@article{ref1,
title="Cannabis legalization and hospitalizations in Alberta: interrupted time series analysis by age and sex",
journal="Journal of addictive diseases",
year="2024",
author="Kim, Chungah and Bai, Yihong and Allin, Sara and Kirst, Maritt and O'Campo, Patricia and Ienciu, Kristine and Xia, Xiaoyang and Macmaster, Frank and Rittenbach, Katherine and Chum, Antony",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: Recent research has focused on the effects of legalization on cannabis-related emergency department visits, but the considerable healthcare costs of cannabis-related hospitalizations merit attention. We will examine the association between recreational cannabis legalization and cannabis-related hospitalizations. <br><br>METHODS: A cohort of 3,493,864 adults from Alberta was examined (October 2015-May 2021) over three periods: pre-legalization, post-legalization of flowers and herbs (phase one), and post-legalization of edibles, extracts, and topicals (phase two). Interrupted time series analyses were used to detect changes. <br><br>RESULTS: The study found an increase in hospitalization rates among younger adults (18-24) before legalization, yet no increased risk was associated with cannabis legalization, for either younger (18-24) or older adults (25+). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk in younger groups and may benefit from early identification and intervention strategies, including screening and brief interventions in primary care settings.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1055-0887",
doi="10.1080/10550887.2024.2355370",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2024.2355370"
}