{"id":2266,"date":"2025-02-08T18:03:02","date_gmt":"2025-02-09T00:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biculturalhealth.apacommnet.org\/?p=2266"},"modified":"2025-02-08T18:03:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-09T00:03:02","slug":"marijuana-addiction-increases-risk-for-premature-death-canadian-study-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biculturalhealth.apacommnet.org\/?p=2266","title":{"rendered":"Marijuana addiction increases risk for premature death, Canadian study finds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A new Canadian study published in&nbsp;<em>JAMA Network Open<\/em>&nbsp;highlights a troubling connection between cannabis use disorder and an elevated risk of premature death within five years. With marijuana use rising globally and daily consumption surpassing alcohol in Canada and the U.S., researchers stress the need to recognize cannabis use disorder as a significant public health issue. Dr. Daniel Myran, the study\u2019s lead author and Canada Research Chair of Social Accountability at the University of Ottawa, emphasized that despite the increasing prevalence and potency of marijuana products, little is known about its long-term risks. This finding is especially concerning among young people, as cannabis legalization and commercial marketing continue to expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key Factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Large Study Population<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The study analyzed data from\u00a0<strong>11.6 million people<\/strong>\u00a0in Ontario over a\u00a0<strong>median period of five years (2006\u20132021)<\/strong>, covering individuals aged\u00a0<strong>15 to 105 years<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Increased Risk of Premature Death<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Those who required\u00a0<strong>hospital-based care<\/strong>\u00a0for cannabis use disorder were at\u00a0<strong>six times the risk of death<\/strong>\u00a0within five years compared to people of the same age in the general population.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Causes of Death<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 After accounting for\u00a0<strong>co-morbid health conditions<\/strong>, individuals with cannabis use disorder still faced\u00a0<strong>nearly three times the risk of death<\/strong>\u00a0from\u00a0<strong>suicide, trauma, drug poisoning, and lung cancer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Comparison with Alcohol Use Disorder<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 While\u00a0<strong>alcohol use disorder<\/strong>\u00a0posed a higher risk of death, the difference in mortality risk between\u00a0<strong>cannabis and alcohol use disorders was not substantial<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public Perception vs. Reality<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Many\u00a0<strong>do not perceive cannabis<\/strong>\u00a0to have serious health risks, despite the evidence showing\u00a0<strong>significant health dangers<\/strong>\u00a0associated with cannabis use disorder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need for Public Health Intervention<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Addressing this issue requires\u00a0<strong>greater efforts in prevention, treatment, and support services<\/strong>\u00a0for individuals struggling with cannabis addiction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The findings of this study underscore the urgent need to re-evaluate public perceptions of cannabis use disorder and its associated risks. While many view cannabis as relatively harmless, the increased likelihood of premature death\u2014especially from suicide, trauma, drug poisoning, and lung cancer\u2014reveals the serious health consequences of heavy use. The comparison with alcohol use disorder further highlights the need for greater awareness, prevention, and accessible treatment options. As cannabis consumption continues to rise globally, public health efforts must prioritize education, early intervention, and support systems to mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:65px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Reference:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.upi.com\/Health_News\/2025\/02\/06\/canada-marujuana-addition-premature-death-study\/8111738854000\/\">https:\/\/www.upi.com\/Health_News\/2025\/02\/06\/canada-marujuana-addition-premature-death-study\/8111738854000\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A new Canadian study published in&nbsp;JAMA Network Open&nbsp;highlights a troubling connection between cannabis use disorder and an elevated risk of premature death within five years. 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