Legalized Weed Is Landing More Canadian Seniors in the E.R
Legalized Weed Is Landing More Canadian Seniors in the E.R. The legalization of cannabis in Canada has brought about significant changes, including a concerning rise in emergency room visits among seniors due to cannabis poisoning. According to a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, cannabis-related ER visits for people aged 65 and older have surged since the country legalized the drug.
Health Implications
Dr. Nathan Stall, a geriatric specialist at Sinai Health in Toronto and lead author of the study, emphasized that these incidents are severe. “These are not people getting too high, being giddy and laughing,” he stated. “These are people very sick to the point where health-care practitioners, without knowing that they’ve consumed cannabis, consider other serious health conditions, like stroke, serious infection, and serious metabolic abnormalities.”
Study Analysis
The study examined three distinct periods over eight years using deidentified Ontario Ministry of Health administrative data to assess shifts in ER visits among older adults:
- Pre-Legalization (early 2015 – October 2018): The baseline rate of emergency room visits for cannabis poisoning was 5.8 per 100,000.
- Post-Legalization of Dried Cannabis (October 2018 – December 2019): The rate increased to 15.4 per 100,000.
- Post-Legalization of Edibles (January 2020 – end of study period): The rate further rose to 21.1 per 100,000.
Underreported Cases
The study’s authors suggest that the data may underestimate the true magnitude of cannabis poisonings among older adults. The study only tracks ER visits, potentially missing cases where individuals sought care elsewhere or did not seek medical attention at all.
Conclusion
The rapid legalization of cannabis in Canada has led to unintended health consequences for seniors, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education about the potential risks of cannabis use in this age group. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, from the adverse effects of cannabis consumption.
In summary, while the legalization of cannabis has brought benefits and greater access to products, it has also posed new health challenges. The increase in ER visits among seniors underscores the importance of careful monitoring and targeted interventions to ensure the safe use of cannabis products among older Canadians.
