Legalized cannabis linked to decrease in anti-anxiety prescriptions
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open revealed a fascinating connection between the legalization of marijuana and a decrease in anti-anxiety prescriptions in states where both medical and recreational cannabis are legal. The study, conducted by applied policy researchers focusing on risky behaviors and substance use in the U.S., aimed to investigate how the availability of medical and recreational marijuana, as well as the opening of marijuana dispensaries, impacted the frequency of patients filling prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications, particularly among those with private medical insurance.
The study examined various types of medications used to treat anxiety, including benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, barbiturates, and sleep medications. The researchers found a consistent association between increased access to marijuana and a reduction in benzodiazepine prescriptions being filled. This reduction was determined by analyzing the rate at which individual patients filled prescriptions in a state, the average days of supply per prescription fill, and the average number of prescription fills per patient.
The significance of this finding lies in the fact that a substantial portion of the U.S. adult population suffers from diagnosable mental health disorders, yet a large proportion does not receive treatment. The introduction of marijuana as an alternative treatment option to traditional prescription medications can potentially offer easier access to some patients. Medical cannabis laws in many states already allow individuals with mental health disorders like PTSD to use cannabis for medical purposes, while recreational legalization expands access to all adults.
The implications of this study extend to insurance systems, prescribers, policymakers, and patients. Benzodiazepine use, much like opioid use, can pose risks to patients, especially when used in combination. Given the documented dangers of concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines, which contributed to a significant portion of opioid overdose deaths in 2020, the findings of this study provide insights into the potential substitution of marijuana for medications with a higher risk of misuse.
However, it is important to note that the research does not definitively establish whether the change in prescription patterns translates to improved patient outcomes. There is emerging evidence suggesting that marijuana may be an effective treatment for anxiety, potentially offering a safer alternative to benzodiazepines with fewer negative side effects.
Moreover, while the study observed a slight increase in antipsychotic and antidepressant prescriptions in correlation with marijuana access, it remains unclear whether recreational marijuana access leads to higher rates of psychotic disorders and depression. The variations in state marijuana laws and their effects on prescription patterns highlight the importance of tailoring policies to achieve specific goals.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the impact of marijuana legalization on the prescription patterns of anti-anxiety medications, emphasizing the potential benefits and risks associated with alternative treatment options. More research is needed to understand the long-term implications of substituting marijuana for traditional medications and to determine the effectiveness of marijuana in treating anxiety compared to existing pharmaceuticals.