More adults over 50 are using cannabis — and not just for fun. A 2024 National Poll on Healthy Aging from the University of Michigan found that older adults use cannabis in many forms:
- Smoking it
- Drinking it in tea or other drinks
- Eating edibles (like gummies or cookies)
- Rubbing it on the skin as creams or lotions
Why do people use it?
- To relax or feel good (81%)
- To help with sleep (68%)
- To ease pain (63%)
- To cope with stress, anxiety, or depression (53%)
Cannabis can help in some cases — but there are important safety tips,
especially for older adults.
Cannabis Use Is Growing — and So Are
ER Visits
From 2005 to 2019, California saw a 1,804% increase in
cannabis-related emergency room visits. Most of the increase was among people
ages 50–64.
One
reason is that cannabis is now legal in many states. This can make it seem
harmless. But today’s cannabis often has much higher THC — the chemical
that makes you feel “high” — than it did decades ago.
Edibles: Easy to Overdo
Edibles (like gummies, brownies, or chocolates) can take longer to work
than smoking. This delay can cause people to take more than they should. Too
much can cause:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Fast heart rate
Watch Out for Medication Mix-Ups
Cannabis can interact with both prescription and over-the-counter
medicines. This can increase side effects like dizziness, confusion, and even
dangerous falls.
Common prescriptions that may interact with cannabis:
- Anti-anxiety medicines
- Sedatives (help you sleep)
- Pain medicines
- Blood thinners (help prevent clots)
Over-the-counter medicines to use with caution:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Allergy medicines (antihistamines)
- Cold medicines with pseudoephedrine
- Melatonin
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before mixing cannabis with other
medicines.
Driving Safety
Some older adults report driving within two hours of using cannabis.
Experts say that’s risky. Cannabis can slow how fast you react and affect
judgment.
Health tip: Wait at least 4–6 hours before driving after using cannabis.
Bottom Line
Cannabis may help some older adults, but it’s not risk-free.
- Talk to your healthcare provider first.
- Start with a low dose.
- Go slow — especially with edibles.
- Never assume “natural” means “safe.”
With the right information, you can make choices that help you stay
healthy and safe.
Don't Wait- Call Now
If you think someone has been exposed to a poison, don't wait. Call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. For unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, or seizures, dial 911.
With expert guidance, multilingual support, and round-the-clock availability, the TPCN is a trusted lifeline for every Texan.
