TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2024//
TI  - Cannabis legalization and hospitalizations in Alberta: interrupted time series analysis by age and sex
JO  - Journal of addictive diseases
A1  - Kim, Chungah
A1  - Bai, Yihong
A1  - Allin, Sara
A1  - Kirst, Maritt
A1  - O'Campo, Patricia
A1  - Ienciu, Kristine
A1  - Xia, Xiaoyang
A1  - Macmaster, Frank
A1  - Rittenbach, Katherine
A1  - Chum, Antony
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1055-0887
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2024.2355370
ID  - ref1
ER  -