Study finds rise in cannabis-related hospital visits linked to mental health

A recent study from Arizona State University indicates a 20% increase in cannabis-related hospital visits in Arizona from 2016 to 2021. This rise correlates with a growing number of patients diagnosed with mental health disorders during these visits. Associate Professor of Psychology Madeline Meier and her co-authors published their findings in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, revealing that cannabis-related visits were nearly eight times more likely to involve a primary diagnosis of a mental health condition compared to visits unrelated to cannabis.

The data shows that the association between cannabis-related hospital visits and mental health diagnoses has intensified annually, particularly among individuals aged 65 and older. This demographic is experiencing the steepest increase in both the frequency of visits and the risk of receiving a mental health diagnosis alongside cannabis-related treatment.

When asked about potential reasons for the increase, Meier noted that the observed trends occurred before the legalization of non-medical cannabis in Arizona in late 2020. Although medical cannabis use may have influenced these trends, the study cannot definitively attribute the increase to recreational legalization.

One contributing factor might be the increasing potency of cannabis. In the 1990s, the average THC concentration in cannabis products was about 4%, but this figure has now risen to around 20%, with some concentrates containing upwards of 80% to 90% THC. This heightened potency could lead to more acute health issues, including mental health risks.

Another possibility is that more individuals with mental health challenges are turning to cannabis in hopes of alleviating symptoms of anxiety or depression. Reports suggest that depression and anxiety rank among the top reasons for individuals using medical marijuana.

While the overall rate of cannabis-related hospital visits remains higher among younger adults, it is the older population that is showing the most significant uptick in both visit frequency and associated mental health diagnoses. For instance, individuals aged 10 to 17 have a rate of over 2,400 visits per 100,000, while those aged 65 and older have a rate of 435 per 100,000.

Meier emphasizes the responsibility of health care providers to educate patients about the increased THC content in cannabis products. She warns that more potent cannabis may lead to heightened risks of both acute and long-term mental health issues. Furthermore, while many states recognize mental health disorders as qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, existing studies have not demonstrated its benefits for mental health. In fact, some research indicates that stopping cannabis use can lead to improvements in mental health.

Health care providers should be aware of these findings and work on disseminating this information to patients who may be using cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The study highlights the need for continued research into the relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes, particularly among older adults.