This review outlines best practices for diagnosing and managing cannabis-related emergencies, including differences between natural and synthetic cannabinoid presentations.
Healthcare professionals, emergency medicine practitioners, and anyone wanting to understand how cannabis emergencies are medically managed.
What the researchers found
Emergency departments are seeing increasing cannabis-related visits; management differs significantly between natural cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid presentations, with synthetic products carrying higher risk of severe outcomes.
Why it matters
As cannabis use rises, ER visits for cannabis-related symptoms are climbing. Clinicians need clear guidance on distinguishing between natural and synthetic cannabinoid emergencies, which require different treatment approaches.
The numbers in context
No specific sample size — this is a clinical review synthesizing existing evidence on cannabis emergency presentations.
How the study worked
Narrative review of current literature on cannabinoid pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and evidence-based management strategies for acute cannabis-related emergencies.
What this study cannot tell us
As a narrative review, this does not include systematic evidence grading. Management recommendations may evolve as more clinical data accumulates.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review synthesizing current clinical evidence — provides practical guidance but lacks systematic methodology.
When this study was published
Recent review reflecting current emergency medicine practices in the context of expanding cannabis legalization.
The bigger picture
Emergency medicine is adapting to a new landscape where cannabis-related visits are routine. Clear clinical protocols help ensure patients receive appropriate care rather than one-size-fits-all treatment.
Questions still open
- How do emergency outcomes differ between states with legal vs. illegal cannabis markets? Could standardized triage protocols reduce mismanagement of cannabis emergencies?
Common questions
What are the most common cannabis-related emergencies?
Are synthetic cannabinoid emergencies different from natural cannabis?
Read the original research
Diagnosis and management of cannabis-related emergencies.
Emergency medicine practice, 27(12), 1-24
Citation
Williams, Mollie V; Byerrum, Reese C. (2025). Diagnosis and management of cannabis-related emergencies.. Emergency medicine practice, 27(12), 1-24.
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