Victoria: Cannabis hospital admissions surge over past decade at ‘concerning’ rate
Cannabis-related hospitalisations, including psychotic disorders, have surged in one state, with a particular spike among women and girls.
Hospitalisations linked to cannabis use have surged over the past decade in one state, driven in large part by psychotic disorder diagnoses.
In the decade leading up to 2023, Victorian hospital admissions primarily caused by cannabis use increased by 49 per cent.
The findings come from a Monash University study published in the medical journal Addiction, based on 40,000 admissions to public and private hospitals.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Psychotic disorders, which can cause people to hallucinate or otherwise lose touch with reality, were the main primary diagnosis.
They represented 40 per cent of admissions, added to 15.2 per cent for harmful cannabis use and 11.6 for withdrawals.
While young men continue to record the highest overall admission rates, the increase among women and girls was almost twice as great.
Admissions among women and girls increased by 75 per cent over the decade, compared to 35 per cent among men.
The study did not probe the divergence, but did point to data suggesting cannabis use was on the rise among women over the period.
“The significant rise in hospitalisations among women and girls is particularly concerning,” lead author Myfanwy Graham said.
Hospital admissions are generally more serious than emergency department visits, typically involving stays of multiple days.
More than 1500 admissions required intensive care, while the median stay was one week.
Ms Graham said the findings show cannabis-related admissions are putting increased strain on the healthcare system.
“(The study) highlights the urgent need for targeted, public health campaigns and earlier intervention strategies,” she said.
Cannabis use has been increasing across Australia over the decade period, driven by both illicit sales and medicinal use.
The surge was not linear, with peaks recorded in 2017/18 and, most notably, in 2020/21, coinciding with the COVID lockdowns.
“The impacts of the extensive lockdown periods on mental health, income loss and social isolation could have influenced both substance use and healthcare system utilisation during this period,” the study reads.
The study draws from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Data Set, compiled by the state health department based on reports from hospitals.
