Sunday is 420 day, when lovers of marijuana get together to celebrate their fondness for weed. Yet research shows that regular users of marijuana are at risk for serious conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle. Now, an increased risk of dementia can be added to the list, according to a large study of more than 6 million people published April 14 in the journal JAMA Neurology. “Someone who has an emergency room visit or hospitalization due to cannabis has a 23% increased risk of dementia within five years compared to someone who was at the hospital for another reason. They have a 72% greater risk compared to the general population,” said study coauthor Dr. Daniel Myran, an assistant professor in the department of family medicine at the University of Ottawa in Canada. “Those numbers have already factored out other reasons for dementia, such as age, sex, mental health or substance use, and whether or not you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease,” Myran said. Earlier research shows marijuana users are nearly 25% more likely to need emergency care and hospitalization than nonusers. “However, this is not a study that anyone should look at and say, ‘Jury’s in, and cannabis use causes dementia,’” Myran said. “This is a study that brings up a concerning association that fits within a growing body of research.” A red flag The study is a red flag for health professionals who should be screening for cannabis use disorder, said Dr. Robert Page II, a professor of clinical pharmacy and physical medicine at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Aurora. “People with cannabis use disorder are unable to stop using even though they encounter health or social problems from use,” said Page, who chaired the medical writing group for the American Heart Association’s 2020 scientific statement on marijuana. “When they stop using it, they either have withdrawal symptoms or have very bad mental health symptoms,” he added. “They might have quite severe depression, or they might have anxiety, all of which can send them to the hospital.” The potency of weed has skyrocketed over the years, which can heighten health risks and is leading to a global rise in marijuana addiction as well as cannabis use disorder, according to a 2022 study. Addiction to marijuana can happen to about 30% of people who use cannabis, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disorder also comes with a higher risk of attention, memory and learning problems, the CDC finds. “The other takeaway from this study is that many people believe marijuana to be natural and therefore safe,” Page said. “It is a psychotropic medication, so it’s going to have psychotropic effects. If you have underlying psychiatric issues, realize that you need to be transparent with your provider and let them know if you’re using this medically or recreationally.” Rates of hospital screening are rising Researchers looked at medical records between 2008 and 2021 for more than 6 million people between the ages of 45 and 105 without dementia who lived in Ontario. Of those, over 16,000 had been seen due to negative responses to marijuana. “Within five years of an emergency room visit or hospitalization for cannabis, 5% of people were diagnosed with dementia, and within 10 years, 19% of people were diagnosed with dementia,” Myran said. Rates of emergency room visits due to marijuana increased fivefold in adults between the ages of 45 and 64 and nearly 27-fold for people 65 and older during those 13 years, according to the study. “While this study was done in Canada, it should apply to all of North America including the US,” he added, pointing to a May 2024 study that shows daily or near daily use of marijuana surpassed alcohol by 2022. If the connection between cannabis use and dementia does turn out to be causal, just how might marijuana trigger cognitive decline in regular users? One possibility is that daily or near daily use of marijuana changes neural connectivity in the brain, Myran said. “There’s certainly a pathway where there’s potential inflammation and microvascular damage from marijuana,” he said. “It could be that regular cannabis use causes people to develop other risk factors for dementia, such as depression, social isolation and lower educational attainment. And it could be that people who regularly use cannabis are more likely to have major trauma to the brain such as a motor vehicle collision.”
Marijuana hospital visits linked to dementia diagnosis within 5 years, study finds
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"Study Links Marijuana-Related Hospital Visits to Increased Dementia Risk"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology highlights a concerning link between marijuana use and an increased risk of dementia, especially among individuals who have had emergency room visits or hospitalizations due to cannabis. Analyzing medical records of more than 6 million individuals aged 45 to 105 in Ontario, researchers found that those who sought treatment related to marijuana had a 23% higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia within five years compared to those hospitalized for other reasons. When compared to the general population, this risk escalated to 72%. The study, coauthored by Dr. Daniel Myran from the University of Ottawa, emphasizes that these figures account for various factors, including age, sex, mental health, substance use, and pre-existing health conditions. Notably, previous research indicates that marijuana users are nearly 25% more likely to require emergency care and hospitalization than non-users, indicating a growing health concern associated with cannabis consumption.
In addition to the alarming statistics, experts like Dr. Robert Page II from the University of Colorado urge health professionals to screen for cannabis use disorder, which can lead to significant health and social issues. The potency of marijuana has increased dramatically over the years, contributing to rising addiction rates and potential cognitive decline. The study observed a fivefold increase in emergency room visits related to marijuana among adults aged 45 to 64 and a staggering 27-fold increase for those aged 65 and older from 2008 to 2021. While the study's findings are based on Canadian data, researchers believe the implications extend to North America, particularly as marijuana use surpasses alcohol consumption. If a causal relationship between cannabis and dementia is confirmed, it may stem from changes in neural connectivity or the development of other risk factors such as depression and social isolation. These insights underscore the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with marijuana use, particularly as public perception often regards it as a safe, natural substance.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents findings from a significant study linking marijuana hospital visits to an increased risk of dementia. By highlighting this association, the article raises concerns about the health implications of cannabis use, especially as it relates to emergency care.
Health Risks Associated with Marijuana Use
The study, which analyzed data from over 6 million individuals, indicates that those who visit the emergency room due to cannabis-related issues face a 23% higher risk of developing dementia within five years compared to others visiting for different reasons. This figure escalates to a 72% increased risk when compared to the general population. The mention of other severe health risks such as strokes and heart-related conditions further emphasizes the potential dangers of regular marijuana use.
Cautions from Experts
Experts quoted in the article, such as Dr. Daniel Myran, caution against jumping to conclusions that cannabis use directly causes dementia. Instead, they advocate for a more nuanced understanding of the correlation and suggest that this study adds to a growing body of literature that raises alarms about cannabis use. This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen for cannabis use disorders, suggesting a proactive approach to public health.
Potential Motivations Behind the Article
The publication of this study may aim to influence public perception regarding marijuana use, especially as legalization becomes more widespread. By framing marijuana use within the context of serious health risks, the article could be attempting to sway public opinion and policy discussions around cannabis regulation. It also serves as a reminder for individuals who may be using cannabis recreationally to consider the potential long-term health consequences.
Public Perception and Social Impact
The article could evoke fear among cannabis users and skeptics alike, potentially impacting the social acceptance of marijuana. The heightened awareness of possible dementia risks may lead to increased scrutiny of cannabis use, particularly among vulnerable populations. In doing so, it may inadvertently stigmatize users by associating them with health risks.
Stock Market and Economic Implications
From an economic perspective, this article could impact companies involved in the cannabis industry. If public sentiment shifts negatively due to the study's findings, it might affect stock prices and investment in marijuana-related businesses. Investors may reassess the viability of cannabis stocks if they perceive an increased risk of regulation or decreased consumer demand.
Global Relevance and Current Affairs
The relevance of this article extends to the ongoing global conversation about drug policy and public health. As countries grapple with the implications of drug legalization and its societal effects, findings like these will likely influence debates around health policy and cannabis regulation.
The writing style of the article appears to be straightforward, with a reliance on data and expert opinions. There is no clear indication of artificial intelligence involvement in the creation of this article; however, the structured presentation of data and expert quotes could suggest a methodical approach to information dissemination.
In conclusion, the article serves as a cautionary note regarding the potential health risks of marijuana use, particularly concerning dementia. Its publication could influence public perception, healthcare practices, and economic considerations surrounding the cannabis industry.