image: Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, lead author, respirologist at St. Michael’s Unity Health Toronto and associate scientist at the hospital’s Li Ka Shing Institute of Knowledge. see more
Credit: Unity Health Toronto
According to a new study, visits to the emergency department and hospitalizations are 22% higher among people who use cannabis compared to those who do not.
The study, published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research and led by researchers from Unity Health Toronto and ICES, found that serious physical injury and respiratory reasons were the two leading causes of visits to ED and hospitalizations among users. of cannabis.
The results suggest an association between cannabis use and adverse health events, which researchers say should underscore the need to educate and remind the public of the harmful impacts of cannabis on health. Recreational cannabis use has increased in Canada since decriminalization in October 2018.
“Our research shows that cannabis use in the general population is associated with an increased risk of clinically serious negative outcomes, specifically, the need to report to the emergency department or be admitted to the hospital,” he said. Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, lead author, spirologist of St. Michael and an associate scientist at the hospital’s Li Ka Shing Institute of Knowledge.
“Unlike tobacco, there is some uncertainty or controversy about the adverse health impacts of cannabis. Some people may perceive that cannabis has some health benefits and, on the other hand, is benign. Our research highlights for those who use or consider using cannabis that this behavior is associated with significant adverse health events. “
To compare health outcomes between cannabis users and non-cannabis individuals, the researchers used data collected in a survey of people who reported their cannabis use and related it to administrative data on cannabis use. ICES for Ontario residents aged 12 to 65.
Using propensity score matching, a statistical matching technique, the researchers compared the health outcomes of nearly 4,800 people who reported any cannabis use during the previous 12 months with the health outcomes of more than 10,000. people who reported that they had never consumed cannabis or that they had only used cannabis once. and more than 12 months ago. The researchers incorporated 31 different variables while pairing study participants to minimize an unfair comparison, such as demographics, multiple physical and mental health illnesses, and tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use.
The main objective of the study was to explore whether there was a link between cannabis use and respiratory-related hospitalization or emergency department visits. The researchers found no significant associations between cannabis use and respiratory emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or death from any cause. However, they found that general visits to the ED or hospitalizations for any reason were significantly higher among cannabis users.
In addition to being more likely to go to the emergency department or be hospitalized, the results show that one in 25 people who use cannabis will go to the emergency department (ED) or be admitted to the hospital in a year after consuming cannabis.
Among the reasons why cannabis users went to the emergency department or were hospitalized, acute trauma, defined as a bodily injury, was the most common, with 15% of cannabis users receiving medical attention. for this reason and 14% received care for respiratory causes.
“The results of our research support that health professionals and the government should discourage recreational cannabis use in the general population. Given the context of decriminalization of cannabis in Canada, which has likely facilitated its use. more of this product to the population, more efforts need to be made by our political and health leaders to educate and remind citizens about the harmful impacts of cannabis on health. ” said Dr. Vozoris, who is also a scientist at the ICES
magazine
BMJ Open Respiratory Research
Research method
Observational study
Research topic
Gent
Article title
Cannabis use and risks of respiratory morbidity and mortality and for all causes: a population-based cohort study, data link
Date of publication of the article
June 27, 2022
IOC statement
None to declare
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