A new Canadian study shows that people who are admitted to the emergency room or hospital for a marijuana overdose have an increased risk of dying within five years.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, said the sharp increase in marijuana use and the potency of such products underscores the seriousness of the problem as a public health concern.
The problem is particularly worrisome among the younger population, as marijuana has also seen an increase in its commercial marketing since its legalization.
Dr. Daniel Miran, the study’s lead author, said that marijuana use is growing rapidly around the world, and more people now use marijuana daily than drink alcohol in Canada and the United States.
He added that since increased marijuana use is also associated with an increased risk of early death, especially among the younger population, it is important that we identify it and begin to work on this public health issue.
