Are THC Gummies Risky for Seniors? Or Risqué... Safety First!

General Disclaimer

Information found here is not a replacement for professional health care advice.
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The information is not and should never be construed to be medical advice.
All products promoted on this site are not intended to to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any specific health or medical condition, or disease.
We implore all our seniors to reach out to your nearest geriatric center to consult with a medical professional before consuming THC gummies or shopping for edible cannabis products.
Please note, by choosing a non-psychotropic products, the overall risk and potential for adverse effects are significantly less; CBD gummies would be a much safer solution.

QUICK ANSWER:

THC gummies and edibles can be safe for seniors if used responsibly and under medical supervision, considering potential interactions with other medications and individual health conditions.

However, dosage control is crucial, as seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of THC.

From Prohibition to Perception:
The Evolving Generational Views oF Cannabis Edibles

Imagine stepping into a time machine, weaving through the decades from the conservative Silent Generation to the transformative Baby Boomers, and emerging into today’s vibrant societal tapestry.

The journey reveals a stunning evolution of collective thought — particularly around the topic of cannabis edibles.

While the Silent Generation (born 1925-1945) may have viewed cannabis through the lens of prohibition and moral skepticism, the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) began to challenge and redefine these conventions.

Fast forward to our current era, and we find a bold reimagining of cannabis, with THC gummies and other cannabinoid-infused edibles being embraced by many medical professionals and their older patients as the preferred choice of medication.

The ban of cannabis in 1937 because of unsubstantiated reports of connections to violent crimes, addiction, madness, and overt sexuality; even though people had been using it for centuries for therapeutic and medicinal purposes.

Fast-forward to February 27, 2024 and according to DISA.com, 31 States in U.S. have fully legalized cannabis.

This seismic shift in mindset showcases not just a change in habits, but a profound transformation in societal norms and acceptance.

While the above involves the legal status of Marijuana products, this varies from the legal status of Hemp-derived products, you’ll learn more on this in the following section. For now, it’s time to fact-check everything and find out whether Cannabis edibles are finally safe for seniors (or not)!?

POP QUIZ!

At what age is it considered NOT safe to eat THC gummies?

A) 80
B) 69
C) 85
D) 72

How’d you do?
No worries either way, this next section will piece everything together and get grandma and grandpa up to speed.

Beginners Guide To Edibles For Seniors

What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Are THC Edibles Legal?
The Different Types of Edibles
Comparing Edibles To Smoking
How Do Cannabis Edibles Work?

Edibles are a variety of tasty treats that are infused with cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.) that have been extracted from a cannabis plant (hemp or marijuana).

The term “Edibles” have always leaned more towards being THC-based (causes a ‘high’ and more commonly used recreationally), rather than CBD-based (does not cause a high and more commonly used for health & wellness); however, edibles can be either.

THC edibles fall into two legal categories:

If the cannabinoids are extracted from hemp plants, they are federally legal (although with some restrictions)
If the cannabinoids are extracted from marijuana plants, they are federally illegal.

Typical THC-infused edibles include the following:

THC Gummies
THC Chocolates
THC Baked Goods
(Brownies, Cookies, and Cakes)
THC Lozenges & Mints

Possible product considerations may also include:

THC Beverages
THC capsules
THC oils

When compared to smoking (cannabis flower) via joint, blunt, or pre-roll, or vaping (THC concentrate) using a vape device, edibles are unique in the following ways:

Edibles have a longer onset time (the amount of time it takes for the effects to kick in).
Edible effects last longer.
Edibles offer controlled dosing (a set amount of milligrams per serving).

When eaten, cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system. Effects manifest over 1-4 hours and can last 8 hours or longer.

Key effects like pain relief come from THC binding with CB1 receptors concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. CBD interacts with multiple systems regulating sleep, mood, immunity, and more.

For a deeper dive into more intricate topics, visit our Guides & Tips blog category. Now, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions…

FAQ

What should seniors consider before trying THC Gummies?

Consult a doctor, start with low doses, and consider having an observer. Medical advice is crucial to avoid drug interactions and understand health risks. Trying CBD first may be preferable for those wary of THC’s psychoactive effects.

Why are more older adults using cannabis gummies?

To manage age-related symptoms, seeking a more holistic approach, tired of the side effects causes by prescription drugs, and for some, to have a little more fun. Older adults are turning to cannabis as an alternative to conventional medications that may be addictive or have undesirable side effects, seeking relief for conditions such as pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

Are edibles good for the elderly?

Edibles offer benefits with considerations. They can be beneficial for managing symptoms associated with aging, yet they carry specific risks for seniors. Responsible use, with attention to dosage and frequency, is essential.

What are the cons of taking weed edibles for seniors?

Increased risk of heart issues, accidents, and psychiatric condition exacerbation. Over-sedation can lead to falls, while high doses and prolonged use may result in dependency and reduced efficacy, highlighting the importance of cautious use.

Can an 80 year old take CBD gummies?

Yes, with caution. CBD is safe for most seniors, but potential interactions with medications necessitate medical supervision. Starting with a low dose is recommended to gauge tolerance and effectiveness.

What’s the best type of edible for elderly users?

Preference plays a key role; however, Hemp-derived THC Gummies and THC-infused chocolates are favorites. The THC form is ∆9-THC, these are the edibles that’ve remained popular due to their ease of use, dosing precision, and palatability, making them suitable for elderly users.

What’s the best starting dose for an elderly new user?

No more than 2.5 mg of THC. This dosage minimizes the risk of adverse effects for those new to cannabis, considering the enhanced sensitivity and potential medication interactions in the elderly. For highly bioavailable formats, halving this dose is advised due to their faster absorption and stronger effects.

How long do cannabis edible effects last in seniors?

Expect 6-8 hours. Edibles have a delayed onset of 1-4 hours with peak effects between 2-4 hours, followed by a gradual decline. This duration necessitates careful planning of dosing times to avoid discomfort or prolonged sedation.

Would CBD or THC edibles be better for seniors with arthritis?

A THC/CBD (1:5) combo or Full Spectrum CBD are excellent options. The combination is effective for managing pain and inflammation without exceeding 10 mg of THC, minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Full Spectrum CBD is particularly advantageous for its broad therapeutic potential and reduced side effect profile, making it suitable for chronic pain and anxiety relief.

Would CBD or THC edibles be better for seniors with anxiety?

Is it healthy to take marijuana gummies every day?

Daily use can lead to tolerance and increased risks. Seniors are advised to take periodic breaks to maintain the effectiveness of lower doses and mitigate the risks associated with tolerance buildup.

Potential Benefits of Cannabis Edibles for the Elderly

Here are some possible therapeutic effects reported in research studies:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management: For an in-depth look into cannabis’s role in managing MS symptoms, the systematic review “Cannabinoids for treatment of MS symptoms: state of the evidence” offers a comprehensive analysis. This review examines the effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating symptoms like spasticity and pain in MS patients, providing a nuanced understanding of its therapeutic potential and limitations.
Pain Relief:
1. Chronic Pain Relief: Multiple double-blind trials found THC and combo CBD/THC capsules reduced severe pain levels by 30-50% in elderly patients; see the study “Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of THC:CBD extract and THC extract in patients with intractable cancer-related pain”.
2. Neuropathic Pain Management: For insights on cannabis’s effect on neuropathic pain, the review “Cannabinoids for neuropathic pain” provides a detailed examination. This review assesses the quality of evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids to treat neuropathic pain, offering a critical perspective on its therapeutic benefits and the gaps in current knowledge.
Cancer-Related Symptoms: The article “Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Medical Purposes in Cancer Patients” explores the use of cannabis and cannabinoids to manage symptoms in cancer patients, such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. It provides a thorough review of the evidence, discussing the potential benefits and the need for rigorous clinical trials to better understand cannabis’s role in cancer symptom management.
Better Sleep: Patients experiencing chronic pain reported improved sleep quality and duration when treated with the cannabis-based medicine Sativex, highlighting its potential utility in managing sleep disorders associated with pain. These findings are detailed in “Cannabis, pain, and sleep: Lessons from therapeutic clinical trials of Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine”.
Reduced Inflammation: Cannabinoids, including CBD, have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting their role in treating various inflammatory diseases. This is supported by the study “Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs”.
Neuroprotective Qualities: Early research, such as the study “Neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component from Cannabis sativa, on β-amyloid-induced toxicity in PC12 cells”, suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may protect nerve cells, potentially slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Of course, real-world mileage can vary greatly. But many seniors do experience meaningful symptom relief with cannabis edibles based on appropriate dosing for their needs.

The Potential Risks of Older Patients using Cannabis Edibles

While edibles seem relatively promising, the prior benefits we’ve discussed may come with some strings attached and it’d be IGNORANT to assume that there are no risks involved.

Here are the common concerns, precautions to keep in mind, and the key negative effects for older people to consider before consuming edibles:

Increased sensitivity to THC – THC potency can seem much stronger to elder users who are just starting out.
Delayed onset makes proper dosing tricky
Balance/fall – Issues with motor coordination and balance increase risks of falls that can be disabling or life-threatening for more frail seniors.
Drug interactions – Both CBD and higher concentrations of THC can negatively interact with essential medications like blood thinners, heart medications, and diabetes drugs.
Agitation/confusion – Edibles may exacerbate psychiatric or memory disorders like schizophrenia and dementia leading to confusion, agitation, and accidental misdosing.
Cardiovascular Risks – ∆9-THC gummies are known to increase heart rate (unlike Cannabidiol gummies); thus, Tetrahydrocannabinol consumption presents a higher risk like heart attack or stroke in older adults – especially those with pre-existing heart conditions.

To mitigate these risks, strict medical guidance and controlled dosing is key.

Common Side Effects Of THC-Infused Foods Seniors Should Expect

Common side-effects, no matter the age, are universal. We’ve written an extensive guide on this already so if this interests you, we highly recommend view our article titled, The Common Side Effects of THC Gummies.

Cannabis Edibles for Seniors Across America

Let’s explore the landscape of cannabis edibles usage among elderly populations across different states.

In California, edibles represent about 10% of the overall medical and recreational cannabis products used by seniors over 65. With nearly 5 million older Californian adults, that still amounts to a sizable edibles usage segment.

Seniors seeking edibles in San Diego dispensaries often aim to alleviate age-related health conditions like chronic pain, neuropathy, arthritis, insomnia, and anxiety without resorting to addictive prescription medications.

Meanwhile in Colorado, a 2021 survey found over 50% of cannabis users over 60 years old now use edibles, with gummies being the most popular format. Reasons cited include easier dosing control than smoking and effectiveness easing older adult health issues.

On the east coast, New York and New Jersey just legalized adult recreational cannabis including edibles in 2022. It remains to be seen whether seniors with qualifying conditions can access medical edibles earlier as regulations unfold.

Clearly edibles popularity is growing among older Americans from coast to coast who want alternatives to pills that can come with unwanted side effects.

Key Safety Tips for Seniors New to Edibles

If you decide to explore cannabis edibles, here are some tips to reduce risks:

Always talk to your doctor about potential drug interactions beforehand
Start very low dose – 2.5mg THC or less
Have someone with you to observe effects initially
Take at night first since drowsiness can occur
Stop alcohol or addiction-forming sleep/anxiety meds

Finding The Right Therapeutic Dose

Key takeaways:

Go slow – Increase your dose gradually to find your minimal effective level
Timing matters – Consume edibles at least 4 hours before needing the effects
Formats make a difference – Try various products to see what you like best

They settled on a 10 mg THC tincture taken about 2 hours before bedtime. Grandma still uses a topical CBD lotion for her arthritis knee pain sometimes too.

This routine offers gentle, lasting relief without leaving them really impaired or “high” at all. Now on to the pros and cons…

The Future Role of Cannabis Edibles for Seniors

While research continues evolving, my grandparents’ generation largely still equates cannabis with its stigmatized perception as an illegal drug.

Yet for those willing to enter this uncharted territory, edibles offer exciting therapeutic potential with reasonable precautions. Perhaps the seniors of tomorrow will have a vastly different outlook.

As laws and data continue advancing, with legalization right around the corner for remaining states across the U.S., I predict cannabis edibles will become as common in nursing homes as prescription pills.

Perhaps they’ll reduce society’s reliance on addictive pharmaceuticals.

Guess only time will tell!

What has been your experience with cannabis edibles as a senior or caregiver?
Have you ever considered switching from opioids and going the herbal route?

Leave your comments below! I’d love to get some feedback!

References

The Grass Might Be Greener: Medical Marijuana Patients Exhibit Altered Brain Activity and Improved Executive Function after 3 Months of Treatment – PubMed
Epidemiological characteristics, safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in the elderly – PubMed
The nephrologist’s guide to cannabis and cannabinoids – PMC
Characteristics and Patterns of Marijuana Use in Community-Dwelling Older Adults – Pubmed
Cannabis: An Emerging Treatment for Common Symptoms in Older Adults – PubMed
Influence of cannabis use on severity of hepatitis C disease – PubMed
Trends in Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in the United States, 2015-2018 | Substance Use and Addiction Medicine | JAMA Internal Medicine
Trends in Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in the United States, 2015-2018 | Substance Use and Addiction Medicine | JAMA Internal Medicine

I still remember the skepticism in my grandma’s voice when I first floated the idea of edibles over to her… She scoffed, dismissed it outright, and actually stopped speaking to me for 3 months.

“Aye nooo! Why? You are not my nieto, he wouldn’t sell that and embarrass our family.”

- Eda Bertolo (my then 83 year old grandma)

Before I continue the story about my grandma, let’s review some key facts about THC-infused edibles for our beloved elders and for fun, a single question pop quiz.

Are Edibles Risky for Seniors? Or Risqué? Safety First!

Christopher Visser