New Study Published by the Cato Institute Suggests Pro Cannabis Laws Promotes Decrease in Suicide Attempts

he correlation between cannabis and mental health has always been
a smoking hot issue. But a new 2015 study entitled “High on Life? Medical Marijuana Laws and
Suicide” published by the Cato Institute,
suggests that the health benefits of legalization definitely out-weigh any costs
when it comes to suicide prevention.

The connection between cannabis use and
depression has been examined and debated, but there have been no
previous studies relating cannabis laws to decrease cases of suicide – until now.

Researchers at Montana State University,
University of Colorado-Denver, the Institute for the Study of Labor and San
Diego State University used data from the Centers for Disease Control from 1990
through 2007 to examine the association between cannabis legalization and
suicide rates. They found evidence of decreased suicide attempts among 20
through 39 year-old males. Most medical marijuana patients are male, and about
half are under 40. Their empirical analysis concluded that the legalization of medical
marijuana has led to an almost 5 percent reduction in total suicides, and a 10
percent reduction among young adult males. 

The outcome is consistent with the
controversial claim that cannabis can be used to treat depression and anxiety
caused by stress. Though, the study acknowledges that reduction of alcohol
consumption may be partially responsible: “…the result may, at least in part, be attributable
to the reduc­tion in alcohol consumption among young adults that ap­pears to
accompany the legalization of medical marijuana.”

Opponents of cannabis legalization argue
that any increase in cannabis use is undesirable; yet scientific research
suggests the legalization of cannabis can literally save lives – yet another
reason to support cannabis reform.