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Blackout Brownie: A Final Dessert Case Study.
Nancy Kedzierski1, Melanie Hernandez1
1Toxicology Department, Orange County Crime Laboratory, 320 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703, USA.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|February 9, 2022
Summary
A woman died after eating an edible cannabis brownie. While cannabis was present, the death was ruled natural due to severe cardiovascular disease, highlighting potential risks with cannabis use in vulnerable individuals.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Toxicology
- Cannabis Research
Background:
- Increasing acceptance and use of cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes.
- Edible cannabis products are a common form of consumption.
- Potential interactions and effects of cannabis, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions, require further investigation.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old female with chronic pain ingested an edible cannabis brownie.
- The decedent experienced nausea and was found deceased at the bottom of the stairs.
- Autopsy revealed obesity and severe ischemic cardiovascular disease.
Findings:
- Toxicology confirmed high levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in central blood (>5,000 ng/mL).
- No apparent trauma was observed on the decedent.
- The death was officially ruled as natural, attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering cannabis use in post-mortem investigations, even when the cause of death is attributed to natural disease.
- Individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions may be at increased risk when consuming cannabis products.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between cannabis, pre-existing health conditions, and mortality.
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