Is Cannabis Legalization Reducing Psychiatric Drug Use? Study Reveals Interesting Trends In Benzodiazepine, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open explores how cannabis legalization, both medical and recreational, is influencing the prescription of medications for mental health disorders in the U.S. The findings reveal notable shifts in the use of psychotropic medications, particularly benzodiazepines, antidepressants and antipsychotics, with cannabis laws having diverse effects depending on the medication class and the type of cannabis legislation in place.
Examining The Effects Of Cannabis Legalization
The study examined data from over 10 million commercially insured patients between 2007 and 2020, to analyze how medical and recreational cannabis laws, as well as the opening of dispensaries, affected prescription patterns. The research highlights the evolving role of cannabis in mental health treatment, especially as legalization becomes more widespread across the U.S.
Key Findings
Benzodiazepines: In states where medical cannabis laws were enacted, the study found a 12.4% reduction in benzodiazepine prescription fill rates. In states with recreational cannabis laws, the reduction was even higher …