Figure 5.3.3: ED visits for cannabis use
Age standardized rates per 100,000 population, Middlesex-London, Peer Group, Ontario, 2004 to 2017
The rate of emergency department (ED) visits related to cannabis use increased dramatically between 2004 and 2017. The rate in 2017 was 75 visits per 100,000 population, more than a six-fold increase from 2004 (11).
Between 2015 and 2016 there was a statistically significant increase in the rate of ED visits seen in Middlesex London. Between 2013 and 2015 ML rates were significantly lower than Ontario; however, local rates caught up to provincial rates in 2016 and 2017. ML rates have been consistently lower than the Peer Health Units for the whole time frame.
Poisonings represent a small fraction of the total cannabis-related emergency department visits (~20%) compared to mental and behavioural disorders (~80%). Of particular concern are those very young children who may be ingesting cannabis, particularly when in the form of edibles such as candies or baked goods. The count of poisonings in those under age 10 was extremely small (not shown).