Marijuana Use Linked
To Increased Risk , of ER Care, Hospitalization.
The study was conducted by Canadian researchers and published in the journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research on June 27.
It found that cannabis user were 22 percent more likely to require emergency or hospital services.
Researchers' findings were consistent even after accounting for other factors, such as alcohol and illicit drug use.
Cannabis use is not as benign and safe as some might think, Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, Study Author, University of Toronto, via CNN.
Our study demonstrates that the use of this substance is associated with serious
negative outcomes, , Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, Study Author, University of Toronto, via CNN.
... specifically, ED
(emergency department)
visits and hospitalizations, Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, Study Author, University of Toronto, via CNN.
Physical injuries were the most common reason for visiting the hospital.
Physical bodily injury was the leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations among the cannabis users, with respiratory reasons coming in a close second, Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, Study Author, University of Toronto, via CNN.
Earlier studies have linked cannabis use to negative effects on higher-level thinking.
[For youth, this could] consequently lead to reduced educational attainment, and, in adults, to poor work performance and dangerous driving. , Dr. Alexandre Dumais, Study Co-Author, University of Montreal, via CNN.
Researchers suggested that heavy cannabis users could suffer more severe consequences.
These consequences may be worse in regular and heavy users, Dr. Alexandre Dumais, Study Co-Author, University of Montreal, via CNN.
The author of the study suggested that his findings are significant enough to be considered by policy makers.
Our study results should set off ‘alarm bells’ in the minds of the public, health care professionals, and political leaders, Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, Study Author, University of Toronto, via CNN