Cannabis hospitalisations up 49% in a decade, new study shows
A ten-year study in Victoria, Australia, reveals a 49% increase in cannabis-related hospitalizations, with psychosis being the primary driver. The data shows that while young men remain the largest group, the sharpest increases were observed in younger women and adults over 65.
Why it matters
The findings highlight significant public health concerns regarding the mental health impacts of cannabis use and the need for better clinical awareness.
Kampus Production/Pexels Cannabis hospitalisations up 49% in a decade, new study shows Published: October 12, 2026 7.59pm BST https://theconversation.com/cannabis-hospitalisations-up-49-in-a-decade-new-study-shows-292365 https://theconversation.com/cannabis-hospitalisations-up-49-in-a-decade-new-study-shows-292365 Link copied Share article Share article
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Doctors have raised growing concerns about rising rates of cannabis-related psychosis .
Our new ten-year study shows those concerns are well founded.
We looked at almost 40,000 cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria between 2013 and 2023. Over that time, cases where cannabis was the main reason someone ended up in hospital increased by 49%.
Psychotic disorder (commonly called psychosis) was the leading cause.
We examined hospital records for 39,565 cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria over the ten-year period.
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