Health risks associated with cannabis use increase as users age, according to new findings.
As cannabis use becomes increasingly accepted across the United States, health professionals are expressing concern about the safety and efficacy of its use among older adults. A recent report highlights the growing trend of cannabis consumption in this demographic, as well as the associated risks that arise predominantly due to the potential interaction with age-related health issues.
Benjamin Han, a geriatrician and addiction medicine specialist at the University of California-San Diego, recounts a cautionary case involving a 76-year-old woman who suffered from insomnia. In an attempt to ease her sleepless nights, her daughter introduced her to cannabis-infused sleep gummies, each containing 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Over the course of the evening, she consumed four gummies, ultimately leading to heightened anxiety and heart palpitations. Fortunately, her visit to the emergency room confirmed that she was not experiencing a heart attack, yet the incident raised significant concerns regarding the risks associated with cannabis use, particularly the danger of falls, which can be exacerbated by preexisting conditions like high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias.
The overarching message from Han and other experts is clear: older adults must approach cannabis with caution. The number of states allowing medical cannabis has risen to 39, with recreational use permitted in 24 states and the District of Columbia. As cannabis consumption grows among older adults—rising from 4.8% to 7% between 2021 and 2023—experts stress the need for further investigation into the potential harms, which seem to be more pronounced than the benefits.
Emerging studies indicate a troubling trend: a significant increase in emergency room visits related to cannabis use among older patients. In California, cannabis-related emergency visits for those aged 65 and older surged from 21 per 100,000 visits in 2005 to 395 in 2019. A similar pattern is evident in Ontario, where hospitalizations tied to cannabis climbed fivefold among middle-aged adults and more than 26 times among older adults over a 13-year span.
While cannabis is often sought for its purported ability to alleviate chronic pain and insomnia, comprehensive research supporting these claims remains limited. Moreover, studies suggest an alarming correlation between cannabis-related healthcare incidents and an increased risk of dementia among older adults, highlighting a critical need for awareness and cautious consumption.
As the cannabis industry continues to target older consumers with specialized products—such as discounted offerings for seniors—health professionals urge vigilance. Many older individuals may unwittingly place themselves at risk due to a lack of knowledge about the potency of contemporary cannabis products and possible interactions with other medications. Consequently, as legalization expands, it becomes increasingly crucial to undertake comprehensive research, establish robust safety guidelines, and educate patients to mitigate foreseeable risks associated with cannabis use in older populations.
Overall, while older adults may find some therapeutic benefits in cannabis, the potential for adverse effects necessitates careful consideration, especially given the significant changes in cannabis potency and user demographics over recent decades. As the dialogue about cannabis continues to evolve, it remains imperative to address these complexities to ensure safe practices among one of the most vulnerable segments of the population.
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