A new analysis of over two decades’ worth of national data shows that suicide rates among older adults have declined in states with recreational marijuana dispensaries. The researchers found that states which legalized cannabis saw a “modest but statistically significant decline” in the suicide rate among adults aged 65 and older.
Researchers from the Department of Public Health Economics examined suicide statistics for each state in America between 2000 and 2012. They wanted to know if easier access to cannabis, such as through retail outlets licensed by the state, could have a measurable impact on mental health. This is what their working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research shows.
According to the study, in states with recreational cannabis dispensaries operating, adult suicide rates aged 45+ have decreased. It was most pronounced among men who, in the past, had higher suicide rates. They are also more likely to take cannabis for chronic pain management, which increases suicide risk.
It is no surprise that the older adult population is turning more to cannabis for its therapeutic properties, given that they are more likely to suffer from chronic pain or have other physical or mental health concerns.
Researchers did not find a similar pattern in younger adults or those states which have legalized recreational marijuana but are yet to open retail stores. This distinction suggests, say the researchers, that access to marijuana rather than state-level legalization alone may have a greater impact.
The suicide rate of older people has decreased since the recreational marijuana shops opened.
The researchers found no evidence to support the claim of opponents that increased cannabis availability would lead to more suicides. They also did not see any correlation between legalization and an increase in marijuana use or worsening mental trends among youth.
They also discuss the factors that contribute to suicide, and how cannabis can be used therapeutically in order to address these factors. The authors wrote that “the focus on pain is an under-recognized cause of suicide in the literature, and adds a important dimension to policy discussions.”
This study is also published at a moment when the suicide rate in America remains near its historic peak, particularly among older and middle-aged adults. Although the decrease associated with openings of dispensaries is modest, authors believe that any improvement deserves attention.
It was written without peer review by Dr. Sara Markowitz, Emory University. Katie E. Leinenbach is from Demand Side Analytics.
These results indicate that legalizing recreational marijuana could have some benefits.
These findings are part of a growing literature that examines the impact of legalizing marijuana on public health. They provide evidence to suggest that the opening of recreational dispensaries could play a significant role in the reduction of suicides, in particular among vulnerable groups, of older adults.
To account for variables aside from state marijuana legalization, the authors also explored—and dismissed—other potential causes. They wrote that their models took into account “the real beer and cigarette taxes, as well as three opioid-centric policy measures: pill mill laws, initial prescription limitations, and prescription drug monitoring program.”
As more research on the legalization of cannabis and older adults is conducted, this study was conceived.
Scientists found earlier this year that cannabis users “perform better across multiple cognitive domains” according to a large-scale U.S. government funded study. The effects of marijuana on cognition were “presented simultaneously across a variety of brain systems,” and the data was collected from 37,929 UK participants aged 44 to 81. The team found that cannabis consumers consistently outperformed non-users on a range of cognitive tests—suggesting that marijuana use may be linked to brain network patterns typically observed in younger individuals.
The new study follows a 44-year study that evaluated more than 5,000 males. Researchers found “no harmful effects” of cannabis on cognitive decline with age. According to the report, men who have a past of cannabis usage show less cognitive decline in their midlife years compared with those who do not.
Max Jackson is the photographer.