Cannabis poison control cases among adults over 50 increased 18-fold from 2009 to 2019 | Research

The takeaway

Cannabis-related poison control cases in adults over 50 surged from 61 to 1,074 between 2009 and 2019, with non-plant products increasing 51-fold and synthetic cannabinoids carrying twice the risk of serious outcomes.

Geriatric medicine professionals, poison control specialists, public health officials, older cannabis users

18-fold increase in cannabis poison cases among adults over 50 in one decade

What the researchers found

Cases increased 18-fold (61 to 1,074) over the decade. Non-plant preparations had 51x greater odds of appearing in 2018-2019 vs 2009-2011. Synthetic cannabinoids/e-cigarettes had 2.07x the odds of major medical outcomes compared to plant forms. Other preparations were associated with older age, adverse reactions, and suicide attempts.

Why it matters

The rapid increase in older adult cannabis cases reflects both expanding cannabis access and an aging population unfamiliar with modern products. The high rate of major medical outcomes demands attention.

The numbers in context

5,201 total cases; 18-fold increase (61 to 1,074); non-plant preparations 51x more common in 2018-2019; synthetic cannabinoids OR 2.07 for major outcomes; non-plant forms OR 0.75 for major outcomes

How the study worked

Analysis of 5,201 cases of adults aged 50+ from the National Poison Data System (2009-2019) where cannabis was the primary substance, using multinomial and binary logistic regression.

What this study cannot tell us

Poison control cases represent only a fraction of adverse events. Reporting may have increased alongside awareness. Cannot distinguish effects of legalization from aging demographics.

How to read the evidence

Large national database analysis over 11 years with clear trend data and multivariate analysis

When this study was published

Published in 2021 using 2009-2019 NPDS data. Cases likely continue to increase.

The bigger picture

The shift from plant to processed cannabis products among older adults mirrors broader market trends but comes with distinct risks that current public health messaging does not adequately address.

Questions still open

Is the increase proportional to the increase in older adult cannabis use? Should dispensaries provide specific guidance for older customers? Are synthetic cannabinoid products still reaching older adults?

Common questions

Are cannabis-related emergencies increasing in older adults?

Yes, dramatically. Poison control cases among adults over 50 increased 18-fold from 2009 to 2019, driven largely by non-plant cannabis products like edibles and oils.

Which cannabis products are most dangerous for older adults?

Synthetic cannabinoids and e-cigarette cannabis products had more than twice the odds of major medical outcomes compared to plant forms. Non-plant preparations were associated with adverse reactions and, notably, suicide attempts.

Read the original research

Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid poison control center cases among adults aged 50+, 2009-2019.

Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 59(4), 334-342

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Choi, Namkee G; Marti, C Nathan; DiNitto, Diana M; Baker, S David. (2021). Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid poison control center cases among adults aged 50+, 2009-2019.. Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 59(4), 334-342. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2020.1806296