Cannabis and Mental Health: A New Study Shakes Up Prescription Trends

Cannabis Laws and Mental Health Medication Use: Key Findings from a Recent Study

As cannabis legalization becomes more widespread, the conversation around its potential impact on mental health continues to evolve. A new study published in JAMA Network Open explores the intriguing relationship between cannabis access and the use of traditional psychotropic medications. This podcast breaks down the study’s key findings and their broader implications.

Study Overview

This cross-sectional study focused on 10 million commercially insured U.S. patients, examining the effects of medical and recreational cannabis laws on the use of psychotropic medications such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, barbiturates, and sleep medications. Researchers utilized a sophisticated method called "synthetic control" to isolate the effects of cannabis laws, offering a clearer picture of how these policies influence prescription trends.

Key Takeaways

• Reduction in Benzodiazepine Use: Access to both medical and recreational cannabis was associated with a significant reduction in the use of benzodiazepines. Medical cannabis laws led to a 12.4% reduction in the prescription fill rate, while recreational cannabis laws resulted in a 15.2% decrease. These numbers suggest a potential shift in how patients manage anxiety and related conditions.

• Impact on Antidepressants and Antipsychotics: Interestingly, while cannabis access correlated with reduced benzodiazepine use, the study found an increase in the use of other psychotropic medications. Specifically:

  • Medical cannabis laws were associated with a 3.8% increase in antidepressant prescriptions.

  • The opening of medical dispensaries led to an 8.8% rise in antidepressant fills.

  • A 2.5% increase in antipsychotic prescriptions was observed following the enactment of medical cannabis laws and dispensary openings.

• Heterogeneity by State and Drug Class: The study noted considerable variability in the results across different states and medication types, highlighting the complexity of how cannabis laws impact mental health treatment on a regional level.

Why This Matters