New study finds alarming trend among older marijuana users
from
A new study shows that the number of cannabis-related emergency room visits has increased among adults in California. According to findings published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, cannabis-related emergency room visits increased from a total of 366 in 2005 to 12,167 in 2019.
Researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine used trend analysis of data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information.
While cannabis is commonly prescribed to relieve chronic pain, particularly in the elderly, there is also an increased risk of adverse health effects associated with psychoactive substances – including marijuana.
“Many patients assume that they won’t experience any side effects from cannabis because they often don’t take it as seriously as they would a prescription drug,” said Benjamin Han, a geriatrician in the Department of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care in the School of Medicine UC San Diego School of Medicine.
Photo by Westend61/Getty Images
“I see a lot of older adults who are overly confident and say they know how to handle it…yet as they get older their bodies are more sensitive and the levels are very different than what they might have been trying to do when they were.” they were younger,” he added.
RELATED: Poll: Seniors in pain want to try cannabis, but this is holding them back
According to the study, cannabis can slow down reaction time and impair attention, which can lead to injuries and falls; increase the risk of psychosis, delirium and paranoia; Aggravate cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and interact with other prescription drugs.
The unintended consequences may require emergency care.
“Although cannabis can be helpful for some chronic symptoms, it’s important to weigh this potential benefit against the risk, including ending up in an emergency room,” Han said.
RELATED: Tips for seniors trying cannabis for the first time
Education and talking to older adults about cannabis use should be included in routine medical care, Han advised.
“With all the new forms and combinations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), we still have a lot to learn about cannabis, and it will also improve our understanding of the risks and potential benefits,” the researchers said.
Photo by simpson33/Getty Images
Cannabis is a medicine, not an illegal drug
Alison Moore, a co-author of the study, said current substance use screening questionnaires typically conflate cannabis/marijuana with illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, which can make patients reluctant to respond.
Providers can then ask how frequently cannabis is used, for what purpose (e.g. medicinally for pain, sleep or anxiety, or recreationally for relaxation), and in what form (e.g. smoked, eaten, applied topically). ).
“Once the provider has this type of information, they can educate patients about potential risks of use,” Moore concluded.
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
Post a comment: