In Quebec, Canada, comprehensive studies have shown that the legalization of cannabis has not resulted in an increase in cannabis-related psychotic episodes. This conclusion is supported by data published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.
Analysis Pre and Post Legalization
Researchers conducted an in-depth comparison of the rate of hospital admissions for marijuana-related psychotic incidents before and after the legalization of cannabis in October 2018. The comparison revealed no significant change in emergency department visits for psychotic episodes where cannabis use was documented.
Supportive Canadian Studies
Further studies within Canada corroborate these findings. A 2022 study concluded that the implementation of Canada’s cannabis legalization did not lead to any notable changes in psychosis or schizophrenia cases linked to cannabis use in emergency departments. Another study, released earlier this year, also reported no increase in healthcare service utilization or new cases of psychotic disorders in the 17 months following cannabis legalization.
Comparative Data from the United States
In the United States, similar observations have been made. State-level marijuana legalization has not resulted in a statistically significant rise in psychosis-related health outcomes. A study published in 2022 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open found no correlation between marijuana legalization and an increase in psychosis-related diagnoses or the use of antipsychotic medications.
Incidence Among Cannabis Users
Despite higher rates of substance use among individuals with psychotic disorders, instances of cannabis-induced psychosis are rare, especially among those without a prior psychiatric diagnosis. Recent research indicates that less than 0.5% of cannabis users report experiencing psychotic symptoms that require medical attention, a rate lower than that associated with alcohol consumption.
Source:
Study: Legalization Not Linked To Upticks In Incidences Of Cannabis-Related Psychosis