New research shows emergency room visits from marijuana products have skyrocketed among older Americans.
The study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine tracked E.R. visits specifically related to CBD products, medical marijuana, and drugs made from hemp, like Delta-8 THC.
Researchers recorded nearly 18,000 E.R. visits by adults 50 or older between 2016 and 2023.
Patients suffered from altered mental states, psychiatric episodes, fainting, heart problems, and dangerous falls. Many arrived at hospitals after consuming gummies, liquids, or other edible products made from marijuana.
Most of the patients indicated they were using marijuana for medical purposes.
One in five patients required hospitalization due to serious complications from the drugs.
CBD products alone accounted for more than half of all emergency visits, despite being marketed as safe and natural.
This spike in E.R. visits related to marijuana is not an isolated situation. A 2024 study found E.R. visits surged among Canadian seniors following legalization. A 2022 study revealed E.R. visits increased for Canadian children who suffered from marijuana poisoning. Other researchers have found poison center reports due to marijuana exposure rose 245% from 2000 – 2020. Earlier this year, medical professionals in Connecticut reported that marijuana is sending children to the E.R. and prompting people to call Poison Control.
A growing body of scientific research shows marijuana is dangerous.
From deadly heart disease and cancer to stroke, mental illness, and birth defects, marijuana has been found time and time again to pose serious health hazards.
In fact, researchers say marijuana doubles a person’s risk of death from heart disease.
And instead of decreasing crime, marijuana legalization has actually emboldened drug cartels and increased the flow of illegal drugs across America.
All of this simply underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
