A new Canadian study looking at marijuana use and hospital visits finds that people who consume pot were 22 percent more likely to visit an emergency department or be hospitalized for an injury, either physical or mental. According to the survey, physical bodily injury was the leading cause of ED visits and hospitalizations among cannabis users, with respiratory reasons coming in a close second, compared to those who didn't consume the drug. Marijuana smokers had higher blood and urine levels of some smoke-related toxins. An earlier report revealed that teenagers were about twice as likely to report wheezing or whistling in the check after vaping marijuana, and other studies link heavy use among teens and young adults with mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as self-harm, suicide attempts, and death. In addition, habitual users including teens are increasingly showing up in emergency rooms complaining of severe intestinal distress, nausea, as well as severe abdominal pain, and prolonged vomiting. At a time when healthcare systems are stretched to the limit due to the COVID pandemic, cannabis legalization and use are further straining the ability to provide treatment.
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Rosenthal Center for AddictIon Studies