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Cannabis Poisonings Among Older Adults in Canada
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Cannabis Poisonings Among Older Adults in Canada
A study in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal shows that the rate of cannabis poisoning
in elderly individuals in Canada has increased three times since the legalization of dried cannabis
flowers and edibles compared to the pre-legalization period. The study by Dr Nathan Stall, a
geriatrician and clinician scientist at Sinai Health in Ontario, involved data from the Ontario
Ministry of Health Ministry of admin from January 2015 to December 2022.
The study found a significant increase in emergency department visits for cannabis
poisoning among older adults during the two legalization periods: October 2018 through
December 2019 which only allowed the sale of dried cannabis flower and January 2020 through
December 2022 which legalized cannabis edibles. More precisely, the rate of emergency
department visits during the first legalization period was two times higher than the pre-
legalization rate, whereas the rate during the second legalization period was three times higher
than the pre-legalization rate.
Another essential area of concern noted in the study is the poor knowledge that older
people have about modern cannabis products. According to Dr Stall, "Today's cannabis extracts
contain as much as 30 times more THC. ... Older adults who may not have used cannabis in
decades and are now trying again in this post-legalization era may not be aware" (Rogers, 2024).
This high potency, coupled with changes in physiological function often seen in aging and the
possibility of interactions with other medications, may make elderly people more vulnerable to
cannabis poisoning.
The study also pointed out that edible cannabis products are especially problematic since
they are often mistaken for regular food items and may contain significant amounts of THC. Dr
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Lona Mody, who wrote the research paper along with commentary from Dr Sharon K. Inouye,
pointed out that "Edible cannabis products may be particularly dangerous because they are often
indistinguishable from non-cannabis containing foods and may contain high amounts of THC
(delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the major active ingredient in both medical and recreational
cannabis" (Rogers, 2024).
The importance of this study can be seen in the fact that it adds to the existing knowledge
of the possible harms arising from the legalization of cannabis, specifically for the elderly
population. Dr Stall states, "This study serves to caution the society regarding the legalization of
substances without sufficient research, education, and counseling of the users regarding their
consequences and safer use especially in the elderly population" (Rogers, 2024). The study
underscores the importance of labeling, dosage direction, and active discussions between
healthcare professionals and the elderly concerning the pros and cons of cannabis use.
In conclusion, the tripling of cannabis poisonings among the elderly in Canada since
legalization is a clear indication of the need to educate the older population in the country on the
strength of today's cannabis products, the dangers of edibles, proper dosing, and engaging the
services of healthcare professionals. In addressing these concerns, it is possible to make progress
towards minimizing risk and promoting the acceptable and appropriate consumption of cannabis
by all populace.
