Credits: Jakob Dow, Legal edibles one can buy after the legalization change.
A new study released by JAMA Network shows that more seniors are landing in Ontario emergency rooms due to cannabis use than ever before.
“While cannabis is a legalized substance, it’s not a benign substance, and there are health harms associated with cannabis use,” says Middlesex London Health Unit’s Linda Stobo. “When we look at our older adults, what we do know is that older adults are more likely to experience harm from Cannabis because of age-related changes in their body and subsequently how both the THC and CBD are processed in their body.”
The study says the increase was due to edibles becoming legal in Ontario.
“If you’re going to choose to consume an edible cannabis product, choose a low THC product and go slow,” Stobo cautions. “Remember that if you’re choosing to consume an edible cannabis versus smoking or vaping cannabis, it’s going to take time to feel the effects from the THC.”
If you or a senior relative of yours is interested in trying cannabis, Stobo shares some advice on creating a safe environment for its use.
“Think about who you’re with. Make sure that you are with someone and that you’re not using a cannabis product alone, and that they know what it is that you are using so that you have a safe place in case something does go wrong.”
Stobo also says to be wary of tripping hazards.
“We always recommend individuals to do a bit of a safety check around their home or wherever they are to remove tripping hazards.”
Stobo shares that 15.5% of adults over the age of 45 have reported using cannabis in the last 12 months and that 5% use it daily.
“Unfortunately, in 2023 almost three in four daily cannabis consumers experience impaired control over their use of cannabis.”
For more information on cannabis, check out the MLHU website.
