People who require emergency care or hospitalization for cannabis use disorder face a significantly higher risk of premature death within five years, according to new research.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, followed 1.6 million people in Ontario, Canada, between 2006 and 2021. Participants ranged in age from 15 to 105 years and were tracked for an average of five years. Researchers found that those who received hospital-based care for cannabis use disorder were nearly three times more likely to die within five years compared to the general population.
The findings highlight cannabis as a growing public health concern, especially among younger populations, as legalization and commercial sales continue to expand.
Long-term exposure to cannabis smoke and particulate matter may increase the risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer, respiratory diseases, and cerebrovascular disease. The study found that people hospitalized for cannabis use disorder had more than double the risk of death from cardiovascular and respiratory disease and were nearly four times more likely to die from lung cancer compared to the general population.
Researchers also believe cannabis use disorder may contribute to the development or worsening of severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. People with these conditions already face a higher risk of premature death, and researchers suggest that cannabis use could further elevate that risk.