Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Hospitalizations in Alberta: Interrupted Time Series Analysis by Age and Sex

Using population-wide health administrative data in Alberta, Canada (10/2015-05/2021, n = 3,493,864), we find that cannabis legalisation was not associated with significant increases in cannabis-related hospitalizations. Hospitalization rates were higher in young adults (18–24) compared to those 25+, and the introduction of edibles was associated with insignificant immediate increases of 23% and 18% among younger women and men respectively. Comparison with patterns in Ontario from in a prior study finds that cannabis legalisation led to increased hospitalization in Ontario but not Alberta. The findings highlight the need for targeted screening and interventions for young adults.