ED visits related to use of other drugs did not change as dramatically over the same time period. Statewide, for example, ED visits for opioids rose by about 10 per 10,000 among both visitors and residents.
Dr. Kim said a number of reasons could explain the larger increase in cannabis-related ED visits among people from outside Colorado. For example, people on vacations tend to use more marijuana. Also, visitors may be trying marijuana edibles, which have delayed effects, for the first time.
The researchers also caution that doctors might have become more aware of marijuana use after legalization. “I would say visitors to states with legal marijuana should be aware of side effects of legal marijuana use,” said Dr. Kim. “If they decide to use, they should do it safely and in moderation.” In states considering marijuana legalization, he said, policymakers should think of campaigns to educate the public and anticipate this as an issue.
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