New research suggests that the legalization of edible cannabis products in Canada has led to an increase in cannabis poisoning among older adults. Since the introduction of edibles in January 2020, emergency department visits for cannabis poisoning among adults aged 65 and over have significantly risen in Ontario. This information comes from a study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine by three Toronto University physicians and scientists.
Lead author Dr. Nathan Stall, a geriatric specialist at Sinai Health in Toronto, emphasizes that cannabis poisoning is distinct from the sensation of being “high.” He explains that older adults experiencing cannabis poisoning may exhibit symptoms that mimic serious health conditions like stroke, infection, and metabolic abnormalities.
The study reveals that older adults are at a heightened risk of adverse effects from cannabis due to age-related physical changes, medication usage, and the prevalence of multiple health issues among seniors. The research, conducted by Dr. Stall, clinical pharmacologist Jonathan Zipursky, and Women’s Age Lab director Paula Rochon, analyzed emergency room visits by older adults over an eight-year period in Ontario.
The findings show a significant increase in emergency room visits among older adults post-legalization of dried cannabis and further escalation after the legalization of edibles. The study underscores that the data might underestimate the actual number of cannabis poisonings among seniors as it only captures cases that sought care in emergency departments.
The study suggests that accidental ingestion of edibles is a common occurrence, especially given the delayed onset of effects compared to smoking cannabis. Older adults, including those who have previously used marijuana, may inadvertently consume excessive doses of edibles before experiencing the peak effects, a phenomenon known as dose-stacking.
As cannabis use among seniors continues to rise, the study recommends measures to reduce unintentional exposure and the publication of age-specific dosing guidelines by the government. It also highlights the importance of regulating edibles to ensure controlled THC content and prevent overdose incidents.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
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