Medical marijuana policies, opioid prescriptions, and adverse events among patients undergoing cancer resection surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Opioid use and adverse events among cancer patients may change with access to medical marijuana. This study investigated the impacts of medical marijuana legalization (MML) since 2016.

Methods

Using a difference-in-differences approach and 2016 to 2022 private insurance claims data, this cross-sectional study included patients (aged 18-64 years) undergoing resection surgery for newly diagnosed (female) breast, colorectal, or lung cancer in 27 states without MML as of 2016. MML policies were classified into (1) no MML, (2) MML without dispensaries (after MML effective date and before the first state-licensed dispensary opened), and (3) MML with dispensaries. Outcomes included during the 6 months postdiagnosis: (1) any opioid prescription, (2) any short-acting oxyco

SUBMITTER: Hu JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12486740 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature