Study links cannabis dependence with higher death risk

Hospital and emergency room patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder died at almost three times the rate of individuals without the disorder, according to a newly released study, the largest on the subject (Source: “Marijuana Dependence Linked to Higher Risk of Death,” New York Times, Feb. 6).
 
According to the Canadian study published by JAMA, patients with cannabis use disorder were 10 times more likely to die by suicide as those in the general population. They were also more likely to die from trauma, drug poisonings and lung cancer. Those numbers suggest that cannabis use disorder is about half as dangerous as opioid addiction and slightly less dangerous than alcohol use disorder, the researchers said.
 
Recent research suggests that three in 10 cannabis users will develop cannabis use disorder, defined as being unable to stop using cannabis even though it’s causing serious health and social problems. As with alcohol, many people use marijuana recreationally without adverse effects or addiction.