The number of visits to the emergency department related to cannabis has increased among adults in Germany Californiashows a new study.

According to Resultspublished in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, cannabis-related emergency department visits increased from a total of 366 in 2005 to 12,167 in 2019.

researchers with the University of California San Diego School of Medicine used a trend analysis of data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information.

See also: Why do you use cannabis? Tips for “talking” with children

While cannabis is often prescribed for relief chronic painespecially among older people, there is also an increased risk of adverse health effects associated with psychoactive substances – including marijuana.

“Many patients assume they won’t experience any adverse side effects from cannabis because they often don’t take it as seriously as they would a prescription drug,” he said Benjamin Hana geriatrician in the Department of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care in the Faculty of Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

“I see a lot of older adults who are overly confident and say they know how to handle it … yet as they get older their bodies are more sensitive and the levels are very different from what they might have tried when they were younger.” “, he added.

According to the study, cannabis can slow down reaction time and affect alertness, which can lead to injuries and falls; increase the risk of psychosis, delirium and paranoia; Aggravate cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and interact with other prescription drugs.

The unintended consequences may be necessary emergency care.

“Although cannabis can be helpful for some chronic symptoms, it’s important to weigh this potential benefit against the risk, including in the emergency room,” Han said.

Education and discussion with older adults about cannabis use should be included in routine medical care, Han…