LA CROSSE (WKBT) — 24 states in the U.S. have legalized recreational cannabis, but new numbers have health officials concerned with the damage cannabis can cause.
Cannabis-related ER visits increased more than 1800% between 2005 and 2019 at acute care hospitals in California.
While that number might be shocking, what is even more surprising is the age group: patients age 65 and older.
Dr. Michael Dolan is an Internal Medicine physician at Gundersen Health System. He said heart concerns rise as people increase their cannabis use.
“We are now seeing the tip of the iceberg with what’s coming with marijuana, and we need to be aware of the fact that that is going to be something that we’ll be dealing with down the road. These are recreational drugs. They have some risk. You need to be aware of the risks if you’re going to partake in them,” said Dr. Dolan.
Dr. Dolan said many patients believe that because cannabis is a natural substance, it is better and safer for them.
However, many in the medical community are learning that it can harbor short-and long-term side effects.
H/T: www.news8000.com
