Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-02-24 03:00

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US researchers say there's an uptick in workplace injuries for younger people in states with legalised recreational marijuana. Since 2012, 24 states and Washington, DC have legalised possession and sales of small quantities of the drug, so the researchers decided to investigate whether that has had any effect on workplace injuries. They found freeing the weed was linked to an increase of around 10% in workplace injuries among workers aged between 20 and 34. The authors suggest stoned workers, or those with a marijuana hangover, may be more prone to injuring themselves at work. However, they point out that previous research has found states with legalised weed have seen fewer compensation benefit claims from older workers following legalisation, and suggest recreational weed may have helped older workers manage pain.

Media release

From: JAMA

Recreational Marijuana Legalization and Workplace Injuries Among Younger Workers

About The Study: In this study, recreational marijuana laws that allow recreational marijuana sales were associated with a 10% increase in workplace injuries among individuals ages 20 to 34. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that recreational marijuana impedes cognitive function and care among younger workers.

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Research JAMA, Web page The URL will go live after the embargo ends

Journal/
conference: JAMA Health Forum

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: San Diego State University, USA

Funder: Dr Sabia acknowledges research support from the Center for Health Economics & Policy Studies (CHEPS) at San Diego State University to conduct this scholarship.

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