Health considerations of the legalization of cannabis edibles

Canada and many states in the US legalize recreational cannabis. Edible products containing cannabis are becoming popular in these jurisdictions. An article in CJMA discusses the danger of these new approvals. The CJMA article warns that although edibles are commonly viewed as a safer and more desirable alternative to smoked or vaped cannabis, physicians and the public should be aware of several risks related to the use of cannabis edibles. First, cannabis edibles have longer latency and duration of effects than inhaled cannabis, which may increase the risk of overdosing from overconsumption. Children and older adults are at high risk of harm form edible cannabis. Children (and pets) are at risk of accidental ingestion and overconsumption of cannabis because many edibles resemble candy or other food and drink.  After the legalization of cannabis edibles in Colorado, the state poison control center saw a 70% increase in calls for accidental cannabis exposure in children from 2013 to 2017. Among older adults, cannabis consumption has been linked to greater cognitive impairment and a heightened risk of hypotension-related falls, arrhythmia and drug interactions.  @ https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/1/E1

 Health considerations of the legalization of cannabis edibles
Health considerations of the legalization of cannabis edibles

KEY POINTS
On Oct. 17, 2019, Canada’s amended cannabis regulations entered into force, authorizing the legal production and sale of cannabis edibles in the next phase of the country’s legalization journey. Edible products are anticipated to become publicly available after the required 60-day

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