A new study shows a rise in emergency room (ER) visits by seniors who use cannabis.
As cannabis legalization has spread and products have become more available, the number of medicinal and adult users have increased.
But even with cannabis, there is an always the risk of an accidental overdose, especially among inexperienced users.
While overdosing on cannabis isn’t known to be life-threatening, the experience can be frightening to some.
Naturally, some may feel the need to seek emergency assistance during an overdose.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, cannabis-related ER visits from older adults have increased.
A growing number of seniors use cannabis to alleviate various symptoms, but researchers say potential adverse effects may bring unintended consequences.
Among the consequences is an increase in healthcare usage.
The researchers say the study’s objective was to examine cannabis-related ER visit trends in California.
The study, by University of California San Diego (UCSD) researchers, analyzed cannabis-related ER visits from 2005 to 2019.
According to the results, cannabis-related ER visits for adults 65 and older increased significantly during the studied period.
Cannabis-related visits grew from 20.7 per 100,000 visits in 2005 to 395.0 in 2019, a 1,804 percent increase.
Researchers say older black adults had the highest visit rate and absolute increase in 2019.
Older males had a higher ER visit rate and greater absolute increase than older women in 2019.
According to the research team, educating older adults about cannabis should be part of standard healthcare.
“Cannabis-related ED (emergency department) visits are increasing among older adults in California and are an adverse effect of cannabis use,” write the researchers. “Asking about cannabis use and providing education about its use should be a part of routine medical care for older adults.”
Prior to publication, study findings were presented orally at the American Geriatrics Society National Meeting in 2022 in Orlando, Florida.