Medical Cannabis Legalization: No Contribution to Rising Stimulant Rates in the USA

This study aimed to determine if MC legalization increased prescription stimulant distribution. Methods Information on the distribution of methylphenidate, amphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine for 2006 to 2021 was extracted from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s comprehensive database and the three-year population-corrected slopes of stimulant distribution before and after MC program implementation were compared. Results We found a significant main effect of time (p<0.001); however, contrary to the hypothesis, the sales status of states’ MC, did not influence slopes of distribution (p=0.391). There was a significantly large interaction effect of time and MC sales status on slopes of distribution (p<0.001). Slopes of distribution rates of stimulants were significantly lower in states that proceeded to legalize MC prior to MC program implementation than those states that did not (p=0.022). After MC program implementation, however, the distribution rates of the Schedule II stimulants were not significantly different when comparing states with MC sales to those without (p=0.355). Discussion These findings suggest that MC program legalization did not contribute to certain states having rapid increases in Schedule II stimulant distribution rates over time. Other factors, including the li...
Source: Pharmacopsychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Original Paper Source Type: research