Overview

• A study published in May 2025 found a 20% increase in cannabis-related hospital visits in Arizona between 2016 and 2021.
• One-quarter of these visits involved a primary mental health diagnosis, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or psychotic disorders, compared to 3% of non-cannabis-related visits.
• Older adults aged 65 and up experienced the largest increase in cannabis-related hospitalizations and mental health diagnoses during the study period.
• Researchers suggest that sustained medical cannabis legalization, higher potency products, and self-medication may be contributing factors to these trends.
• The study calls for enhanced public education on the risks of cannabis use, particularly for mental health, as evidence for its therapeutic benefits remains limited.