Legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use

Abstract Since 1996, 39 of the 50 US states have enacted medical cannabis laws (MCL) and since 2012, 21 Washington D.C. (DC) recreational (RCL). Many individuals can use without harm, legalization helps achieve social justice financial aims. However, 20%-33% users develop disorder (CUD), which is associated with impaired functioning, psychosocial, physical psychiatric problems. Despite these risks, Americans increasingly see as harmless or even beneficial in treating preventing health The prevalence frequent CUD has increased adults recent years. Studying role MCL RCL nationally increasing prevalences challenging due to staggered-adoption dates state legalizations, few years data available study RCL, other potential influences on CUD. Using self-report from national surveys, been shown little influence adolescent use, but increase adult illicit Fewer studies examined RCL; these, increases are needed patient populations multiple risk factors for CUD, including painful conditions a high disorders. We used electronic records (EHR) database Veterans Health Administration (VHA), largest integrated healthcare system US, examine trends provider-diagnosed ICD-9-CM ICD-10-CM over time, differences by characteristics, trends. diagnoses more than doubled overall VHA, 0.85% 2005 1.92% 2019. Increases were found across age, sex, racial/ethnic subgroups patients, greater rates among patients chronic pain Among living states, larger although size effects suggested that important driving up prevalence, e.g., online commercialized information forms advertising. tensions between public aims, gain will be discussed. Disclosure Interest None Declared