Cannabis poison control cases among adults over 50 increased 18-fold from 2009 to 2019
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 18-fold increase in cannabis poison cases among adults over 50 in one decade
- Evidence Grade:
- Large national database analysis over 11 years with clear trend data and multivariate analysis
- Study Age:
- Published in 2021 using 2009-2019 NPDS data. Cases likely continue to increase.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid poison control center cases among adults aged 50+, 2009-2019.
- Published In:
- Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 59(4), 334-342 (2021)
- Authors:
- Choi, Namkee G(10), Marti, C Nathan(10), DiNitto, Diana M(5), Baker, S David
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03062
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03062APA
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
MLA
Choi, Namkee G, et al. "Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid poison control center cases among adults aged 50+, 2009-2019.." Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2020.1806296
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid poison control center cas..." RTHC-03062. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/choi-2021-cannabis-and-synthetic-cannabinoid
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.