Maryland Sees Spike in Cannabis-Related ER Visits Following Legalization
Maryland has witnessed a significant increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits, according to the Maryland Department of Health. In response to this trend, the health department recently launched a data dashboard to monitor the public health impacts of cannabis and visualize trends both before and after marijuana legalization in the state.
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults on July 1, 2023, Maryland has experienced a surge in cannabis-related emergency department visits. The state saw an average of 816.9 visits per month this year, compared to 779.7 per month in 2023. The month of July 2023 recorded the highest number of cannabis-related ER visits since 2019, with 928 visits. Emergency department visits had been on the rise leading up to legalization, with May 2023 also seeing a high total of 914 visits.
A year after legalization, July 2024 saw 837 cannabis-related ER visits, with the number dropping to 813 visits in the most recent month. The data dashboard provides insights into emergency department visits, youth and adult use, substance use services, and calls to poison centers in D.C. and Maryland from 2019 to the present month. The data can be further segmented by age group, race, sex, and geographic location.
The Department of Health emphasized the importance of the Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard in centralizing the latest data on cannabis use, health outcomes, and community trends. This information enables informed decision-making and facilitates discussions on how to address the challenges posed by increased cannabis usage.
One notable finding from the data is the substantial increase in emergency department visits among individuals aged 20-29 between 2022 and 2023. This rise could be attributed to an increase in cannabis consumption or a reduced stigma around discussing cannabis use with healthcare providers post-legalization.
In addition to the rise in emergency department visits, calls to the Maryland Poison Center have also increased, particularly for children aged 9 and under and 10 to 14-year-olds. The center has observed a higher percentage of calls related to unregulated cannabis products obtained outside of dispensaries. This highlights the importance of obtaining cannabis from legal and regulated sources to ensure product safety.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals have noted an uptick in hospitalizations related to marijuana use, with some individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms when hospitalized for other health issues. It is crucial for the public to be aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis use, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and individuals with developing brains.
To address these concerns, the Maryland Cannabis Administration and the Department of Health have launched a public education campaign called “BeCannabisSmart.” The campaign aims to provide information on drugged driving, preventing accidental exposure to pets and children, and promoting smoke-free public spaces.
As Maryland continues to navigate the impact of cannabis legalization on public health, it is essential for individuals to be informed about responsible cannabis use and to prioritize safety measures to prevent adverse outcomes. By staying educated and aware of the potential risks, Marylanders can ensure a safe and healthy environment for all residents.
This article is based on information from The Baltimore Sun and is distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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“Cannabis-related emergency department visits up as Maryland begins tracking data” (2024, November 19). Retrieved December 15, 2024, from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-cannabis-emergency-department-maryland-tracking.html.
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