Maryland Tracks Cannabis Use and Health Impacts with New Dashboard

13 November 2024

Maryland Department of Health has unveiled the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard, a newly developed resource aimed at offering real-time insights into cannabis use trends and related health impacts following the July 1, 2023, legalization of adult-use cannabis. Launched on November 13, 2024, the dashboard tracks key metrics such as emergency room visits, calls to poison centers, youth and adult cannabis usage rates, and substance abuse service utilization, as well as insights into the effects of medical marijuana usage.

Deputy Secretary for Public Health highlighted the dashboard's role in preventing youth cannabis use, promoting safe storage to avoid accidental poisonings, and enhancing support services for individuals facing adverse effects. Early data shows a 5% increase in emergency room visits from 2023 to 2024, with a notable 44% rise among individuals aged 20 to 29 from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, poison center calls have surged, doubling for children under nine, tripling for those aged 10–14, and rising 26% among teens aged 15–19.

The dashboard integrates with the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Data Dashboard to provide a comprehensive view of health and industry trends. By offering jurisdiction-level data and insights into demographic subpopulations, the tool supports evidence-based public health policies and resource allocation. Public awareness campaigns aim to mitigate risks and promote responsible cannabis use, ensuring that the benefits of legalization align with public health priorities.