Take Your Gummies Easy, Grandma: A Cautionary Tale for 65+ (and Anyone with Health Issues)
Hi — I’m Dr. Angela, and I want to share a cautionary tale.
In the last few years, I’ve seen a growing number of patients — mostly over 65, but a few younger — who tried edible THC, thinking it would be a safer alternative to a nightcap or a pain pill or a fun night. Instead, they ended up anxious, dizzy, confused, or even hallucinating — and some spent the night in the ER and/or overnight observation.
Cannabis is legal and widely available in Michigan, so it’s natural for people to get curious. But before you pop what looks like an innocent gummy or brownie, let’s talk about why edibles can hit harder than you think, especially as we age.
Why More Older Adults Are Trying THC
Cannabis use among older adults is on the rise — fast. National surveys show that nearly 7% of adults 65 and older used cannabis in the past month — almost 50% more than just a few years ago. Many are looking for natural solutions for pain, sleep, or anxiety, and gummies feel approachable and discreet.
But there’s a big difference between curiosity and safety — and edibles have some unique risks.
Why Edibles Pack a Punch
Here’s what happens when you eat a gummy:
Slow Start: You may feel nothing for 30–120 minutes. That “delay” leads many to think it’s not working and take another dose.
Stronger Conversion: Your liver turns THC into a more potent compound (11-hydroxy-THC) that hits the brain harder and can trigger more intense psychoactive effects.
Long Ride: The “high” can last 6–12 hours or more, much longer than smoking or vaping.
For someone over 65 — who may already metabolize medications more slowly — that combo can be overwhelming.
Who Is Most at Risk?
ER studies show that after edible THC became widely available, ER visits and hospitalizations for cannabis poisoning among adults 65+ tripled. Most were for severe anxiety, paranoia, delirium, or falls — not just “feeling too high.”
But this isn’t just about being a senior. You may be at higher risk even if you’re younger if you:
Take multiple prescription medications
Have chronic health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, COPD, kidney or liver disease)Have GI conditions (IBS, IBD, delayed gastric motility, celiac, post-surgical changes…bariatric surgery, for instance) that make absorption unpredictable
You are new to THC or haven’t used it in years
Mix edibles with alcohol or other sedatives
Think of it this way: your risk is about how your body processes THC, not just your age.
What Can Go Wrong
Here are the most common reasons people end up in the ER after edibles:
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Paranoia or hallucinations (sometimes leading to brief psychosis)
Confusion or delirium — can’t follow conversations, disoriented, unsafe to be alone
Dizziness, falls, and injuries
Heart palpitations or chest pain — especially scary if you already have heart disease
These aren’t just uncomfortable — they can be dangerous.
The Safer Way to Try
Look, I am not advocating that you use edibles, but let's face it, many of you are going to do it anyway, and you may not tell your doctor until you have an ER visit. So, if you do want to try edibles, here’s how to reduce the risk:
Start low: 1-2.5 mg (yes, that low)
Wait it out: Give it at least two full hours before taking more
Avoid mixing: Skip alcohol or sedatives that night
Plan: Try it at home, with someone you trust nearby
Store safely: Keep away from kids, grandkids, and pets
And if you have chronic health issues or take daily meds — talk to your doctor before you experiment.
When to Seek Help
Don’t call me, head straight to the ER if you have:
Chest pain, racing heart, or trouble breathing
Confusion, trouble staying awake, or trouble recognizing where you are
Severe paranoia, hallucinations, or thoughts that don’t make sense
Better to get checked out and be safe.
Bottom Line
Edibles are still a drug; they are unregulated, and thus, you should proceed with caution. Don’t treat it like candy.
