Cannabis Legalization in Canada Leads to Surge in Senior Hospitalizations for Poisoning
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that hospital visits for cannabis poisoning among older adults in Ontario tripled following the legalization of marijuana in Canada. Researchers analyzed over 2,300 emergency room visits for adults aged 65 and older, noting a significant rise after the sale of dried cannabis flowers in 2018 and edibles in 2020.
Key findings include:
- Rate Increase: Emergency room visits for cannabis poisoning doubled 14 months after dried flowers were legalized and tripled two years after edibles were legalized.
- Risk Factors: Older adults are more susceptible to cannabis poisoning due to potential drug interactions with other medications.
- Contributing Factors: The increase in accidental ingestion and greater accessibility to cannabis products likely contributed to the rise in hospital visits.
The study suggests that the actual number of older Canadians experiencing cannabis poisoning is higher than reported, as many cases may not have resulted in hospital visits. Notably, Canadians aged 65 and older are the fastest-growing group of cannabis users, with usage increasing from 40,000 in 2012 to over 400,000 by the end of 2019.
Health officials warn of the risks associated with cannabis use in seniors, including dizziness, confusion, and more severe symptoms like delirium and increased heart rate. The potency of cannabis products today is significantly higher than in the past, which also raises concerns about the side effects.
For more details, you can read the full article on Forbes.
Source: Roush, T. (2024). Hospital visits for cannabis poisoning tripled among seniors after Canada legalization, study finds. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/05/20/hospital-visits-for-cannabis-poisoning-tripled-among-seniors-after-canada-legalization-study-finds/?sh=3dc343ac43ca