The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard: A New Era in Monitoring Cannabis Use

BALTIMORE – In a significant move to monitor the health impacts of cannabis use, the Maryland Department of Health has unveiled a comprehensive dashboard that tracks cannabis trends following the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state.

A Look Back at Legalization

Maryland legalized recreational cannabis usage in July 2023, and the initial response was overwhelming, with industry sales exceeding $4.5 million on the very first day. This landmark decision marked a pivotal change in how cannabis is viewed and regulated, leading to an increased focus on public health considerations.

Features of the Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard

The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard offers a variety of visualizations that help users understand the trends and implications of cannabis use before and after legalization. Key features of the dashboard include:

• Emergency department visits
• Patterns of youth and adult cannabis use
• Calls made to Maryland and D.C. poison centers
• Utilization of substance use services

Understanding Health Impacts

Deputy Secretary for Public Health, Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, emphasized the importance of monitoring the public health impacts of adult-use cannabis legalization. “By tracking key indicators, we can create programs and resources aimed at preventing youth cannabis use, promoting safe storage of products to prevent accidental poisonings, and ensuring that existing services effectively support Marylanders facing adverse effects from cannabis use,” he stated.

The dashboard enables users to analyze data across various demographics, including age, race, ethnicity, and gender, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of cannabis use trends among different subpopulations.

Encouraging Trends in Youth Cannabis Use

Interestingly, data from the 2022-23 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Study indicates that youth cannabis use has been on a decline since before the legalization of adult-use cannabis. The same data suggests a small rise in cannabis use among adults, increasing from 9% in 2021 to 11.7% in 2022.

Dr. Deondra Asike, Chairperson of the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, echoed the importance of data collection for informing policy decisions and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. “This dashboard will help to identify health disparities, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive appropriate attention,” she added.

The Rise in Emergency Room Visits

Despite the positive trends, the dashboard has also reported concerning data. There has been a staggering 44% increase in emergency room visits related to cannabis use among adults aged 20 to 29. Additionally, calls to poison centers have seen a dramatic rise, particularly among younger demographics. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of calls from children aged nine and younger nearly doubled, and those from ages 10 to 14 tripled.

Addressing these issues is crucial as public health officials aim to balance the benefits of legalization with the need for responsible usage and safety measures.

Accessing the Dashboard

For those interested in exploring the data and insights provided, the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard is available HERE.

Conclusion

The launch of the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard marks a significant step in understanding the impacts of cannabis legalization on public health. With ongoing analysis and reporting, Maryland aims to enhance public safety, address potential health risks, and promote responsible use within the community.