Many older people have found that cannabis is helpful for treating and managing different health conditions. Like any medication, cannabis can have side effects and add to the burden on hospital emergency rooms.
Many studies show that older adults tolerate medical marijuana well and are generally not at risk. However, a new study led by Jerry H. Gurwitz — professor of medicine and a researcher in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Division of Health Systems Science at UMass Chan Medical School — suggests many senior cannabis users are finding themselves in hospital emergency departments.
Dr. Gurwitz and his colleagues carried out a national study from 2016 to 2023 looking at emergency department visits among U.S. adults aged 50 and older that were linked to medical use of products containing cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The figures were shocking. In the period 2020-2021 there were 4,408 adverse product events. By 2022-2023, this number jumped to 7,490. That’s a jump of about 69.92%. Dr. Gurwitz says those numbers are just tip of the iceberg as only emergency department visits were captured.
We don’t include urgent care, doctor’s office calls or adverse medical events for which the patient never sought treatment. he said.
Researchers found many adverse reactions, such as paranoia and anxiety. They also observed gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cannabinoids can cause problems, not only with cannabis but also other drugs. The effects can be amplified or muted, affecting the progression of disease and treatment.
Gurwitz says that doctors must be proactive in monitoring cannabis use, as it can affect different people differently.
“… patients should be screened in routine visits, especially for older adults with chronic pain, sleep disturbances or other conditions for which a patient may choose to try these products.”
This study was conducted to find out more about the effects of smoking on health. has been published Journal of General Internal Medicine
In a study that was published in early this year, the percentage of older adults who used cannabis more than quadrupled during the past two decades. We also mentioned a study from the University of Michigan that evaluated the link between cannabis consumption and driving in the past year. DCU numbers were alarmingly high, leading to calls for intervention to stop cannabis-impaired drivers among older adults.