As the cannabis industry continues to grow, a growing number of older adults are turning to the substance to alleviate chronic pain, insomnia, and mental health issues. However, research suggests that the health risks associated with cannabis use may be particularly pronounced among older adults.
Geriatrician and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Benjamin Han shares the story of a 76-year-old patient who struggled with insomnia and was prescribed edible cannabis gummies by her daughter. The patient took four gummies over several hours, each containing 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. As a result, she experienced intense anxiety and heart palpitations, which led to a trip to the emergency room.
Han emphasizes the importance of starting low and going slow when using cannabis, especially among older adults. He notes that older brains are more sensitive to psychoactive substances, and that the risks of cannabis use may be exacerbated by the presence of other health conditions.
Recent research has highlighted the growing trend of cannabis-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations among older adults. A study published in the medical journal JAMA found that the rate of cannabis-related emergency room visits among adults aged 65 or older increased from 21 per 100,000 visits in 2005 to 395 per 100,000 visits in 2019.
Another study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults who use cannabis are at increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from a Canadian health care system and found that patients who sought acute care resulting from cannabis use had a 23% higher risk of dementia diagnosis within five years compared to patients with non-cannabis-related ailments.
Experts warn that the cannabis industry’s marketing efforts, which often target older adults, may be contributing to the growing trend of cannabis use among this age group. The industry’s emphasis on convenience, affordability, and perceived safety may be leading older adults to underestimate the risks associated with cannabis use.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, experts are urging caution and emphasizing the need for further research on the health risks associated with cannabis use among older adults. They note that the rapid expansion of cannabis use in North America is outpacing our knowledge, and that more individualized guidance on safer modes of consumption and lower-risk use amounts is needed.
