Although they look appealing, marijuana edibles like sweet treats such as gummies or chocolate bars that are infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, could be dangerous for certain users. They might look like confectionaries; however, these powerful products aren’t suited for kids. That’s a big part of the issue.
In a brand-new article that was published in Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers highlighted the most significant hazards related to cannabis edibles, based on the different types of users. They also found that young people are the most susceptible to accidental consumption and overconsumption. The other one that is at greatest risk is older adults. For those two groups, there are severe health risks that can lead to going to an emergency room or an extremely, very bad day.
In states where marijuana is legal to use recreationally and data is available, edibles of cannabis are a tiny part of the overall market. However, in certain instances like Colorado where they’ve been able to put an excessive number of patients in hospitals.
There are certain motives for this, many of which can be due to the different ways in the way that our bodies process cannabis, based on how it’s consumed.
How Does Cannabis Edibles Affect Your Body?
It’s been proven that cannabis edibles require much longer than inhaled marijuana to get into the bloodstream.
Smoking causes a nearly instantaneous effect while intaking edibles usually takes 30 and 60 minutes. However, this can differ based on numerous factors, like the person’s metabolism as well as the ingredients of the edible.
“Overconsumption is a major concern due to the time delay until the onset of the effects it is intended to cause. Contrary to inhaled marijuana ingestion, cannabis ingested must be digested prior to being consumed, and when it’s consumed and is absorbed and people may not notice immediate effects and thus inadvertently consume more,” explained Professor Dr. Lawrence Loh, MPH the lead researcher and a faculty member in The University of Toronto.
Other factors that can influence the speed at which an edible will be able to kick in are sexual activity, weight, diet, and tolerance to cannabis. Effects of edible marijuana last longer than smoking. The highest blood levels of THC appeared about 3 hours after the consumption.
The delay in the effects of edibles may result in a very common situation for certain users: eating an edible but experiencing the high but not feeling it right away after which they consume more. When the effects start to show at that point, the patient might be in a tizzy state. Risks to health associated with excessive consumption of cannabis The potential exists for cannabis-induced psychosis that causes the sensation of paranoia, confusion, and hallucinations. Particularly in older people cannabis may also cause cardiac problems.
The previous year The Canadian Journal of Cardiology published an article on an elderly man, 70, who suffered an attack of the heart after ingestion of edible cannabis lollipops. Cannabis is believed to have an effect on the cardiovascular system and may result in increased blood pressure and heart rate. Research conducted by trusted sources has previously shown an increased risk of having heart attacks following marijuana use. Overconsumption poses distinct dangers for different age groups, as explained in the latest Canadian report.
The Risks of Cannabis Edibles
The risks for young people included in the list are anxiety attacks, psychosis, and hyperemesis syndrome, an extremely serious condition that causes vomiting uncontrollably. There could be long-term consequences of smoking cannabis that begin at a very young age, such as “impaired brain development and poor mental health.”Older adults, which is the second at-risk population identified by the study, might be more susceptible to cognitive impairment and risk of falling, heart arrhythmias, and interactions with drugs.
According to Loh, the two categories are at greater risk due to “[They] have different metabolic rates and pharmacokinetics than other groups and hence respond differently… For seniors, many may have other conditions that might place them at risk of overconsumption and other indirectly related health issues.”
Rais Vohra who is the Medical Director of California Poison Control System Fresno Madera District has told Healthline that his experiences in managing emergency situations involving cannabis edibles are in line with the findings of the report. He stressed how crucial it is that you keep such items away from the reach of children, in order to ensure that they are not exposed to.”What we do repeatedly is that children and cannabis do not mix. We should treat these edibles the same way as with prescription medicines and alcohol and attempt not to let them get into the reach of children, toddlers, and kids who may accidentally inhale these substances” the doctor said.
Prevention is the most effective option when you need to treat excessive consumption of cannabis There are many alternatives other than just riding it out.
What’s the Most Effective Way to Manage the Effects of Marijuana?
“There’s nothing that can be done to reverse the toxicity of marijuana. Therefore, if someone suffers from the effects of marijuana-related intoxication, you must provide them with the support they need and let the time take its course,” said Vohra.”As their bodies metabolize the cannabis, they’ll be normal. It could take a few days or two, while they wait, they might require intensive support,” he added. Vohra has stated that in the case of smoking marijuana excessively, he generally suggests “home observation,” meaning going to the ER likely isn’t required.
For some serious situations, especially for infants and young children going to the hospital is a great option. Proper regulation of edible cannabis can be the very first thing to making sure that no one is in the ER due to these edibles. In Canada, this regulation requires that food items be stored in clear, child-proof packaging and require a standard warning for health on them.
“Common sense and good business practices suggest that in a legally controlled adult-use market, cannabis-infused products should be easily distinguished from non-infused items by their packaging. Additionally, these products need to be correctly and precisely identified for their quality and the number of cannabinoids in them and packaged in child-proof packages,” said Paul Armentano who is the Deputy Director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Armentano wasn’t associated with the report.
The report also calls for more extensive community-based information about edible cannabis. It also encourages doctors to discuss cannabis use with patients. “I consider that every action we take to make sure that we are safe is a synergy. On the level of the community, there is a need for education and reminders in various ways that these products could be risky,” said Vohra.