A growing body of research warns that cannabis use among older adults carries increasing health risks, a concern that grows as legalization expands and social attitudes shift. A recent analysis highlights a sharp rise in cannabis consumption among people aged 65 and older, sparking urgent discussions among health professionals about safety, regulation, and how Thailand should respond in its rapidly aging society.
A cautionary incident underscores the issue: a 76-year-old woman seeking insomnia relief consumed several THC-laced edibles in one night, experiencing anxiety and heart palpitations that led to an emergency visit. She recovered and was discharged, but the episode illustrates vulnerabilities many seniors face. As a geriatrician notes, aging brains are more sensitive to psychoactive substances, a reality for Thai seniors with hypertension or arrhythmias, where drug interactions and falls could amplify risks.
Thailand moved to legalize cannabis for medical and culinary use in 2022, then tightened restrictions amid public health concerns. Authorities continue to debate safe access in a country poised to experience one of Southeast Asia’s fastest demographic shifts. By 2040, about 20 percent of Thais will be 65 or older, a statistic that frames the national debate on how to balance therapeutic use with safety. Data and insights from research in aging populations in the region could guide policy for neighboring countries.
Across the globe, data show rising cannabis use among seniors. In the United States, for example, the share of Americans over 65 who used cannabis in the past month nearly doubled from 4.8 percent in 2021 to 7 percent in 2023. Thailand’s situation appears to echo this trend as dispensaries proliferate and stigma declines, especially in major urban centers.
Why older adults use cannabis differs from younger users. Surveys indicate seniors often seek relief from chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety, sometimes finding conventional medications unsatisfactory. Yet robust clinical evidence for cannabis’s effectiveness remains limited, and recent findings highlight acute health risks, including more emergency room visits and hospital admissions. In Canada, emergency or hospital visits related to cannabis among Ontarians over 65 rose dramatically between 2008 and 2021. In California, visits for cannabis issues in older adults climbed over the years as reforms progressed. Thai clinicians report similar patterns, sometimes linked to tourists or returning residents experimenting with edibles and high-potency products.
Experts caution that older adults are more likely to take multiple medications, increasing the risk of dangerous interactions with cannabinoids. Observational findings include signals of potential patterns that require careful monitoring and public health response. Researchers stress that eating, vaping, or smoking cannabis may carry different risk profiles, underscoring the need for tailored guidance for seniors.
Commercial shifts are shaping the landscape. Cannabis companies are marketing to seniors with discounts and education programs, while dispensaries worldwide promote “senior wellness” products. In Thailand, some outlets highlight elder-focused products alongside traditional remedies, complicating regulation and education efforts. The blending of traditional Thai medicine with modern cannabis products raises questions about safety and dosing for older users.
Misinformation about cannabis risks persists. A notable survey found that many adults wrongly believe daily cannabis use is safer than tobacco. This misconception can be dangerous for people with chronic diseases, who may face cardiac, respiratory, or cognitive complications. Thai health campaigns are trying to combat confusion, especially among middle-aged adults who recall cannabis as a folk remedy while unaware of potency and scientific uncertainties in today’s products.
Common acute health issues in older cannabis users include anxiety episodes, cardiovascular symptoms, impaired coordination, and falls. Some studies also suggest a potential link between cannabis-related medical visits and later dementia diagnoses, though causality remains unproven. These observations, however, emphasize the need for cautious approaches and ongoing surveillance.
A significant gap is the lack of age-specific clinical research. Many studies do not specify how cannabis was consumed, making it harder to judge safety and effect. Trials often exclude older participants or those with coexisting conditions, leaving Thai clinicians with limited guidance on safe dosages, delivery methods, and risk management.
Thailand’s regulatory framework adds to complexity. While cannabis is technically controlled, policy fragmentation and commercial interests muddy the landscape. Medical professionals advocate for better training and public information to prevent overdoses, drug interactions, and unsafe activities among seniors.
Culturally, cannabis carries a long but ambivalent history in Thailand. Traditionally used in small amounts within medicine and cuisine, today’s potent products and diversified formats challenge both folk knowledge and medical guidance. Families may encounter scenarios where well-meaning relatives unknowingly expose seniors to high-risk products, highlighting the need for clear education and support.
What lies ahead for Thailand? If other countries’ experiences are any guide, urgent public health actions are warranted as attitudes shift and seniors become more willing to experiment. Thai clinicians report an uptick in accidental overdoses and cardio-cerebral concerns, reinforcing the call for patient education and clinician involvement.
Experts offer practical recommendations for the public and policymakers:
- Consult a physician before starting any cannabis product, especially for those with heart, kidney, or mental health conditions.
- Start with the lowest possible doses and avoid high-potency edibles.
- Monitor for side effects such as anxiety, dizziness, or confusion, particularly in the first weeks.
- Check medications for potential interactions with cannabis.
- Refrain from cannabis use when driving or performing tasks requiring coordination.
Families play a key role. Open conversations about risks and benefits with senior relatives, help identify reputable products, and avoid unregulated markets or questionable home remedies.
On the policy front, Thai authorities should collect comprehensive data on cannabis-related health visits, track aging-related trends, and update patient education as new research becomes available. Medical schools and hospitals should train clinicians in geriatric cannabis care. All stakeholders—from policymakers to store owners—should emphasize clear, evidence-based information over marketing hype to help seniors make informed choices.
The takeaway for Thai readers is cautious vigilance. As cannabis gains traction in an aging society, the potential risks require thoughtful management, professional guidance, and ongoing public health monitoring. Seek medical advice, involve healthcare providers, and balance traditional remedies with modern science and safety standards.
For further context on elderly health and cannabis, medical professionals emphasize consulting authoritative health authorities and trusted institutions for up-to-date guidance.