Are emergency department visits for cannabis higher in youth under 25 during COVID?
Research confirms that emergency department visits involving cannabis use among young people rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase is linked to factors like the availability of stronger products and ongoing use trends in this age group. Doctors typically monitor these trends to understand how substance use affects youth health.
What the research says
While some studies focus on specific groups like sexual minority women who show higher rates of substance use generally 1, the specific data on youth during COVID points to a clear upward trend in emergency visits 2. Other data shows that men aged 20 to 29 are a common group presenting for cannabis-related vomiting, highlighting that young adults are frequently involved in these incidents 5.
What to ask your doctor
- How do current trends in cannabis potency affect the risk of emergency visits for my child?
- What are the signs of cannabis intoxication or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in adolescents?
- Are there specific resources for substance use treatment available for youth in my area?
- How can we monitor changes in cannabis use patterns during stressful times like a pandemic?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Emergency Medicine and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.