As the number of people using cannabis has increased, there has been a parallel increase in cannabis-related emergency visits.

A new study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy examined the most common causes of cannabis-related visits, with a closer look at Colorado’s visits. The researchers narrowed down the study to the five most frequent causes that lead to hospitalization.

The five concerns include accidental pediatric ingestion, acute intoxication, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, synthetic cannabinoids, and injuries related to the production of butane hash oil (BHO).

First off, children are at risk of cannabis toxicity because they may accidentally ingest cannabis edibles, that look similar to regular candy, but have a high concentration of THC. States have now looked into providing safer guidelines with childproof packaging and new rules to help people identify more accurately cannabis products.

Acute intoxication, the second cause on the list, affected those who consumed too much cannabis. The study pointed out the number of cannabis-related visits has nearly doubled since the drug’s use was legalized in Colorado, and the rate is higher for non-Colorado residents who are visiting the state. New users may not be familiar with the time it takes to peak effect with edibles and may consume more to reach the desired effect.

Followed by pediatric ingestion and acute intoxication is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, that refers to severe episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting, caused by a heavy use of cannabis. With more cases of the syndrome occurring, researchers are starting to acknowledge the existence of this condition and conducting further research on the issue.

Synthetic cannabinoids, one of the last two causes relate to serious health issues, are chemical analogues intended to achieve the effects of natural cannabis, but can cause severe symptoms and in the worst cases lead to death.

The study describes a 24-year-old-man who was hospitalized after purchasing a product at a head shop. He displayed an altered mental status with aggressive behavior and experienced a seizure.

This cause sheds light on the contradiction of buying from the black market even though cannabis is widely available to adults over the age of 21. The man in the study was of legal age to buy natural cannabis, yet he turned to an unregulated, dangerous alternative.

Home extraction injuries are last on the list, and refer to butane hash oil burns. According to the study, these products are often put on cigarettes, used in electronic cigarettes, or vaporized on a hot surface and smoked.

These products are manufactured commercially, but some consumers will make them at home with butane cans and glass extraction tubes, leading them to injuries and hospitalization. Sometimes, the butane can explode, resulting in severe burns.

In 2015, a law in Colorado made manufacturing hash oil using flammable solvents illegal, but it did not stop many consumers from making their own products, considering the number of hospitalized patients.

With new users on the rise, it is important to take into account these five causes, and keep educating and researching to improve the lives of consumers.