Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a medical condition in which individuals cannot stop using marijuana despite its negative effects on their health and social lives. According to research, roughly 30% of cannabis users will develop CUD. This means they may experience strong cravings, spend excessive time using marijuana, develop a tolerance, or continue to use despite clear consequences. While many people use cannabis recreationally without issues, CUD can have serious long-term effects.
The New Risk: Increased Mortality
A groundbreaking Canadian study has revealed that individuals diagnosed with CUD during an emergency room visit or hospitalization are nearly three times more likely to die within the next five years than those without the disorder. The most common causes of death among those with CUD included suicide, drug poisonings, trauma, and lung cancer. The study suggests that CUD carries a risk level comparable to alcohol use disorder and about half as dangerous as opioid addiction.
Furthermore, patients with CUD were found to be ten times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. This highlights the significant mental health burden associated with heavy marijuana use, particularly when paired with existing conditions such as depression and anxiety.
The Statistics: A Closer Look
The study examined records of 106,994 individuals diagnosed with CUD in Ontario, Canada, between 2006 and 2021. Researchers compared these cases with a matched control group and found that 3.5% of those with CUD died within five years, compared to just 0.6% of those without the disorder. Even after adjusting for other risk factors like heart disease and mental illness, the study concluded that CUD alone was associated with a 2.8-fold increased risk of death.
Additionally, a separate study found that since Canada legalized recreational marijuana in 2018, the number of schizophrenia and psychosis cases linked to CUD has increased. Prior to legalization, CUD was associated with 3.7% of schizophrenia cases, but that number has now jumped to 10.3%.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Young adults between the ages of 25 and 44 are the most vulnerable to the increased mortality risks associated with CUD. This age group saw the highest rate of fatal outcomes, suggesting that cannabis use can have more severe consequences than many users anticipate. The risk is even greater for those with pre-existing mental health conditions or those who mix cannabis with other substances like alcohol or opioids.
Adolescents and young adults are particularly at risk for developing cannabis-related psychosis and schizophrenia. Since the brain is still developing into a person’s mid-20s, exposure to high-potency marijuana during this period can lead to long-term cognitive and mental health impairments.
The Changing Landscape of Marijuana Use
With increasing legalization and commercialization, cannabis use is rising, especially among young people. More than 20% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using cannabis in the past year. Additionally, marijuana potency has increased significantly compared to past decades, making today’s cannabis products potentially more addictive and harmful.
While some states and countries have embraced cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, the rising concerns about CUD-related deaths and mental health disorders call for greater public awareness and intervention. Effective treatments for CUD include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management, which provide incentives for reducing marijuana use.
Despite the risks, no FDA-approved medication currently exists to treat CUD, making behavioral interventions the primary treatment method. However, researchers continue to explore pharmacological options to help those struggling with cannabis dependence.
Marijuana is often perceived as a harmless or even beneficial substance, but new research underscores its potential dangers, particularly for those with cannabis use disorder. With CUD linked to higher mortality rates, increased risk of psychosis, and growing rates of addiction, it’s crucial for policymakers, medical professionals, and the public to acknowledge the risks and take steps to address them. While cannabis may have medicinal benefits, understanding its full impact is essential to ensuring safer use and effective treatment for those who need it.
