Researchers still don't know why the rate of marijuana-related emergencies skyrocketed among older adults in California from 2005 to 2019.
to relieve chronic symptoms, or for fun, an increasing number are winding up in ERs with side effects from the drug.-related ER visits among adults over age 65 in the state increased by 18 times from 2005 to 2019.
People living with multiple chronic conditions and taking multiple medications are especially likely to be at risk forHan says that “very little” is understood about the risks and benefits of cannabis for the elderly, and more studies are needed.ER Trips Up Sharply Among the Oldest Tokers Rates of cannabis-related visits increased significantly for all older adult age ranges, the researchers say. Among those aged 65 to 74 years, the rate increased by about 15 times, from 44.9 per 10,000 visits in 2005 to 714.5 per 100,000 in 2019; for ages 75 to 84, the rate increased by about 22 times, from 8.4 to 193.9 per 10,000; and for those 85 and older the rate jumped by nearly 18 times, from 2.1 to 39.2 per 10,000, they found.