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Because I Got High? Recreational Marijuana Legalization's Impact on Opioid Overdose Deaths

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT We examine the effect of recreational marijuana legalization (RML) on opioid overdose deaths. Using several event studies and a two‐way fixed‐effects, difference‐in‐differences approach adapted to the methods developed by Callaway and Sant'Anna, we find a consistent negative relationship between RML and opioid overdose deaths. Our estimates show that RML is associated with a decrease of approximately 3.5 deaths per 100,000 individuals. We also find more significant treatment effects for states that implemented RML earlier. These findings remain consistent through a variety of robustness checks and provide insight for future opioid and marijuana policies.

Source: Southern Economic Journal

DOI: 10.1002/soej.12797

Authors: Elisha Denkyirah, Raymond March, Glenn Furton, Veeshan Rayamajhee, Ryan Yonk

Institutions: West Virginia University, Angelo State University, New Mexico State University, American Institute for Economic Research

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7085685307

FWCI: 0.826

Cites: 40

Cited by: 1

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