Cannabis as the main reason for hospital trips up 49% in Victoria
Cannabis-related psychosis made up 40.1% of cases, and 68% of patients stayed in hospital over 24 hours.
Researchers checked hospital records for 39,565 cannabis-related admissions in Victoria from 2013 to 2023. Cases where cannabis was the main reason for admission rose by 49% over that time.
Cannabis-related psychosis, a serious mental health condition, was the main driver, making up 40.1% of those cases. Admissions peaked in 2020 and 2021, during the COVID pandemic.
Most patients (68%) stayed in hospital for longer than 24 hours. More than 1,500 people needed admission to intensive care (ICU).
The largest rise was in younger women and adults aged 65 and older. Males aged 15 to 24 still make up the largest group admitted overall.
Higher-strength cannabis, which has more THC (the part that causes a high), is likely to play a role.
- 49% from 2013 to 2023
- Rise in cannabis-main admissions
- 40.1%
- Psychosis share of cases
- More than 1,500
- Admitted to intensive care
Why it mattersKnowing who is most at risk can help health services target prevention and better screening before prescribing.
AustraliaThe data is from Victoria, but some studies suggest other states have higher cannabis use.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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