Psychosis behind rise in cannabis
New research from Monash University indicates that cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria have risen significantly over the last decade, with psychosis being the primary diagnosis. The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic and increased mental health distress contributed to this trend.
Why it matters
The findings raise public health concerns regarding the long-term mental health impacts of cannabis use and the strain on hospital resources.
The information provided in this piece does not represent the views of the TGA or Expert Working Group.
Cannabis-related hospital admissions in Victoria rose by almost half in a decade, with psychosis the leading cause, new Monash University research has found.
The study analysed 39,565 cannabis-related admissions between July 2013 and June 2023, with psychotic disorders accounting for 4 in 10 admissions where cannabis was the main diagnosis. Admissions involving any cannabis diagnosis also rose by 50.4%.
Nationally, cannabis is now among the top five illicit drug classes for hospitalisations, with cannabis-related hospital admissions exceeding those for illicit opioids .
Lead author Myfanwy Graham – NHMRC Postgraduate Scholar, Monash University, Fulbright Alumna in Public Health Policy, and appointed member of the TGA’s Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group – said the findings ‘provide critical population-level insights that substantiate pharmacist, clinician and peak professional body concerns about increased cannabis-related psychosis’.
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