Surge in cannabis-related injuries since it was legalised in Canada
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A review of almost 50 research papers on the impact of cannabis legalisation in Canada has found an increase in attendances at emergency departments for intentional and accidental cannabis-related injuries in young children and teenagers.
It also found an increase in cannabis use among 18-24 year-olds.
In 2018 Canada legalised cannabis, with a national policy of regulating its sale and distribution.
A new study, conducted by criminology, social work, and child care academics in universities in Toronto and Quebec, said there has been no systemic or scoping reviews since legalisation focusing specifically on youths and young adults.
It said the key findings from its review of 47 studies include:
- An increase in cannabis use among 18-24 year-olds post-legalisation;
- Mixed findings for young people under the age of 18;
- Visits to A&Es for intentional and unintentional cannabis-related injuries have increased in young children and teens;
- Certain studies show a mix of concern and normalisation of cannabis use;
- Decline in cannabis-related offences recorded in one study.
It put a number of findings down to several interconnecting factors — enhanced availability and accessibility of cannabis; lack of strict enforcement of age restrictions at cannabis outlets; youths’ access to cannabis through family and friends; and the normalisation of cannabis use.
The 47 studies reviewed were published between 2020 and 2023. The review is published in Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention and Policy journal.
The report said most studies indicated “an increase in cannabis use and cannabis use disorders” among young adults aged 18-24 since legalisation.
It said that for young people aged under 18 the results were mixed.
The review said there was also “an increased likelihood” of higher usage rates among youth post-legalisation, especially in those who had already been using cannabis frequently before the legal change.
It said research suggests that the commercialisation of cannabis “plays a role in the high prevalence of use” among youth and young adults.
It cited authors who argue that cannabis-related harms are linked to a growth in both the market (expansion of retail stores) and products (cannabis with higher THC levels).
The review said one study found a 122% increase per capita in cannabis retail stores.
It found that while enhancing awareness of the health risks of cannabis was part of the founding legislation and national policy, half of Canadians reported not noticing any such education campaigns or public health messages.
It said their findings highlighted a “need to enhance efforts to protect youth and young adults and minimise risks and harms” associated with cannabis legalisation.
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