Victorian hospitals report sharp rise in cannabis-related admissions
13 Oct 2026
Cannabis-related health problems are placing growing pressure on Victorian hospitals. A study by Monash University researchers found that hospital admissions linked to cannabis increased by 49% between July 2013 and June 2023.
Published in Addiction, the study examined nearly 40,000 admissions to public and private hospitals across Victoria. People aged 15–24 had the highest admission rates.
The increase was greater among women and girls, with admissions rising by 75% over the decade. Among men, the increase was 35%.
Psychotic disorders were the leading main diagnosis, accounting for 40.1% of cannabis-related admissions.
More than two-thirds of these admissions involved hospital stays lasting several days, while more than 1,500 required intensive care. Admission rates also changed over time, reaching their highest point in 2020–21 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos, one of Australia's early medicinal cannabis prescribers, said the findings highlight the serious health risks linked to cannabis use. She noted that recreational cannabis use is a concern across Australia, not only in Victoria.
She suggested that pandemic-related stress, social isolation and financial pressures may have contributed to the increase, particularly among young people.
However, the researchers could not establish whether the hospital admissions involved illicit cannabis or medicinal cannabis prescribed by doctors. Associate Professor Kotsirilos said the study therefore does not prove that medicinal cannabis prescribing caused the rise.
She also noted that the research did not identify whether patients were using other substances or taking multiple medicines at the same time.
Associate Professor Kotsirilos urged GPs to be cautious when prescribing medicinal cannabis containing THC, particularly at high doses. She recommended considering it only when other evidence-based treatments have not worked and using the lowest suitable dose.
She also stressed the need for extra care when treating younger patients, as brain development continues into the mid-20s.
Myfanwy Graham, the study's lead author from the Monash Addiction Research Centre, said the findings show that more people are being admitted to hospital with cannabis-related problems, including serious mental health conditions such as psychosis.
She said further research is needed to monitor safety trends and help healthcare professionals identify risks earlier.
Associate Professor Kotsirilos encouraged GPs to ask patients about their use of cannabis, other drugs and alcohol, particularly when they present with mental health, behavioural or social concerns.
She said doctors should explain the potential risks, arrange follow-up care and refer patients to psychologists, specialists or addiction medicine practitioners when needed.
Victorian hospitals report sharp rise in cannabis-related admissions
Source: newsGP, reporting on a study published in Addiction by Monash University researchers.