Compared to non-users, cannabis users have 22% higher rates in emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisations, according to new research findings. The study, published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research revealed that serious physical injury and respiratory-reasons were the two leading causes of ED visits and hospitalisations among cannabis users.
The findings suggest an association between cannabis use and negative health events, which the researchers say should underline the need to educate and remind the public of the harmful impacts of cannabis on health.
“Our research demonstrates that cannabis use in the general population is associated with heightened risk of clinically serious negative outcomes, specifically, needing to present to the ED or be admitted to hospital,” said Dr Nicholas Vozoris, lead author, a respirologist at St. Michael’s and an associate scientist at the hospital’s Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute.
“Unlike tobacco, there is some uncertainty or controversy regarding the adverse health impacts of cannabis. Some individuals may perceive that cannabis has some health benefits and is otherwise benign. Our research highlights to those using – or considering to use – cannabis, that this behaviour is associated with important negative health events.”
To compare health outcomes among cannabis users and individuals who don’t use cannabis, researchers used data collected in a survey of individuals who self-reported cannabis use and linked it with health administrative data for Ontario residents.
Using propensity score matching, researchers compared the health outcomes of nearly 4800 individuals who reported any cannabis use in the preceding 12 months with the health outcomes of over 10 000 individuals never-users, or having used cannabis only once and more than 12 months ago. Researchers incorporated 31 different variables while matching study participants to minimise an unfair comparison, including demographics, multiple physical and mental health diseases, and tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use.
The study’s main aim was to see if there was a link between cannabis use and respiratory-related hospitalisation or ED visits. No significant associations were found between cannabis use and respiratory-related ED visits, hospitalisations, or death from any cause. However, they did find that overall visits to the ED or hospitalisations for any reason was significantly higher among cannabis users.
In addition to having greater odds of ED visits or hospitalisation, the findings show that one of every 25 cannabis users will go to the emergency department (ED) or be admitted to hospital within a year of using cannabis.
Among the reasons for ED visits or hospitalisations of cannabis users, acute trauma was the most common, with 15% of cannabis users who got medical attention receiving it for this reason, and 14% receiving care for respiratory reasons.
“The results of our research support that health care professionals and government should discourage recreational cannabis consumption in the general population,” noted Dr Vozoris.
Source: EurekAlert!
