Passage Of A Medical Marijuana Law Is Associated With A Reduction In Suicide Rates
High on Life? Medical Marijuana Laws and Suicide
by D. Mark Anderson, Daniel I. Rees, Joseph J. Sabia
(January 2012)
Abstract:
Using state-level data for the period 1990 through 2007, we estimate the effect of legalizing medical marijuana on suicide rates. Our results suggest that the passage of a medical marijuana law is associated with an almost 5 percent reduction in the total suicide rate, an 11 percent reduction in the suicide rate of 20- through 29-year-old males, and a 9 percent reduction in the suicide rate of 30- through 39-year-old males. Estimates of the relationship between legalization and female suicides are less precise and are sensitive to functional form.
