Data suggest that increasing rates of health care encounters documenting cannabis-related disorders among older adults might be associated with the type of cannabis legalization, however, differences in cannabis use patterns and perception of risk may influence policy changes and present challenges to causal inference.
From 2017 through 2022, rates of health care encounters involving cannabis-related disorders increased among Medicare beneficiaries, according to a new study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Rates were highest in locations where cannabis is legal for both medical and adult recreational use, about 45 encounters per 10,000 beneficiaries in 2022, while fewer encounters were noted in areas with stricter cannabis laws.
Strengthening the connection between cannabis and health care may help ensure that older adults are consuming the drug safely, indicating a potential need for improved health education regarding cannabis use.
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