Three Things Older People Who Use Cannabis Should Be Careful About

Although young people continue to be the main users of cannabis in the United States, the rise in use by the elderly can’t be denied. And it worries some scientists due to the several factors that can affect how marijuana acts on them.

Here are the three most relevant:

Drug reactions

The biggest issue that worries medical experts is the potential impact of marijuana on commonly used medications in the elderly. And a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology states that marijuana can interact with common heart medications such as statins and blood thinners. Using marijuana can change how long these drugs work and can also lead to severe bleeding.

Increased risk of falls and accidents

While it should be especially true for older adults, marijuana use can make you feel dizzy and feel out of control of your body. This, in turn, can increase the risk of falling and being involved in all types of accidents. Falls pose a serious risk for older people, with 1 in 5 leading to head injuries or bone fractures.

Confusion of consciousness

Seniors and adults with an increased risk of dementia and confusion should be careful with marijuana consumption, especially when using foods high in THC content. THC and its psychoactive effects can cause unexpected side effects in people who have or are predisposed to mental illness.