Cannabis use in patients with psychosis visiting the emergency room linked to restraint, medication, hospital stays, and repeat visits

In a study of 2,134 emergency department visits for acute psychosis, a positive THC screen was linked to a greater risk of physical restraint and administration of parenteral medications.

• Patients with a positive THC screen experienced significantly higher rates of physical restraint compared to those with a negative or no THC screen.
• There was a greater likelihood of receiving parenteral antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in patients who tested positive for THC.
• No association was found between a positive THC screen and the need for inpatient hospitalization or the risk of returning to the emergency department for psychosis within 90 days.
• Findings indicate that positive urinary THC may indicate increased severity of symptoms or agitation in emergency settings.
• The results highlight the importance of THC screening during evaluations for psychosis in emergency departments.

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