Cannabis use is becoming increasingly common worldwide, with growing accessibility due to global legalisation trends. However, with rising use comes significant risks, particularly in relation to cannabis use disorder (CUD). Recent studies reveal that individuals requiring hospital-based care for CUD face an alarmingly high risk of mortality within five years. This blog explores the findings, the factors contributing to these risks, and why addressing cannabis use disorder mortality is crucial.
What is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) refers to problematic cannabis use that results in significant impairment or distress. It ranges from dependency issues to difficulty stopping usage despite harm to daily life and health. While cannabis is often perceived as “safe,” emerging evidence suggests the contrary when it comes to chronic consumption and addiction.
Why Cannabis Use Disorder Mortality Matters
A large-scale study conducted in Ontario, Canada, involving 11.6 million individuals, highlights that hospital-based care for cannabis use disorder is a significant risk marker for premature death. Within a five-year follow-up period, individuals treated for CUD were at a 2.8 times higher risk of mortality than the general population. The most significant causes of death included suicide, trauma, and opioid poisoning.
These findings demonstrate that cannabis use, particularly when it progresses to disorder levels requiring hospitalisation, is not without serious, life-altering, and often life-ending consequences.
Cannabis Use Disorder Mortality by the Numbers
To truly comprehend the gravity of the situation, here are some key figures from the study:
- Of 527,972 individuals included, 106,994 had an incident of hospital-based CUD care.
- Within five years, 3.5% of individuals with hospital-treated CUD died, compared to just 0.6% of the general population.
- Specific mortality risks were exacerbated for:
- Suicide: 9.7 times higher risk
- Opioid poisoning: 5.03 times higher risk
- Trauma-related deaths: 4.55 times higher risk
- Lung cancer: 3.81 times higher risk
With rates like these, it’s clear that cannabis use disorder mortality is a significant public health challenge that warrants urgent attention.
Causes of Increased Mortality in Cannabis Use Disorder - High-Risk Behaviours and Comorbidities
Many individuals with cannabis use disorder engage in high-risk behaviours that exacerbate other health risks. These include high levels of tobacco consumption, alcohol dependency, and polysubstance use, all of which contribute to increased mortality rates.
CUD is also strongly associated with severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. These comorbidities not only make treatment challenging but often compound the likelihood of complications like suicide or accidental overdoses.
Physiological Effects of Chronic Cannabis Use
Cannabis use itself is not without direct health consequences. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in cannabis, has been linked to long-term cardiovascular risks, including heart disease. Additionally, chronic exposure to cannabis smoke increases the risk of respiratory illnesses and lung cancer.
Social and Structural Determinants
From access to adequate healthcare to financial instability, social determinants of health also play a role. Many individuals with cannabis use disorder come from socio-economically disadvantaged communities, further compounding the mortality risk.
Cannabis Use Disorder Compared to Other Substance Disorders
While the risks associated with cannabis use and CUD are severe, how does it compare to other substance use disorders like alcohol, stimulants, or opioids? The study found that:
- Individuals with alcohol use disorder have a 1.3 times higher risk of mortality than those with CUD.
- Those with stimulant use disorder had a 1.69 times higher risk, and
- Those with opioid use disorder faced a 2.19 times higher risk.
However, the key takeaway here is the rapid growth of CUD diagnoses worldwide, driven by more frequent and high-potency cannabis use. This trend means more individuals than ever are at risk, and the overall public health impact of CUD could climb rapidly.
The Broader Context of Cannabis Use
The legalisation and commercialisation of cannabis have made the substance accessible to more people, often under the assumption that it is benign. However, this shift has also led to higher rates of regular and heavy consumption, increasing the prevalence of cannabis use disorders.
A Volatile Public Perception - Cannabis’ perception as a “safe” drug contributes to complacency. This belief may prevent individuals from adequately addressing early signs of problematic use. The data says otherwise, with mortality risks linked to hospital-based CUD matching or exceeding those for other substances in several critical areas.
What Needs to Be Done to Address Cannabis Use Disorder Mortality
The findings of the study underscore the need for preventive and policy measures to mitigate the risks associated with cannabis use disorder. While addressing the complex ecosystem of harm requires nuanced interventions, some immediate areas for focus include:
- Strengthening Early Detection Efforts: Identifying CUD early can prevent escalation into more severe stages requiring hospitalisation.
- Educating the Public: Combat the misconception that cannabis use, particularly habitual and high-potency use, is harmless.
- Access to Appropriate Treatment: Expand access to mental health, addiction treatment, and support services for individuals struggling with CUD and other co-occurring substance dependencies.
- Policy Development: Address legal loopholes that allow the unchecked commercialisation of high-potency cannabis products.
A Need for Proactive Action
The sobering reality is that cannabis use disorder isn’t just a problem for the individuals directly impacted—it’s a growing public health issue. The dramatic increase in hospitalisations and mortality rates related to CUD reflects wider trends in substance use and mental health that require immediate attention.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problematic cannabis use, seeking support early could save a life. Together, we can work toward a healthier, safer future.
(Source: Jama Network)
