Cannabis legalization associated with teen OD deaths

Abstract

A Regardless of sex or ethnicity, legalization of cannabis is associated with overdose deaths in American adolescents, according to a recent study published in tk. The researchers used data from CDC WONDER to evaluate legalization in each state, using the following three categories: recreational legalization, medicinal but not recreational legalization, and nonlegalization. In general drug overdose deaths have more than doubled among teens 14-18 years of age since 2019. The cause and effect relationship is not clear, but merits additional research, according to the authors of the paper, “Cannabis and the overdose crisis among US adolescents.” The findings were that recreational legalization, in particular, was associated with the ODs. The researchers found that states which implemented recreational legalization had death rate increases of 88% in 2019, 479% in 2020, and 115% in 2021 compared to nonlegalization jurisdictions. If there is a cause-and-effect link, there should be an investigation of the biologic and psychosocial mechanisms, as well as interventions and prevention strategies, the researchers, led by Archie Bleyer, M.D., conclude. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.