between cannabis use and death requires further exploration, the increased potency of marijuana over the years may lead to more acute intoxications and long-term side effects. States with legalized marijuana should be prepared to manage an increasing number of ED patients with cannabis-associated complications, including cyclical vomiting, hyperemesis, traumatic injuries, neuropsychiatric disorders, and burn injuries.
In summary, cannabis use disorder is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts and self-harm, particularly in adolescents, and can lead to various physical and mental health complications that require emergency department visits. Further research and interventions are necessary to address the impact of cannabis use on self-harm, suicide attempts, and potential death.
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Marijuana use increased among people aged 19–30 during the pandemic
Marijuana use increased significantly among people aged 19–30 during the pandemic, reaching all-time high levels. This trend is concerning given the associated health risks of marijuana use, particularly for young people whose brains are still developing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated America's drug crisis, with overdose deaths on the rise. The pandemic has disrupted treatment options for those with substance use disorders (SUDs), and fears and isolation have contributed to increased drug use. The number of overdose deaths in the United States rose to an estimated 93,000 in 2020.
Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, and its potency has increased dramatically over the years, leading to more acute intoxications and long-term side effects. The increased potency may be a factor in the rise of cannabis-related emergency department (ED) visits among young people during the pandemic.
A report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed a significant surge in cannabis-related emergency room visits among young people under 25 during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic data. The report also noted that ED visits for children aged ten or younger, and teens from 11 to 14, increased during the pandemic, with female adolescents having higher visit rates than males.
To reduce cannabis-related ED visits, the cannabis industry must enhance the security of packaging to prevent unintentional ingestion, especially by children. State regulations and consumer education about responsible consumption are also crucial to ensuring safety without hindering marketing efforts.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to give an exact number as this varies by year and location, but a study by Truveta Research found that the rate of cannabis-induced and cannabis-involved disorder emergency department (ED) visits rose nearly 50% between 2019 and 2020.
During the pandemic, marijuana-related hospital visits increased, particularly among young people. A report by the CDC found that cannabis-involved ED visits were higher during the pandemic than in 2019, with large increases among children aged 10 and under, and among those aged 11-14.
Reasons for hospital visits include cannabis-induced psychosis, self-harm, suicide attempts, and accidental ingestion of marijuana products, particularly by young children. Other reasons include cardiovascular events, respiratory system disorders, and central and peripheral nervous system disorders.
Risk factors include age, with older people more likely to be hospitalized due to impairment of their health status. Other risk factors include mood disorders, particularly in teens and young adults, and the use of more potent forms of marijuana, such as vapes and edibles, which can lead to higher concentrations of THC in the body.
