Marijuana deaths
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Marijuana-Related Deaths: An Overview
Introduction to Marijuana-Related Mortality
Marijuana, the most widely used illicit drug globally, has been associated with various health outcomes, including mortality. While direct deaths from marijuana toxicity are rare, indirect causes such as traumatic injuries and cardiovascular complications are more prevalent. This article synthesizes research findings on marijuana-related deaths, focusing on different contexts and mechanisms.
Direct Marijuana Toxicity and Mortality
Rare Incidences of Direct Toxicity
Research indicates that deaths solely due to marijuana toxicity are extremely rare. A study in England found that only 4% of deaths with detected cannabinoids were due to cannabis alone, with traumatic injury being the most common cause2. Similarly, an Australian study reported no deaths solely attributed to cannabis toxicity, with accidental injuries and polysubstance toxicity being more common causes3.
Case Study: Edible Marijuana and Fatality
A notable case in Colorado involved a 19-year-old man who died after consuming an edible marijuana product. The autopsy revealed marijuana intoxication as a chief contributing factor, with no evidence of other substances1. This case underscores the potential risks associated with high doses of THC, especially in inexperienced users.
Indirect Causes of Marijuana-Related Deaths
Traumatic Injuries and Accidents
Traumatic injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, are a significant cause of marijuana-related deaths. In Australia, accidental injuries accounted for 29.9% of cannabis-related deaths, with motor vehicle accidents being the leading cause3. Similarly, in England, traumatic injuries were prevalent among deaths where cannabinoids were detected2.
Cardiovascular Complications
Marijuana use has been linked to cardiovascular issues, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden cardiac death. A systematic review identified several cases of AMI following marijuana use, with some resulting in fatalities7. Another case report highlighted a sudden death due to acute coronary syndrome in a young cannabis user, with autopsy findings suggesting cannabis-induced sympathetic stimulation as a contributing factor10.
Marijuana Legalization and Mortality Trends
Impact on Traffic Fatalities
Interestingly, the legalization of medical marijuana has been associated with a decrease in traffic fatalities. A study found an 8-11% reduction in traffic fatalities in states that legalized medical marijuana, suggesting that marijuana may substitute for alcohol, leading to fewer alcohol-related accidents4.
Opioid-Related Deaths
The relationship between marijuana legalization and opioid-related deaths is complex. Some studies suggest that medical marijuana laws reduce opioid overdose deaths by providing an alternative for pain management8. However, other research indicates that the availability of marijuana through dispensaries may be associated with higher opioid mortality, possibly due to the increased risk of illicit fentanyl use6.
Conclusion
While direct deaths from marijuana toxicity are rare, indirect causes such as traumatic injuries and cardiovascular complications are more common. The legalization of marijuana has shown mixed effects on mortality trends, with potential benefits in reducing traffic fatalities and opioid-related deaths, but also risks associated with increased availability and use. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of marijuana use and legalization on public health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Death Following Ingestion of an Edible Marijuana Product — Colorado, March 2014
Edible marijuana products should be used cautiously and with caution, as they may cause death without evidence of polysubstance use.
Case ReportCan cannabis kill? Characteristics of deaths following cannabis use in England (1998–2020)
Cannabis toxicity is a minor cause of death in England, but it can be fatal in situations involving traumatic physical injury or cardiac pathophysiologies.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalRates, characteristics and manner of cannabis-related deaths in Australia 2000-2018.
Cannabis-related deaths in Australia from 2000-2018 were predominantly due to accidental injury, with no deaths solely due to cannabis toxicity.
Observational StudyMedical Marijuana Laws, Traffic Fatalities, and Alcohol Consumption
Legalizing medical marijuana leads to an 8-11% decrease in traffic fatalities, with a larger impact on alcohol-related fatalities, suggesting marijuana and alcohol may be substitutes.
Observational Study
Highly CitedMarijuana use and mortality.
Marijuana use has little effect on non-AIDS mortality in men and total mortality in women, but may increase AIDS mortality in men due to uncontrolled confounding by male homosexual behavior.
Observational StudyHighly CitedMarijuana legalization and opioid deaths.
Legal medical marijuana, particularly through retail dispensaries, is associated with higher opioid mortality rates, likely due to the emergence of illicit fentanyl.
Observational StudyMarijuana use and acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review of published cases in the literature.
Episodic marijuana use is a significant risk factor for acute myocardial infarction, particularly in individuals with no cardiac risk factors, and delay in management can result in fatal outcomes.
Systematic ReviewDo Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Addictions and Deaths Related to Pain Killers?
Medical marijuana laws reduce opioid addiction and overdose deaths by allowing for broader access to dispensaries, facilitating substitution of marijuana for powerful and addictive opioids.
Highly CitedRETRACTED: Effect of marijuana use on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality: A study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey linked mortality file
Marijuana use may increase the risk of hypertension mortality, with increased duration of use being associated with increased risk of death from hypertension.
Observational StudyCardiac sudden death in a young cannabis user.
Young cannabis users may experience sudden cardiac death due to atherosclerotic plaque occlusion, highlighting the need for caution in legalizing marijuana.
Case Report