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February 6, 2025 — A new study has revealed that individuals hospitalized for cannabis use disorder (CUD) face a significantly higher risk of premature death compared to the general population. The risk is particularly pronounced for deaths caused by trauma, suicide, and opioid poisoning.
Study Overview
The population-based retrospective cohort study examined data from 11.6 million individuals aged 15-105 years in Ontario, Canada, between 2006 and 2021. Researchers compared the mortality rates of nearly 107,000 individuals who received hospital-based care for CUD with approximately 421,000 age- and sex-matched members of the general population, as well as individuals hospitalized for other substance use disorders.
The analysis accounted for comorbid mental health conditions, substance use, and chronic health conditions. The median follow-up period was five years.
Key Findings
- Individuals who received hospital-based care for CUD were nearly three times more likely to die within five years than the general population (3.5% vs. 0.6%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.8; 95% CI, 2.6-3.0).
- The risk of mortality was particularly high due to:
- Suicide (aHR, 9.7; 95% CI, 6.0-15.6)
- Trauma (aHR, 4.6; 95% CI, 3.6-5.8)
- Opioid poisoning (aHR, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.9-8.8)
- The risk of lung cancer-related death was also significantly elevated (aHR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.4-6.1).
- Individuals hospitalized for alcohol (aHR, 1.3), stimulant (aHR, 1.7), and opioid (aHR, 2.2) use disorders had higher mortality risks than those hospitalized for CUD.
Public Health Implications
The study’s authors emphasized that while CUD itself may not be the direct cause of these deaths, the findings underscore the need for preventive interventions. The researchers suggested that individuals with CUD represent a high-risk group who could benefit from targeted health initiatives.
Dr. Laura J. Bierut of Washington University School of Medicine, who co-authored an accompanying editorial, advocated for a comprehensive public health approach to mitigate the risks associated with cannabis use. She highlighted the success of anti-tobacco campaigns as a model for addressing cannabis-related health concerns.
Study Limitations
The researchers noted several limitations of the study:
- The study focused exclusively on individuals requiring hospital-based care for CUD, which may not represent the broader population of people with CUD.
- Detailed data on cannabis use patterns, such as frequency and type of use, were not available.
- Unmeasured factors like tobacco use and risk-taking behaviors may have influenced the findings.
Funding and Disclosures
The study was conducted by Dr. Daniel T. Myran and his team at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and published in JAMA Network Open. It was supported by the University of Ottawa site of ICES. Several investigators disclosed receiving grants and honoraria from various organizations, including pharmaceutical companies, and one researcher is employed by Health Canada. Full disclosure details are available in the original article.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals for concerns regarding cannabis use and its health implications. The findings presented are based on a specific high-risk population and may not be generalizable to all individuals using cannabis.
