Older users ending up in ER

The internet seems convinced that Abraham Lincoln once said: “Two of my favorite things are sitting on my front porch smoking a pipe of sweet hemp and playing my Hohner harmonica.” However, the date often given for that declaration is two years before Hohner started making harmonicas. Seems the quote is dishonest about Honest Abe.

What is true, however, is that many of our country’s esteemed elders — today — are smoking weed and it’s landing them in the ER. The UC San Diego School of Medicine reports that in California from 2005 to 2019, there was a 1,808% increase in the number of cannabis-related trips to the emergency department among folks aged 65 and older. In 2005, there were 366; in 2019, 12,167.

What accounts for this cannabis-catastrophe? Older folks don’t realize that today’s pot isn’t the same substance that they smoked in the old days — it’s much stronger. Also, with age, they’re more likely affected by the psychoactive elements and they’re more vulnerable when their reaction time is slowed. As a consequence, the ER is seeing physical injuries and falls; psychosis, delirium and paranoia; interaction with prescription medications; and an acute worsening of cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.

So, if you must use cannabis, consider edibles — you get a gentler, smoke-free dose. Remember, start low and slow (don’t gobble them) and lock ‘em up so youngsters don’t sample the “candy” and wind up in the ER. You can also opt for pain-relieving CBD creams — they’re highly effective for many stresses, strains, pains and sleep problems.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. His next book is “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow.” Do you have a topic Dr. Mike should cover in a future column? If so, please email questions@ GreatAgeReboot.com.