A massive new study has brought cannabis use under the microscope – with results that are raising serious concerns.
Based on data from over six million people, the findings point to a disturbing trend that could change how we think about marijuana.
Higher risk
Researchers found that adults who use cannabis and end up in the ER or hospital are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with dementia within five years.
In fact, their risk was up to four times higher compared to non-users.
What’s more, cannabis-related ER visits have exploded. Between 2008 and 2021, these visits rose fivefold. Among people over 65, the rate jumped nearly 27 times.
Coincidence or consequence?
So, does cannabis cause dementia? Not quite. The study doesn’t claim that. But the connection is strong enough to worry doctors and scientists.
What makes this study stand out is its size and scope. It focused on Canadians aged 45 and older with no prior dementia diagnosis.
The average cannabis user was 55, and about 60 % were men.
Roughly 5 % of users in the study developed dementia within five years – compared to only 1.3 % in the general population.
Even among hospital patients who didn’t use cannabis, the dementia rate was lower than among those who did.
This article is based on information from WebMD.