Cannabis hospital admissions surge 49 per cent in Victoria

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 11 Oct, 23:54 · Archive

Hospital admissions linked to cannabis use in Victoria increased by 49 per cent over the past decade to 2023, according to a Monash University study based on 40,000 admissions to public and private hospitals. The findings were published in the medical journal Addiction.

Psychotic disorders, which can cause hallucinations and loss of touch with reality, were the main primary diagnosis, representing 40 per cent of admissions. Harmful cannabis use accounted for 15.2 per cent and withdrawal symptoms for 11.6 per cent. Young men continue to record the highest overall admission rates, but admissions among women and girls increased by 75 per cent over the decade, compared to 35 per cent among men. The study did not investigate the reason for this divergence, though it noted data suggesting cannabis use was rising among women over the period.

More than 1,500 admissions required intensive care, with the median hospital stay being one week. Lead author Myfanwy Graham described the rise in hospitalisations among women and girls as 'particularly concerning' and said the findings show cannabis-related admissions are putting increased strain on the healthcare system. She called for 'targeted, public health campaigns and earlier intervention strategies'. Cannabis use across Australia has been increasing over the period, driven by both illicit sales and medicinal use, with notable peaks in 2017/18 and 2020/21.

How it is being reported

• Cannabis psychosis hospital visits skyrocket by 49 per cent in VictoriaRates of an alarming cannabis side-effect have skyrocketed in one Aussie state, giving researchers cause for concern.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 00:24
• Cannabis psychosis hospital visits skyrocket by 49 per cent in VictoriaRates of an alarming cannabis side-effect have skyrocketed in one Aussie state, giving researchers cause for concern.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 00:23
• 'Concerning' surge in cannabis hospital admissionsCannabis-related hospitalisations, including psychotic disorders, have surged in one state, with a particular spike among women and girls.The West Australian · 11 Oct, 23:44
• 'Concerning' surge in cannabis hospital admissionsCannabis-related hospitalisations, including psychotic disorders, have surged in one state, with a particular spike among women and girls.Perth Now · 11 Oct, 23:43

In this story: Victoria · Monash University · Myfanwy Graham · Australia

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