A new Canadian study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a troubling connection between cannabis use disorder and an elevated risk of premature death within five years. With marijuana use rising globally and daily consumption surpassing alcohol in Canada and the U.S., researchers stress the need to recognize cannabis use disorder as a significant public health issue. Dr. Daniel Myran, the study’s lead author and Canada Research Chair of Social

In the 1990s, cannabis use among young people saw a significant rise, becoming more common than tobacco smoking in some countries. Several factors may contribute to this shift, including the drug’s ready availability, growing social disapproval of cigarette smoking, stricter drink-driving laws, and perceptions that cannabis is safer or less harmful than cigarettes or alcohol. This trend raises concerns, as cannabis use is linked to being a potential gateway to