Cannabis-related emergency department visits among California adults 65 and older surged from 20.7 to 395.0 per 100,000 ED visits between 2005 and 2019.
Geriatricians, emergency medicine physicians, and public health officials focused on older adult health.
1,804% increasein cannabis-related ED visits among California adults 65+ from 2005 to 2019
What the researchers found
The cannabis-related ED visit rate for older adults increased by 1,804% over the study period, with older Black adults having the highest rates and greatest absolute increase.
Why it matters
Older adults are increasingly using cannabis but may be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects due to age-related changes, medication interactions, and comorbidities.
The numbers in context
Rate increased from 20.7 to 395.0 per 100,000 ED visits (2005-2019), a 1,804% relative increase. All subgroups showed significant increases (p<0.001). Older males had higher rates than females. Higher Charlson comorbidity scores correlated with higher rates.
How the study worked
Trend analysis of cannabis-related ED visits from all acute care hospitals in California (2005-2019) using primary and secondary diagnosis codes for adults aged 65 and older.
Who was studied
Adults aged 65 and older visiting California emergency departments between 2005 and 2019.
What this study cannot tell us
Single state data may not generalize nationally. Diagnosis coding changes over time may affect trends. Cannot determine whether visits were due to cannabis alone or interactions with other substances/medications.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive statewide administrative data providing robust trend analysis, though diagnosis coding limitations apply.
When this study was published
Covers 15 years of California ED data (2005-2019).
The bigger picture
As cannabis becomes more accessible and socially acceptable for older adults, healthcare systems need to prepare for increased adverse events in this population, particularly given their complex medical needs.
Replication
Single-state study; similar trends likely occurring nationally but need confirmation.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- What proportion of these ED visits involve cannabis interactions with prescription medications?
- Are older adults receiving adequate education about cannabis risks from their healthcare providers?
Read the original research
Trends in emergency department visits associated with cannabis use among older adults in California, 2005-2019.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 71(4), 1267-1274
Citation
Han, Benjamin H; Brennan, Jesse J; Orozco, Mirella A; Moore, Alison A; Castillo, Edward M. (2023). Trends in emergency department visits associated with cannabis use among older adults in California, 2005-2019.. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 71(4), 1267-1274. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.18180