The Maryland Department of Health has introduced a new tool to better track and understand the public health impacts of cannabis use in the state. Named the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard, the tool offers a visual representation of cannabis-related trends and metrics, aiming to present a clear picture of health patterns before and after the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Maryland.
The dashboard provides comprehensive data on various health indicators, including emergency room visits, cannabis use across different age groups, calls to poison centers, and utilization of substance use treatment services. Each of these data points is available at a jurisdictional level, allowing users to view trends by demographics such as age, race, ethnicity, and gender.
“Essential to Monitor Health Impacts”
Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, the Deputy Secretary for Public Health, emphasized the importance of tracking cannabis use in Maryland following its legalization on July 1, 2023. “Monitoring the public health impacts of adult-use cannabis legalization, which took place just over a year ago, is essential,” Dr. Kalyanaraman stated. “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.”
As cannabis usage increases, the Maryland Department of Health aims to use the dashboard to better prepare for and respond to shifts in public health. This proactive approach aims to not only ensure efficient allocation of resources but also to strengthen prevention efforts and create targeted responses to emerging health trends.
Growing Health Concerns Amid Increased Use
While cannabis usage among youth in Maryland had declined before the legalization of adult-use cannabis, recent surveys show an uptick in adult usage rates. Data from the Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey reflect this shift, noting a slight increase in adult cannabis use from 9.0 percent in 2021 to 11.7 percent in 2022.
Emergency room data further underscores a rising trend in health impacts associated with cannabis use. According to the dashboard, emergency department visits related to cannabis use—measured through chief complaints and discharge diagnoses—have surged, particularly among those aged 20 to 29. The state reported an increase of nearly 44 percent in cannabis-related emergency visits from 2022 to 2023.
Additionally, poison center calls reveal a concerning trend, particularly among younger Maryland residents. Between 2021 and 2023, calls to poison centers from Maryland nearly doubled for children aged nine and younger, tripled for those aged 10 to 14, and increased by over 26 percent for youths aged 15 to 19. This data suggests that accidental exposures and cannabis-related incidents are on the rise, further reinforcing the need for preventive measures and educational campaigns.
Guiding Policy with Data-Driven Decisions
The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard is designed to inform public policy, enabling state officials to make data-driven decisions and assess the effectiveness of public health initiatives. Dr. Deondra Asike, Chairperson of the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, highlighted the role of data in supporting targeted health strategies and addressing disparities in cannabis impacts across the state.
“Collecting and sharing data on a platform like the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard informs evidence-based policy decisions, ensures efficient resource allocation, and aids in the evaluation of public health interventions,” said Dr. Asike. “Furthermore, this dashboard will help to identify health disparities ensuring that vulnerable populations receive appropriate attention. As public health practitioners, we must strive to safeguard and protect community health and well-being.”
Beyond offering insights into health trends, the dashboard allows officials and healthcare providers to address health disparities and tailor resources to groups most affected by cannabis-related issues. The Department of Health has committed to expanding the dashboard by incorporating additional metrics to provide a more comprehensive view of public health trends related to cannabis use.
Complementary Efforts and Public Campaigns
The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard operates in conjunction with the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Data Dashboard, which offers residents additional insights into the cannabis industry, such as sales figures and the number of licensed cannabis operators across the state.
The launch of the dashboard is part of a larger statewide initiative to address cannabis use responsibly. The Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Cannabis Administration, and partner organizations have also launched the BeCannabisSmart campaign, which provides public health and safety information to residents. To access the dashboard and learn more about the public health impacts of cannabis, residents can visit Cannabis.Maryland.gov.
