The Maryland Department of Health launched a new online tool to monitor the public health effects of adult-use cannabis legalization: the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard. This user-friendly platform provides visualizations of cannabis trends before and after legalization on July 1, 2023.
“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,” said Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, Deputy Secretary for Public Health.
The dashboard offers data on:
- Emergency department visits
- Youth and adult cannabis use
- Calls to poison control centers
- Utilization of substance use services
This data is available by region and can be analyzed by demographics like age, race, and gender.
The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions and ensuring vulnerable populations are protected.
“This dashboard will help to identify health disparities ensuring that vulnerable populations receive appropriate attention,” said Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council Chairperson Dr. Deondra Asike.
While youth cannabis use was declining before legalization, the dashboard shows a significant increase in cannabis-related emergency room visits, particularly among young adults (20-29 years old). Calls to poison control centers have also surged, especially for children under 20.
The Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard complements the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s data dashboard, which focuses on program and industry metrics. This initiative is part of Maryland’s BeCannabisSmart public health and safety campaign.
