Acute cannabis toxicity in older adults

Abstract

Acute cannabis exposures have not been described in older adults. We analyzed acute exposures to cannabis products in a poison center setting over a 17-month period. Of 127 adult exposures, 25 (20%) occurred in patients 60 years and older. Older adults (60 years or older) tended to ingest, rather than inhale, cannabis mostly in the form of commercial baked goods. Older adults were more likely to develop sedation than adults 19- to 59-year old. Older adults were more likely to maintain a normal heart rate or develop bradycardia, rather than the tachycardia seen in adults 19- to 59-year old.