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Dion PM, Lampron J, Rahmani M, Gawargy TA, Paquette Cannalonga C, Tariq K, Desjardins C, Cole V, Boet S. Road hazard: a systematic review of traffic injuries following recreational cannabis legalization. CAN J EMERG MED 2024; 26:554-563. [PMID: 38951474 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-024-00736-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute cannabis use is associated with impaired driving performance and increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. Following the Canadian Cannabis Act's implementation, it is essential to understand how recreational cannabis legalization impacts traffic injuries, with a particular emphasis on Canadian emergency departments. This study aims to assess the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on traffic-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the broader context of North America. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to best practices and reported using PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The protocol was registered on July 5, 2022 (PROSPERO CRD42022342126). MEDLINE(R) ALL (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), CINAHL (EBSCOHost), and Scopus were searched without language or date restrictions up to October 12, 2023. Studies were included if they examined cannabis-related traffic-injury emergency department visits and hospitalizations before and after recreational cannabis legalization. The risk of bias was assessed. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity. RESULTS Seven studies were eligible for the analysis. All studies were conducted between 2019 and 2023 in Canada and the United States. We found mixed results regarding the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on emergency department visits for traffic injuries. Four of the studies included reported increases in traffic injuries after legalization, while the remaining three studies found no significant change. There was a moderate overall risk of bias among the studies included. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlights the complexity of assessing the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on traffic injuries. Our findings show a varied impact on emergency department visits and hospitalizations across North America. This underlines the importance of Canadian emergency physicians staying informed about regional cannabis policies. Training on identifying and treating cannabis-related impairments should be incorporated into standard protocols to enhance response effectiveness and patient safety in light of evolving cannabis legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacinthe Lampron
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Malek Rahmani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Khadeeja Tariq
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chloé Desjardins
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria Cole
- Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvain Boet
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Innovation in Medical Education, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Subaquatic and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Kourgiantakis T, Vicknarajah R, Logan J, Edwards T, Lee E, Craig S, Kaura A, Williams CC, Marshall S. Understanding youth and young adult cannabis use in Canada post-legalization: a scoping review on a public health issue. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:30. [PMID: 38886804 PMCID: PMC11184772 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canada legalized recreational cannabis in 2018, and one of the primary objectives of the Cannabis Act was to protect youth by reducing their access to cannabis and providing public education. Canada has the highest prevalence of cannabis use worldwide, particularly among youth and young adults under the age of 25. Cannabis use is linked with many adverse effects for youth and young adults including psychosis, anxiety, depression, respiratory distress, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and impaired cognitive performance. Despite the high prevalence of cannabis use and the evolution of policies in Canada and globally, significant knowledge and research gaps remain regarding youth and young adult cannabis use. The aim of this scoping review is to map the extent, nature, and range of evidence available on youth and young adult cannabis use in Canada since its legalization, in order to strengthen policies, services, treatments, training, and public education strategies. METHODS Using a scoping review framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, along with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a rigorous search in five academic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection. We included empirical studies that collected data in Canada after the legalization of recreational cannabis (October 2018) and focused on youth or young adults < 30. Two reviewers independently screened articles in two stages and extracted relevant information from articles meeting the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Of the 47 articles meeting our inclusion criteria, 92% used quantitative methods, 6% were qualitative, and 2% used a mixed-methods approach. Over two-thirds (68%) used secondary data. These studies were categorized into six focus areas: (1) prevalence, patterns, and trends, (2) cannabis-related injuries and emergency department (ED) visits, (3) rates and patterns during the pandemic, (4) perceptions of cannabis use, (5) prevention tools, and (6) cannabis-related offenses. Key findings from the studies reviewed include an increase in cannabis use among 18-24-year-olds post-legalization, with mixed results for youth under 18. ED visits for intentional and unintentional cannabis-related injuries have increased in young children and teens. Perception studies show a mix of concern and normalization of cannabis use. Though limited, prevention studies are promising in raising awareness. A decline in cannabis-related offenses was noted by one study. The review highlights several research gaps, including the need for more qualitative data, disaggregation of demographic data, intervention research, and comprehensive studies on the physical and mental health impacts of cannabis use among youth and young adults. CONCLUSION Maintaining a public health approach is critical, with a focus on reducing the high prevalence of cannabis use among youth and young adults. This involves implementing prevention strategies to minimize harms, enhancing public education, minimizing commercialization, reducing youth access to cannabis, promoting guidelines for lower-risk cannabis use and harm reduction strategies, and increasing training for healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toula Kourgiantakis
- École de travail social et de criminologie, Université Laval, 1030, avenue des Sciences-Humaines, Pavillon Charles-De-Koninck (local 6489), Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Ragave Vicknarajah
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Judith Logan
- John P. Robarts Library, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Travonne Edwards
- School of Child and Youth Care, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eunjung Lee
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shelley Craig
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ashima Kaura
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charmaine C Williams
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Savannah Marshall
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Asbridge M, Brubacher J. Cannabis and Alcohol Involvement in Motor Vehicle Crashes: Reflections in the Era of Legalization. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:550-552. [PMID: 38635944 PMCID: PMC11079830 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Asbridge
- Mark Asbridge is with the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Jeff Brubacher is with the Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeff Brubacher
- Mark Asbridge is with the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Jeff Brubacher is with the Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Imtiaz S, Nigatu YT, Ali F, Agic B, Elton-Marshall T, Jiang H, Rehm J, Rueda S, Sanches M, Schwartz RM, Shield KD, Nibene Somé S, Sornpaisarn B, Wells S, Wickens CM, Hamilton HA. Cannabis legalization and driving under the influence of cannabis and driving under the influence of alcohol among adult and adolescent drivers in Ontario, Canada (2001-2019). Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 255:111060. [PMID: 38181618 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impacts of cannabis legalization on driving under the influence of cannabis and driving under the influence of alcohol among adults and adolescents were examined in Ontario, Canada. METHODS Data were sourced from adult (N=38,479) and adolescent (N=23,216) populations-based surveys (2001-2019). The associations between cannabis legalization and driving within an hour of using cannabis and driving within an hour of drinking two or more drinks of alcohol were quantified using logistic regression, with testing of multiplicative interactions between cannabis legalization and age and sex. All analyses were conducted separately for adults and adolescents and restricted to participants with a valid driver's license. RESULTS Cannabis legalization was not associated with driving within an hour of using cannabis among adults (OR, 95% CI: 1.21, 0.69-2.11). However, a multiplicative interaction indicated that there was an increased likelihood of driving within an hour of using cannabis among adults ≥55 years of age (4.23, 1.85-9.71) pre-post cannabis legalization. Cannabis legalization was not associated with driving within an hour of using cannabis among adolescents (0.92, 0.72-1.16), or with driving within an hour of consuming two or more drinks of alcohol among adults (0.78, 0.51-1.20) or adolescents (0.87, 0.42-1.82). CONCLUSIONS An increased likelihood of driving under the influence of cannabis among adults ≥55 years of age was detected in the year following cannabis legalization, suggesting the need for greater public awareness and education and police monitoring and enforcement concerning driving under the influence of cannabis, particularly among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Imtiaz
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada.
| | - Yeshambel T Nigatu
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Farihah Ali
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Branka Agic
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Education Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1025 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 8th Floor, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Tara Elton-Marshall
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Huan Jiang
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Room 2374, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 8th Floor, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, TU Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, Dresden 01187, Germany; Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Str., 8, B. 2, Moscow 119992, Russian Federation
| | - Sergio Rueda
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Room 2374, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 8th Floor, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Marcos Sanches
- Biostatistics Core, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 60 White Squirrel Way, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H5, Canada
| | - Robert M Schwartz
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Kevin D Shield
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Some Nibene Somé
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Kresge Building, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Bundit Sornpaisarn
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Samantha Wells
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Kresge Building, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Christine M Wickens
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 425-155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1P8, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hayley A Hamilton
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
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Neuroth LM, Benedetti MH, Brooks-Russell A, Li L, Zhu M. Associations between Adolescent Marijuana Use, Driving after Marijuana Use and Recreational Retail Sale in Colorado, USA. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:235-242. [PMID: 37877210 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2267123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated associations between the retail distribution of recreational marijuana in Colorado and (i) past 30-day marijuana use and (ii) driving after marijuana use (DAMU) among a representative sample of public high school students using four waves of data from a state surveillance system. METHODS Past 30-day marijuana use was assessed among all sampled students (n = 85,336). DAMU was assessed among students 15 years or older who indicated driving (n = 47,518). Modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimates was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) comparing the pre-distribution (2013) and post-distribution (2015, 2017, 2019) periods for marijuana-related behaviors. Frequency of behavioral engagement was assessed using a multinomial approach. RESULTS An estimated 20.3% of students engaged in past 30-day marijuana use and 10.5% of student drivers engaged in DAMU. Retail distribution of recreational marijuana was not significantly associated with the prevalence of any marijuana use or DAMU. However, it was associated with 1.16 (95% CI: 1.04-1.29) times the prevalence of using marijuana one or two times in the last 30 days, 1.27 (1.03, 1.55) times the prevalence of DAMU one time, and 0.82 (0.69, 0.98) times the prevalence of DAMU six or more times. No significant associations were observed for the remaining frequency categories. CONCLUSIONS Approximately 1 in 10 students who drive reported DAMU. Varying prevalence in the frequency of past 30-day marijuana use and DAMU was observed following the retail distribution of recreational marijuana in Colorado. Care should be taken to properly educate adolescent drivers regarding the dangers of DAMU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M Neuroth
- The Center for Injury Research and Policy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marco H Benedetti
- The Center for Injury Research and Policy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashley Brooks-Russell
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya College of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Motao Zhu
- The Center for Injury Research and Policy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Kim C, Dusing GJ, Nielsen A, MacMaster FP, Rittenbach K, Allin S, O'Campo P, Penney TL, Hamilton HA, Kirst M, Chum A. Disparities in cannabis-related emergency department visits across depressed and non-depressed individuals and the impact of recreational cannabis policy in Ontario, Canada. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7127-7137. [PMID: 37345465 PMCID: PMC10719623 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recreational cannabis policies are being considered in many jurisdictions internationally. Given that cannabis use is more prevalent among people with depression, legalisation may lead to more adverse events in this population. Cannabis legalisation in Canada included the legalisation of flower and herbs (phase 1) in October 2018, and the deregulation of cannabis edibles one year later (phase 2). This study investigated disparities in cannabis-related emergency department (ED) visits in depressed and non-depressed individuals in each phase. METHODS Using administrative data, we identified all adults diagnosed with depression 60 months prior to legalisation (n = 929 844). A non-depressed comparison group was identified using propensity score matching. We compared the pre-post policy differences in cannabis-related ED-visits in depressed individuals v. matched (and unmatched) non-depressed individuals. RESULTS In the matched sample (i.e. comparison with non-depressed people similar to the depressed group), people with depression had approximately four times higher risk of cannabis-related ED-visits relative to the non-depressed over the entire period. Phases 1 and 2 were not associated with any changes in the matched depressed and non-depressed groups. In the unmatched sample (i.e. comparison with the non-depressed general population), the disparity between individuals with and without depression is greater. While phase 1 was associated with an immediate increase in ED-visits among the general population, phase 2 was not associated with any changes in the unmatched depressed and non-depressed groups. CONCLUSIONS Depression is a risk factor for cannabis-related ED-visits. Cannabis legalisation did not further elevate the risk among individuals diagnosed with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chungah Kim
- Faculty of Health, York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabriel John Dusing
- Faculty of Health, York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Nielsen
- Canadian Institute for Health Information, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frank P. MacMaster
- University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine Rittenbach
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Psychiatry Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Sara Allin
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Patricia O'Campo
- St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tarra L. Penney
- Faculty of Health, York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Maritt Kirst
- Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antony Chum
- Faculty of Health, York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario
- St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hall W, Stjepanović D, Dawson D, Leung J. The implementation and public health impacts of cannabis legalization in Canada: a systematic review. Addiction 2023; 118:2062-2072. [PMID: 37380613 PMCID: PMC10953418 DOI: 10.1111/add.16274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We provide a narrative summary of research on changes in cannabis arrests, cannabis products and prices, cannabis use and cannabis-related harm since legalization. METHODS We systematically searched for research on the impacts of cannabis legalization in Canada in PubMed, Embase, Statistics Canada and government websites and Google Scholar, published between 2006 and 2021. RESULTS Cannabis legalization in Canada has been followed by substantial reductions in cannabis-related arrests and cannabis prices. It has also increased adults' access to a diverse range of cannabis products, including edibles and extracts. The prevalence of cannabis use among young adults has increased, but there have been no marked increases or decreases in use among high school students or changes in the prevalence of daily or near-daily use. Legalization has been associated with increased adult hospital attendances for psychiatric distress and vomiting, unintentional ingestion of edible cannabis products by children and hospitalizations for cannabis use disorders in adults. There is conflicting evidence on whether cannabis-impaired driving has increased since legalization. There is suggestive evidence that presentations to emergency departments with psychoses and cannabis use disorders may have increased since legalization. CONCLUSIONS Legalization of cannabis in Canada appears to have reduced cannabis arrests and increased access to a variety of more potent cannabis products at lower prices. Since 2019, recent cannabis use in Canada has modestly increased among adults but not among adolescents. There is evidence of increased acute adverse effects of cannabis among adults and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Daniel Stjepanović
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Danielle Dawson
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Janni Leung
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
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Bahji A, Socias ME, Bach P, Milloy M. Implications of Cannabis Legalization on Substance-Related Benefits and Harms for People Who Use Opioids: A Canadian Perspective. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:699-702. [PMID: 37001172 PMCID: PMC10623062 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2018, Canada enacted the Cannabis Act, becoming only the second country (after Uruguay) to legalize the recreational consumption of cannabis. Although there is ongoing global disagreement on the risk-benefit profile of cannabis with increasing legalization in many parts of the world, the evidence of rising cannabis use prevalence postlegalization has been consistent. In contrast, postlegalization changes in various cannabis-related metrics have been inconsistent in Canada and other parts of the world. Furthermore, the implications of cannabis legalization on substance-related harms and benefits for people who use unregulated drugs, particularly opioids, remain unclear. Finally, although Canada did not legalize cannabis to address the opioid crisis, there is rising scientific and popular interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis to mitigate opioid-related harms. This perspective highlights the implications of cannabis legalization on substance-related benefits and harms for people who use opioids, the current state of Canadian research, and suggestions for future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Bahji
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - M. Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paxton Bach
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - M.J. Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Myran DT, Gaudreault A, Pugliese M, Manuel DG, Tanuseputro P. Cannabis-Involved Traffic Injury Emergency Department Visits After Cannabis Legalization and Commercialization. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2331551. [PMID: 37672273 PMCID: PMC10483310 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The impact of nonmedical cannabis legalization on traffic injuries and cannabis involvement in traffic injuries is unclear. Objective To examine changes in the number and characteristics of cannabis-involved traffic injury emergency department (ED) visits from before to after legalization and subsequent commercialization (ie, increased retail store and product availability) of cannabis in Ontario, Canada. Design, Setting, and Participants This repeated cross-sectional study examined changes in cannabis- and alcohol-involved traffic injury ED visits in Ontario, Canada, during 3 time periods: prelegalization (January 2010-September 2018), legalization with product and retail store restrictions (October 2018-February 2020), and commercialization with new products and expanded number of stores, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-December 2021). All individuals aged 16 years and older eligible for Ontario's Universal Health Coverage were included. Season- and time-adjusted quasi-Poisson models were used to generate rate ratios with 95% CIs. Data were analyzed from March to April 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Quarterly counts of cannabis-involved ED visits for traffic injury. Results There were 947 604 traffic injury ED visits, of which 426 (0.04%) had documented cannabis involvement and 7564 (0.8%) had documented alcohol involvement. Of the 418 individuals with documented cannabis involvement, 330 (78.9%) were male, 109 (25.6%) were aged 16 to 21 years (mean [SD] age at visit, 30.6 [12.0] years), and 113 (27.0%) had an ED visit or hospitalization for substance use in the 2 years before their traffic injury ED visit. Annual rates of cannabis-involved traffic injury ED visits increased 475.3% over the study period (0.18 visits per 1000 total motor vehicle collisions in 2010 to 1.01 in 2021). Over the same period, alcohol-involved traffic injury ED visits increased by 9.4% (8.03 in 2010 to 8.79 per 1000 traffic injury ED visits in 2021). Legalization with restrictions was associated with a 94% increase in the quarterly rate of cannabis involvement in traffic injury ED visits relative to prelegalization (adjusted rate ratio [aRR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.37-2.75). Commercialization/COVID-19 was associated with a greater increase of 223% in rates (aRR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.42-4.33). After adjusting for time trends before legalization, only commercialization/COVID-19 was associated with increased rates. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.38; 95% CI, 2.66-4.29), living in the lowest-income neighborhood (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.39-2.67), being aged 19 to 21 years (aOR, 4.67; 95% CI, 3.27-6.67), and having a prior cannabis-related ED visit (aOR, 8.03; 95% CI, 5.85-11.02) were all positively associated with cannabis involvement during a traffic injury ED visit. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study found large increases in cannabis involvement in ED visits for traffic injury over time, which may have accelerated following nonmedical cannabis commercialization. Although the frequency of visits was rare, they may reflect broader changes in cannabis-impaired driving. Greater prevention efforts, including targeted education and policy measures, in regions with legal cannabis are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Myran
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrienne Gaudreault
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Pugliese
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas G. Manuel
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Fataar F, Driezen P, Owusu-Bempah A, Hammond D. Patterns of problematic cannabis use in Canada pre- and post-legalisation: Differences by neighbourhood deprivation, individual socioeconomic factors and race/ethnicity. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1534-1546. [PMID: 37137866 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The legalisation of cannabis in Canada in 2018, and subsequent increase in prevalence of use, has generated interest in understanding potential changes in problematic patterns of use, including by socio-demographic factors such as race/ethnicity and neighbourhood deprivation level. METHODS This study used repeat cross-sectional data from three waves of the International Cannabis Policy Study web-based survey. Data were collected from respondents aged 16-65 prior to cannabis legalisation in 2018 (n = 8704), and post-legalisation in 2019 (n = 12,236) and 2020 (n = 12,815). Respondents' postal codes were linked to the INSPQ neighbourhood deprivation index. Multinomial regression models examined differences in problematic use by socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and over time. RESULTS No evidence of a change in the proportion of those aged 16-65 in Canada whose cannabis use would be classified as 'high risk' was noted from before cannabis legalisation (2018 = 1.5%) to 12 or 24 months after legalisation (2019 = 1.5%, 2020 = 1.6%; F = 0.17, p = 0.96). Problematic use differed by socio-demographic factors. For example, consumers from the most materially deprived neighbourhoods were more likely to experience 'moderate' vs 'low risk' compared to those living outside deprived neighbourhoods (p < 0.01 for all). Results were mixed for race/ethnicity and comparisons for high risk were limited by small sample sizes for some groups. Differences across subgroups were consistent from 2018 to 2020. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The risk of problematic cannabis use does not appear to have increased in the 2 years following cannabis legalisation in Canada. Disparities in problematic use persisted, with some racial minority and marginalised groups experiencing higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathima Fataar
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Pete Driezen
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | | | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Walker M, Carpino M, Lightfoot D, Rossi E, Tang M, Mann R, Saarela O, Cusimano MD. The effect of recreational cannabis legalization and commercialization on substance use, mental health, and injury: a systematic review. Public Health 2023; 221:87-96. [PMID: 37429043 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) and/or recreational cannabis commercialization (RCC) on emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to substance use, injury, and mental health among those aged 11 years and older. METHODS A systematic review of six electronic databases up to February 1, 2023. Original, peer-reviewed articles with interrupted time series or before and after designs were included. Four independent reviewers screened articles and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes with 'critical' risk of bias were excluded. Protocol registered on PROSPERO (# CRD42021265183). RESULTS After screening and risk of bias assessment, 29 studies were included which examined ED visits or hospitalizations for cannabis use or alcohol (N = 10), opioid mortality (N = 3), motor vehicle fatalities or injury (N = 11), and intentional injury/mental health (N = 5). Rates or number of cannabis-related hospitalizations increased after RCL in Canada and the USA. Immediate increases in rates of cannabis-related ED visits were found after both RCL and RCC in Canada. Rates of traffic fatalities increased after RCL and RCC in certain jurisdictions in the USA. CONCLUSIONS RCL was associated with increased rates of cannabis-related hospitalizations. RCL and/or RCC was associated with increased rates of cannabis-related ED visits, consistently shown across sex and age groups. The effect on fatal motor vehicle incidents was mixed, with observed increases found after RCL and/or RCC. The effect of RCL or RCC on opioids, alcohol, intentional injury, and mental health is not clear. These results inform population health initiatives and international jurisdictions considering RCL implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Walker
- Injury Prevention Research Office, Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Carpino
- Injury Prevention Research Office, Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Lightfoot
- Health Sciences Library, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - E Rossi
- Injury Prevention Research Office, Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Tang
- Injury Prevention Research Office, Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Mann
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - O Saarela
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M D Cusimano
- Injury Prevention Research Office, Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Nazif-Munoz JI, Domínguez-Cancino KA, Ouimet MC, Brown TG. Did the cannabis recreational use law affect traffic crash outcomes in Toronto? Building evidence for the adequate number of authorised cannabis stores' thresholds. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023. [PMID: 37139565 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the past decade, a group of studies has begun to explore the association between cannabis recreational use policies and traffic crashes. After these policies are set in place, several factors may affect cannabis consumption, including the number of cannabis stores (NCS) per capita. This study examines the association between the enactment of Canada's Cannabis Act (CCA) (18 October 2018) and the NCS (allowed to function from 1 April 2019) with traffic injuries in Toronto. METHODS We explored the association of the CCA and the NCS with traffic crashes. We applied two methods: hybrid difference-in-difference (DID) and hybrid-fuzzy DID. We used generalised linear models using CCA and the NCS per capita as the main variables of interest. We adjusted for precipitation, temperature and snow. Information is gathered from Toronto Police Service, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and Environment Canada. The period of analysis was from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019. RESULTS Regardless of the outcome, neither the CCA nor the NCS is associated with concomitant changes in the outcomes. In hybrid DID models, the CCA is associated with non-significant decreases of 9% (incidence rate ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.74,1.11) in traffic crashes and in the hybrid-fuzzy DID models, the NCS are associated with nonsignificant decreases of 3% (95% confidence interval - 9%, 4%) in the same outcome. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study observes that more research is needed to better understand the short-term effects (April to December 2019) of NCS in Toronto on road safety outcomes.
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13
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Gueye NR, Prada K, de Moissac D. Recreational Cannabis Legislation: substance use and impaired driving among Canadian rural and urban postsecondary students. J Cannabis Res 2023; 5:8. [PMID: 36918969 PMCID: PMC10014410 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-023-00175-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigation of cannabis use trends among emerging adults (EA, aged between 18 and 24 years) following 2018 Canadian Recreational Cannabis Legislation (RCL) is critical. EAs report the heaviest cannabis use in Canada and are particularly vulnerable to the onset of problematic substance use. OBJECTIVES To describe and compare post-RCL use of cannabis and other state-altering substances, as well as the prevalence of impaired driving, among EA postsecondary students in both rural and urban settings, studying on one of five campuses in either Manitoba, Ontario, or Quebec. METHODS For this quantitative cross-sectional study, a self-report survey was administered to 1496 EA postsecondary students in the months following RCL (2018-2019). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the influence of provincial and urban/rural living contexts on recreational cannabis use, other state-altering substance use and impaired driving behaviours, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were observed between cohorts in almost all measures. Quebec students were more likely to have consumed cannabis during their lifetime (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.05, 1.90]) than all other cohorts. Rural cohorts all had greater odds of reporting consumption of cannabis during the previous year compared to urban cohorts (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.04, 1.67]). However, the relation between cannabis use in the last month and operating a motor vehicle after using cannabis (lifetime and past month) and living context differed between subjects in Quebec and those in the two other provinces. Quebec's students having lived mostly in urban contexts had greater odds of using cannabis in the past month and operating a motor vehicle after using cannabis (lifetime and past month) than those in rural contexts; the opposite was observed in Manitoba and Ontario. Differing interprovincial prohibitive/permissive legislation and licit cannabis infrastructure appeared to have little impact on post-RCL substance use. CONCLUSIONS In Manitoba and in Ontario, rural/urban living context seems to better predict substance use and related road-safety practices, suggesting these trends supersede permissive/prohibitive provincial legislation and licit cannabis-related infrastructures. Further investigation into sociodemographic factors influencing state-altering substance use and impaired driving, and maintaining tailored cannabis misuse prevention campaigns, is warranted on Canadian campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N'deye Rokhaya Gueye
- Université de Saint-Boniface, Office #3217, 200 de la Cathédrale Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 0H7, Canada.
| | - Kevin Prada
- Université de Saint-Boniface, Office #3217, 200 de la Cathédrale Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 0H7, Canada
| | - Danielle de Moissac
- Université de Saint-Boniface, Office #3217, 200 de la Cathédrale Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 0H7, Canada
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Callaghan RC, Sanches M, Vander Heiden J, Kish SJ. Impact of Canada's cannabis legalisation on youth emergency department visits for cannabis-related disorders and poisoning in Ontario and Alberta, 2015-2019. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023. [PMID: 36908258 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there is momentum towards legalising adult recreational cannabis use worldwide, the extent of youth cannabis-related harm associated with legalisation is still uncertain. The current study aimed to assess whether the initial implementation of Canada's cannabis legalisation (via the Cannabis Act) on 17 October 2018 might be associated with youth harm, as assessed by emergency department visits for cannabis-related disorders/poisoning. METHODS We used Ontario and Alberta, Canada emergency department data from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2019. We identified all cannabis-related disorders/poisoning (ICD-10 CA: F12.X, T40.7) emergency department visits of youth (n = 13,615), defined as patients younger than the minimum legal cannabis sales age (18 years, Alberta; 19 years, Ontario). Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models were employed to assess the impact of legalisation on weekly counts of cannabis-related harms. RESULTS The final SARIMA intervention (step) parameter indicated a post-legalisation increase of 14.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0; 24.3, p < 0.01) weekly youth cannabis-related disorder/poisoning presentations to Ontario/Alberta emergency department settings, equivalent to an increase of 20.0% (95% CI 6.2%; 33.9%). There was no evidence of associations between cannabis legalisation and comparison series of youth alcohol, opioid or appendicitis emergency department episodes. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Our findings require replication and extension but are consistent with the possibility that the implementation of the Cannabis Act was associated with an increase in youth cannabis-related presentations to Ontario/Alberta emergency departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell C Callaghan
- University of Northern British Columbia, Northern Medical Program, Prince George, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Human Brain Laboratory, Toronto, Canada.,University of Victoria, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, Canada
| | - Marcos Sanches
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Biostatistics Core, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia Vander Heiden
- University of Northern British Columbia, Northern Medical Program, Prince George, Canada.,University of Victoria, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, Canada
| | - Stephen J Kish
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Human Brain Laboratory, Toronto, Canada
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15
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González-Sala F, Tortosa-Pérez M, Peñaranda-Ortega M, Tortosa F. Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Road Safety: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4655. [PMID: 36901669 PMCID: PMC10001957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legalizing medical and recreational cannabis and decriminalizing this substance may have unanticipated effects on traffic safety. The present study aimed to assess the impact of cannabis legalization on traffic accidents. METHODS A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) declaration of the articles included in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. The number of papers included in the review was 29. RESULTS The results show that in 15 papers, there is a relationship between the legalization of medical and/or recreational cannabis and the number of traffic accidents, while in 5 papers, no such relationship is observed. In addition, nine articles indicate a greater number of risk behaviors related to driving after consumption, identifying young, male, and alcohol consumption together with cannabis as the risk profile. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that the legalization of medical and/or recreational cannabis has negative effects on road safety when considering the number of jobs that affect the number of fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco González-Sala
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Macarena Tortosa-Pérez
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Internacional de Valencia-VIU, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Peñaranda-Ortega
- Departamento de Psicología Básica y Metodología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Tortosa
- Instituto de Investigación en Tráfico y Seguridad Vial-INTRAS, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Myran DT, Imtiaz S, Konikoff L, Douglas L, Elton-Marshall T. Changes in health harms due to cannabis following legalisation of non-medical cannabis in Canada in context of cannabis commercialisation: A scoping review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:277-298. [PMID: 36165188 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ISSUE On 17 October 2018, Canada legalised non-medical cannabis. Critically, the cannabis market in Canada has changed considerably since legalisation. In this scoping review, we identified available evidence on changes in cannabis-related health harms following legalisation and contextualised findings based on legal market indicators. APPROACH Electronic searches were conducted to identify studies that compared changes in cannabis-related health harms pre- and post-legalisation. We contextualised each study by the mean per capita legal cannabis stores and sales during the study period and compared study means to per capita stores and sales on October 2021-3 years following legalisation. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Some measures of cannabis harms have increased since legalisation but studies to date have captured periods of relatively low market maturity. Longer-term monitoring of health harms as the market continues to expand is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Myran
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sameer Imtiaz
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lauren Konikoff
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Laura Douglas
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tara Elton-Marshall
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Canada
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Boury H, Hall W, Fischer B. Developments and Changes in Primary Public Health Outcome Indicators Associated with the Legalization of Non-Medical Cannabis Use and Supply in Canada (2018): A Comprehensive Overview. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022:1-15. [PMID: 36589471 PMCID: PMC9794107 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00986-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Canada legalized non-medical cannabis use and supply for adults in 2018. We examined developments and changes associated with the legalization policy reform on key indicators for public health, namely cannabis (including frequent/problematic) use prevalence, cannabis-related hospitalizations, cannabis-impaired driving, and cannabis sourcing. We identified peer-reviewed and "grey" study data that featured population-level or other quasi-representative samples and comparable outcome data for pre- and post-legalization periods, including possible trends of changes over time. Cannabis use has increased in select population groups, with use modes shifting away from smoking. Evidence on cannabis-related hospitalizations (e.g., for mental health) is mixed. The prevalence of cannabis-impaired driving appears to be generally steady but THC exposure among crash-involved drivers may have increased. Increasing proportions of users obtain cannabis products from legal sources but some-especially regular-users continue to use illicit sources. Overall, data suggest a mixed and inconclusive picture on cannabis legalization's impacts on essential public health indicators, including select extensions in trends from pre-legalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himani Boury
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Suite 2400, 515 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 Canada
- School of Public Health, Queens University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Wayne Hall
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland, 17 Upland Road, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Benedikt Fischer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Suite 2400, 515 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 Canada
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Sao Paulo, R. Sena Madureira, São Paulo, 1500 Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S2S1 Canada
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Borges G, Orozco R. Alcohol and cannabis use in traffic-related injuries in Mexico City. Inj Prev 2022; 29:207-212. [PMID: 36600617 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2022-044782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACTERKGROUND There is debate on whether cannabis affects road traffic injuries (RTIs) separately from the effects of alcohol. Our goals are to report the possible increase in risk of an RTI among alcohol and cannabis users by type of exposure (biological, self-reported and combined) and the possible interaction of alcohol and cannabis in patients with an RTI in an emergency department in Mexico City. METHODS A case-crossover study with 433 cases of RTI (as a pedestrian, driver or passenger) during the period January-April 2022. A breath sample, an oral sample for cannabis detection and self-reported alcohol and cannabis use 6 hours prior to the RTI and in two control periods were used. We report ORs and 95% CIs from conditional logistic regressions for the case-crossover estimates. RESULTS Alcohol alone increased the risk of an RTI (OR=6.02, 95% CI 3.29 to 10.99) for most RTIs, regardless of whether we used information from self-reports or a breath sample in the hazard period. Conversely, cannabis only increased the RTI when we added information in the hazard period from self-reports or oral samples. Nevertheless, this increase in risk disappeared (OR=2.06, 95% CI 0.90 to 4.70) among those who only used cannabis. We also found no evidence of interaction between alcohol and cannabis in the risk of an RTI. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Mexico and a high-risk factor for RTI in Mexico City. Although cannabis alone was not associated with an RTI, continuous monitoring of its effects is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Borges
- Center of Global Mental Health, National Institute for Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Orozco
- Center of Global Mental Health, National Institute for Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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Stringer RJ. Waiting for the Stop Sign to Turn Green: Contemporary Issues on Drug and Alcohol Impaired Driving Policy. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE : AJCJ 2022; 47:735-748. [PMID: 36407840 PMCID: PMC9648432 DOI: 10.1007/s12103-022-09705-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Impaired driving has been a considerable social problem in the U.S. for decades, but efforts to reduce it have stalled after the initial reductions in the 1980's. As a result, legislators continue to develop more polices aimed at deterring impaired driving. Although alcohol has historically been the focus of these efforts, recently there has been increased concern about marijuana impaired driving policies as well. However, alcohol and marijuana impaired driving differ in many ways. This paper explores the costs and benefits of new zero-tolerance policies such as the reduction of the per-se Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level from .08 to .05 for alcohol and the establishment of similar per-se limits for marijuana. These policies are not based on actual impairment and reflect a net widening effect that will criminalize unimpaired drivers, divert criminal justice resources away from the most problematic impaired drivers, and will have little impact on impaired driving crashes. As such, they have the potential to do more harm than good.
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Trends in Canadian Cannabis Consumption Over Time: A Two-step Meta-analysis of Canadian Household Survey Data. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/cxa.0000000000000154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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Rubin-Kahana DS, Crépault JF, Matheson J, Le Foll B. The impact of cannabis legalization for recreational purposes on youth: A narrative review of the Canadian experience. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:984485. [PMID: 36213917 PMCID: PMC9539831 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.984485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis legalization for non-medical purposes (subsequently referred to as "cannabis legalization" or "legalization") took place in Canada in October 2018. One of the federal government's stated goals with cannabis legalization was to protect Canadian youth from cannabis-related harms. The main objective of this narrative review is to describe the impact of cannabis legalization on Canadian youth. To that end, we discuss the regulation of the Canadian cannabis market, outline changes in the epidemiology and parameters of cannabis use (modes of use, potency of cannabis) among youth, and discuss prevention and education initiatives related to cannabis. The Canadian model differs from other jurisdictions that legalized recreational cannabis use, especially with regard to a higher degree of government regulation of the cannabis market. Another difference is the development and endorsement of lower-risk cannabis use guidelines to educate the public and health professionals. The results available for this review cover only 3 years post-legalization. Cannabis legalization in Canada brought an apparent increase in use among Canadian older than 25. However, results for youth are mixed, with the majority of studies showing no pronounced increase. Notably, the trend of a decrease in adolescents' cannabis use seen pre-legalization may have reversed. Emerging evidence also suggests that cannabis-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among Canadian youth may have increased due to cannabis legalization. Data about changes in the age of initiation, the influence of legalization on sex and gender, and race/ethnicity are limited, with evidence suggesting that the age of initiation slightly increased. So far, there is limited data about the impact of cannabis legalization on Canadian youth. Further long-term monitoring and research to assess the effects of cannabis legalization on Canadian youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafna Sara Rubin-Kahana
- Child and Youth Mental Health Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-François Crépault
- Communications and Partnerships, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Justin Matheson
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Departments of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Waypoint Research Institute, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
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