Texas has been closely monitoring drug-related fatalities, relying on data extracted from death certificates for the most recent publicly available information.
This data encompasses deaths associated with various substances such as opioids, narcotics, benzodiazepines, cocaine, psychostimulants, cannabis, and psychotropic substances.
Cannabis and Deaths Related to Drugs
Cannabis-related fatalities are identified using the Tenth Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) – Mortality, implemented in 1999. The ICD-10 code for cannabis is T40.7. However, it’s crucial to note that fatalities involving psychoactive substances may entail more than one type of substance.
THC-Linked Child Abuse Deaths
A troubling pattern has emerged in Texas, connecting over 300 child abuse deaths in the last decade to THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Approximately 64 percent of child abuse deaths in Texas are associated with substance abuse.
Cannabis Legalization and Deaths from Cardiovascular Disease
Although the data doesn’t specify an increase in cannabis-related deaths in a particular Texas city, researchers suggest that cannabis legalization in some states may be correlated with the growing number of cardiovascular disease fatalities. According to statistics, cardiac death rates have risen by 2.3% in men and 1.3% in women since cannabis was legalized.
Conclusion
Despite the absence of city-specific analysis in the data, it is evident that the impact of cannabis on public health is a significant concern in Texas.
The state continues to monitor and analyze drug-related deaths, including those related to cannabis. Understanding these trends is crucial for public health officials, policymakers, and the community to develop effective strategies to address them.
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