Research results show that traffic fatalities increase by an average of 10% in areas where recreational cannabis is legalized
In recent years, the number of countries and regions where recreational cannabis is being lifted has increased, and in the United States, recreational cannabis has been legalized in 22 states, three overseas territories, and
The impact of recreational cannabis markets on motor vehicle accident, suicide, and opioid overdose fatalities - ScienceDirect
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115680
Legal cannabis markets linked to increased motor vehicle deaths | School of Public Health | University of Illinois Chicago
https://publichealth.uic.edu/news-stories/legal-cannabis-markets-linked-to-increased-motor-vehicle-deaths/
Cannabis is said to be less addictive and less harmful to the body than other controlled substances, but it has hallucinogenic effects and has a significant impact on human cognition. Therefore, there are concerns that driving a car while taking cannabis increases the risk of traffic accidents.
Samantha Marinello , Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, said, 'Previous studies have shown that marijuana reduces driving ability, and among regular marijuana users, highs. We've also found that driving in a car is fairly common.' Therefore, Marinello et al.'s research team analyzed whether the legalization of recreational cannabis is related to car accidents, suicide, and overdose of opioids (sedatives).
The research team collected death certificates filed between 2009 and 2019 in Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, where recreational cannabis is already legal. Did.
Additionally, compared to states with recreational marijuana legalization, there was no recreational marijuana market but a comprehensive medical marijuana program, and deaths before recreational marijuana was legalized in those states States with similar trends in rates were selected. We analyzed how death rates from car accidents, suicide, and opioid overdose changed before and after recreational cannabis was legalized in the seven states covered.
As a result of the analysis, it was found that in states where recreational cannabis was legalized, the number of traffic fatalities increased by 16% in Colorado, 22% in Oregon, 20% in Alaska, and 14% in California. I was. The research team also reported that the legalization of recreational cannabis increased traffic fatalities by an average of 10% in seven states.
The research team said, ``These results indicate that an unintended consequence of the recreational cannabis market may be an increase in driving while addicted to cannabis and road deaths. 'It suggests a potential need for policies focused on reduction.'
No evidence was found that recreational cannabis legalization affected suicide rates, and an average 11% reduction in opioid overdose was found. 'This study provides evidence of both the potential benefits and harms that policymakers should consider when legalizing the recreational cannabis market,' Marinello said.
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