As study after study continues to reveal the dangers of cannabis use, an important question to ask is whether or not cannabis dependence increases mortality rates.

Does cannabis kill?

Here is what we know:

• People with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) have died at three times the rate of people without CUD in hospitals and emergency rooms over the last five years.
• Three in ten cannabis users will eventually develop CUD.
• Long-term heavy marijuana use contributes to health risks which will increase mortality.

Cannabis Use Disorder has been shown to have very real public health and safety implications, depending on the context and severity of use.

Let’s look at the risks cannabis use causes which increases mortality rates.

Marijuana use can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which will elevate your risk of heart attacks or strokes, especially if you have a preexisting heart condition.

Some studies suggest a possible link between cannabis use and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, especially in younger users.

Smoking marijuana can lead to lung irritation, chronic bronchitis, respiratory problems and pulmonary complications.

Frequent cannabis use can weaken your immune system, increasing your vulnerability to infections.

Marijuana use can impair your coordination, judgment, and reaction time. CUD can lead to impaired cognitive function and motor coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents, including fatal car crashes.

Studies have shown a higher rate of motor vehicle accidents among cannabis users, particularly when driving under the influence.

People with CUD are more likely to die from lung cancer, drug poisonings, and trauma than the general population.

The higher likelihood of crashes makes this a public safety concern.

Heavy marijuana use (especially in young people) can contribute to psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and psychosis in vulnerable people, which can affect health outcomes.

Many cases of psychosis and schizophrenia have been linked to CUD since marijuana has become legal.

Some research suggests a correlation between heavy cannabis use and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In fact, people with CUD are ten times more likely to commit suicide than people without CUD.

If this becomes widespread, CUD could contribute to higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide in the population.

Many people with CUD also use other substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, which contributes to increased health risks, long-term health complications, and mortality.

Increased rates of CUD can lead to higher healthcare costs due to mental health treatment, addiction services, and emergency care for accidents.

Marijuana has become as much of a public threat as alcohol.

Impairment from cannabis can affect workplace performance, especially in jobs requiring focus, precision, or safety measures like operating machinery, healthcare, and law enforcement. Some industries have raised concerns about cannabis use leading to workplace accidents and reduced efficiency.

Heavy cannabis use during adolescence has been linked to cognitive impairments, memory issues, and a higher risk of developing CUD.

If cannabis use increases among young people, it could have long-term societal effects on education and workforce readiness.

At Sanctuary Clinics, we have been sounding the alarm about these risks for years, and all our predictions are now coming to pass.

We stand on the precipice of a cannabis epidemic poised surpass the opioid epidemic in severity.

More research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences of heavy and chronic cannabis use.

Simply put, the public needs to be educated about the risks, the cannabis industry needs to be regulated, and there needs to be better access to treatment.

If you’re concerned about your dependence or health risks, or if your cannabis use is causing you distress or impairing your daily life, please consult with a treatment program such as Sanctuary Clinics.

Don’t be afraid to talk with your health care provider openly and honestly about your cannabis use. Please get help before it’s too late.