Suspected suicidal cannabis exposures reported to US poison centers increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period from 2009 to 2021.
What the researchers found
Researchers analyzed data from US poison centers spanning 2009 through 2021 to examine trends in cannabis exposures suspected to involve suicidal intent. They compared patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The analysis found that suspected suicidal cannabis exposures increased during the pandemic period. This trend occurred against the backdrop of both a broader mental health crisis during COVID-19 and increasing cannabis availability due to legalization.
The findings highlight cannabis as an increasingly relevant substance in the context of self-harm, even though cannabis alone is generally not considered lethal. The exposures may reflect intentional self-poisoning attempts involving cannabis products, particularly edibles.
Why it matters
While cannabis is rarely fatal on its own, its inclusion in self-harm attempts signals growing intersection between cannabis availability and mental health crises. The pandemic-era increase may reflect both worsening mental health and greater access to cannabis products, particularly concentrated edibles.
The numbers in context
Data spanned 2009-2021 from US poison centers. Suspected suicidal cannabis exposures increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period.
How the study worked
This was a cross-sectional study using data from the National Poison Data System, which collects reports from all US poison centers. Researchers identified cannabis exposures coded as suspected suicidal intent from 2009 through 2021 and compared pre-pandemic and pandemic-era trends.
What this study cannot tell us
Poison center data relies on voluntarily reported exposures and likely underrepresents true incidence. Suicidal intent was suspected rather than confirmed. Cannabis was often co-ingested with other substances, making it difficult to isolate cannabis-specific effects. Increased reporting could partly reflect growing awareness rather than a true increase in events.
How to read the evidence
A cross-sectional analysis of national poison center data providing trend-level evidence with inherent limitations in exposure coding and reporting completeness.
The bigger picture
This study adds a new dimension to conversations about cannabis safety by connecting cannabis exposure trends with the mental health crisis accelerated by COVID-19. It suggests that public health messaging about cannabis should consider the substance's role in self-harm contexts, not just accidental or recreational exposures.
Common questions
Can cannabis be used to attempt suicide?
Did COVID cause the increase in suicidal cannabis exposures?
Read the original research
Suspected Suicidal Cannabis Exposures Reported to US Poison Centers, 2009-2021.
JAMA network open, 6(4), e239044
Citation
Graves, Janessa M; Dilley, Julia A; Klein, Tracy; Liebelt, Erica. (2023). Suspected Suicidal Cannabis Exposures Reported to US Poison Centers, 2009-2021.. JAMA network open, 6(4), e239044. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.9044