Heavy Marijuana Use May Raise Dementia Risk Within Five Years

Middle-aged folks and seniors whose weed use lands them in the hospital are at higher risk for developing dementia within a matter of years, a new study says. An ER visit or hospitalization due to cannabis use is associated with a 72% increased risk of a dementia diagnosis within five years compared to the general population, researchers reported April 14 in JAMA Neurology. These folks also have a 23% increased risk of dementia within five years compared to people receiving hospital care for any other reason, researchers added. "Long-term and heavy cannabis use has been associated with memory problems in...