Cannabis use associated with lower mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients using the national inpatient sample: an epidemiological study

Cannabis use is associated with lower mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients in a retrospective analysis using the U.S. National Inpatient Sample. The study compares outcomes for patients with cannabis use history (CU), including active cannabis use (ACU), versus those without cannabis use (N-CU). Across all Covid-19 hospitalizations, cannabis use and non-use groups show different mortality and secondary outcomes, with ACU associated with reduced odds of mechanical ventilation, acute pulmonary embolism, and death. Using propensity score matching, active cannabis use corresponded to substantially lower odds of death (reported as much lower aOR) relative to matched non-cannabis users. The authors frame the results as consistent with possible endocannabinoid system modulation as a target relevant to moderate and severe Covid-19, while calling for additional prospective studies.