In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of elderly patients seen in emergency rooms for symptoms possibly connected to marijuana use.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego found that between 2005 and 2019, the number of Californians over the age of 65 who went to the emergency room because they had used cannabis increased by an astounding 1,878 percent.
Dr. Harry Straytner, an addiction specialist, believes that many baby boomers may not realize how powerful marijuana is.
The present crop of marijuana contains three times as much THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) than it did 25 years ago, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Strainer chimes in by saying that those over the age of 60 are more likely to be taking medicine for a variety of conditions.
At a certain age, the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and brain all become more susceptible to damage, as noted by Dr. Nicolas Hernandez, an academic hospitalist at Glen Cove Hospital.
He highlights the need of knowing about a patient’s current and past medical issues and procedures.
Dr. Hernandez explained, “There are drugs that influence the heart, and the marijuana itself can affect a key parameter we look at in the heart that can speed up arrhythmia.” The manner that a person responds to these chemicals can be affected by a variety of factors, including the sort of product they are taking, the amount they are taking, their weight, and their metabolic rate.
Dizziness, imbalance, disorientation, acute paranoia, anxiety, and even the beginnings of dementia are all symptoms mentioned by both specialists.
Overdosing on marijuana is possible, Strainer added. “Cancer patients who aren’t eating due to their illness may benefit greatly from marijuana. Ironically, there is also a cycle rare when you are always throwing up. Even with marijuana, that’s possible. Marijuana is a deceptive substance. I mean, it truly is.”
Seniors should be very cautious and talk to a doctor before trying anything new, even if it seems like a good idea.
