New research from Monash University shows cannabis-related hospital admissions have risen sharply across Victoria over the past decade, highlighting growing concerns about cannabis-related psychosis and the burden on the state’s hospitals.
The observational study, published in Addiction, found hospital admissions primarily caused by cannabis increased by 49 per cent across Victoria between 2013 and 2023.
Psychotic disorders, commonly understood as psychosis, which can cause people to lose touch with reality, including through hallucinations and delusions, were the most common primary diagnosis, accounting for 40 per cent of admissions.
A further 15.2 per cent of admissions were the result of harmful cannabis use, 11.6 per cent due to poisonings and 11.6 per cent due to withdrawals.
Men and boys aged 15 to 24 continued to record the highest overall hospital admission rates, followed by women and girls of the same age.
Admissions among women and girls of all ages increased by 75 per cent over the decade, more than double the 35 per cent rise recorded among men.
Researchers analysed almost 40,000 cannabis-related hospital admissions across Victorian public and private hospitals over the 10-year period, drawing data from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED).
More than two-thirds of all cannabis-related admissions involved hospital stays of multiple days, with a median stay of seven days. Over 1,500 admissions required intensive care.
Lead author Myfanwy Graham, from the Monash Addiction Research Centre, said the findings highlight a growing strain on the healthcare system.
“We're seeing more people admitted to hospital with cannabis-related health problems, particularly severe mental health harms, such as psychosis,” Ms Graham said.
“Unlike emergency department visits, hospital admissions generally involve more serious or complex cases where patients need additional treatment or monitoring.
“The significant rise in hospitalisations among women and girls is particularly concerning, and highlights the urgent need for targeted, public health campaigns and earlier intervention strategies.”
Hospital admission rates peaked during 2020 and 2021, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, mental health distress, and domestic cannabis supply.
The researchers noted the study provides critical population level insights substantiating clinician and peak health body concerns about increased cannabis-related psychosis.
“The study findings provide essential evidence to inform clinical and policy responses. It also highlights an urgent need for research investment in real-time safety trend monitoring and to embed tailored risk detection tools in clinical workflows,” Ms Graham said.
Read the research paper: https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70601
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