A study published in Health Economics analyzed mental health admissions in ten states following recreational cannabis legalization. This study assessed the impact of state recreational marijuana laws (RMLs) on mental health treatment admissions. It found that after state adoption and implementation of an RML, the average number of mental health treatment admissions decreases.
The study found that legalization is associated with approximately 37% less total mental health treatment admissions. This trend is roughly 92 fewer admissions per 10,000 individuals in a state with legal adult-use cannabis. Study author Dr. Albert Ortega elaborated on the association between RMLs and lower rates of mental health crisis events, “Once a state has an RML (recreational marijuana law), there is a clear, immediate, statistically significant decrease in total admissions. The effect becomes more pronounced as time goes on.” The study suggested additional positive health and economic outcomes, such as a significant decrease in Medicaid-funded treatment admissions. The study noticed consistent rates when comparing male and female patients.
The study did not identify a specific reason for the declining rates of mental health admissions in states with RMLs. Still, one possibility is that RMLs increase access to cannabis and overall consumption. Survey data confirms that cannabis consumers frequently use the substance to improve symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, although data concerning its efficacy in treating mental health conditions is inconsistent. Healthcare professionals believe that RMLs facilitate increased access for individuals who may be substituting cannabis products for psycho-pharmacological therapies.
Survey data confirms that cannabis consumers frequently use the substance to improve symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Current research on cannabis and the brain focuses on the molecular interactions with the endocannabinoid system to determine optimal use when managing mental health symptoms.
Sources: Health Economics, NORML
