Over the last few decades most of the western world was taught to view cannabis (marijuana) as a harmful drug rather than a natural healing plant. Now that many are beginning to use this medicinal plant for a variety of health conditions, some will be concerned there may be negative health consequences and costs associated with that use.
This study was performed to assess the cross-sectional association between frequency of marijuana use, healthcare utilization and health status. The authors looked at emergency room visits, hospital visits, comorbidity (2 or more chronic diseases in a person) and health status. Frequency of marijuana use was the main independent variable.
The conclusion stated that they were unable to detect an association between frequency of marijuana use and health, emergency department use, or hospital utilization.
Using marijuana for its known medicinal benefits should not increase health care usage or costs.
