As more older adults in Thailand and around the world turn to cannabis to address chronic pain, insomnia and mental health struggles, a surge of recent research is revealing that age dramatically increases the health risks posed by this once-taboo plant. With the global push towards cannabis legalization and growing acceptance for therapeutic use, experts are warning that older bodies and minds are particularly vulnerable to the potent effects of modern cannabis products—placing Thailand’s rapidly aging population at risk of unanticipated harm (NY Times, Seattle Times).
Across Europe, North America, and increasingly in Asia, older adults are turning to cannabis—often in edible or oil forms—to manage suffering that traditional medication sometimes fails to relieve. In the United States, for example, cannabis use among those over 65 has soared from under 1% in 2005 to 7% in 2023 (NY Times). Thailand, which legalised medical cannabis in 2018 and briefly decriminalised the plant for broader uses in 2022 before retrenching with tighter controls, is seeing a similar upswing in elderly interest and consumption (Wikipedia). The surge comes encouraged by legal reforms, changing social attitudes, and aggressive marketing from the expanding cannabis industry targeting what are dubbed “wisdom customers.”
But the “green rush” to self-medicate obscures an uncomfortable truth: as people age, their bodies change in ways that make them more sensitive to psychoactive substances and more prone to complications. Research led by geriatricians like Dr. Benjamin Han from the University of California, San Diego, highlights increasingly frequent emergencies—ranging from falls and acute confusion to cardiovascular incidents—among elderly cannabis users. Dr. Han recounts the case of a 76-year-old woman who, struggling with sleeplessness, consumed several high-dosage edible gummies and ended up panicked in the emergency department with heart palpitations and dangerously elevated blood pressure. While she survived relatively unscathed, others weren’t so lucky, and the incident illustrates a core message: “Our brains are more sensitive to psychoactive substances as we age,” Dr. Han cautioned (NY Times).
The medical community’s growing concern rests on two pillars: a dramatic rise in cannabis-related emergency room visits among older patients; and new correlations between cannabis use and higher rates of cognitive decline and dementia. In California, ER visits by those over 65 linked to cannabis shot up almost 20-fold from 2005 to 2019. Ontario, Canada, where cannabis has been legal for nonmedical use since 2018, saw a 26-fold increase in acute care instances in that same age group between 2008 and 2021. Numerous studies suggest that people seeking emergency care for cannabis-related problems have a significantly higher risk of dementia diagnosis over the following five years—a 72% higher risk than the general non-using population (NY Times).
Why the increased risks? As people age, they are more susceptible to drug interactions and suffer more from memory impairment and confusion caused by cannabis. These interactions are especially concerning in a Thai context, where polypharmacy is widespread among the elderly—many take multiple prescription drugs for the management of chronic diseases. Cannabis may further compound cardiovascular risks for individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease—a population segment that is significant in Thailand, where rates of noncommunicable diseases among those 65 or older continue to rise (World Bank).
Complicating matters is the lack of robust evidence supporting cannabis’s effectiveness for insomnia, chronic pain, or mood disorders in older adults. While some individuals report success, randomized controlled trials are scarce, and studies that do exist often report only modest benefits or inconclusive results. Furthermore, the stigma in Asian culture around recreational drug use and misunderstanding about dosing—some elders accidentally consume far higher doses than intended—may contribute to increased risk.
The cannabis industry’s multiplying products and growing strength add another layer of danger. Today’s cannabis—whether smoked, eaten as a gummy, or vaped—can be much more potent than what many elderly users might remember (or imagine). In Thailand, weak regulatory provisions have left gaps through which high-THC, poorly labelled products have poured into the legal market, increasing the odds of accidental intoxication—especially among elders (Bangkok Post, Wikipedia).
While some—like a 67-year-old American woman quoted in recent coverage—claim life-changing benefits for anxiety and insomnia, medical researchers warn against generalizing from anecdotal success. Studies in North America indicate a worrying trend: over a third of older veterans who use cannabis fit the diagnostic criteria for a cannabis use disorder, which includes inability to stop despite harm and experiencing withdrawal when abstaining. Such patterns of use and dependency may become an overlooked public health crisis for Thailand’s seniors, particularly as more feel emboldened by legislative shifts or turn to cannabis in the absence of affordable, accessible medical care.
Real-world consequences in Thailand include stories emerging from urban hospitals of elderly patients—or sometimes unwitting caregivers—bringing in confused or physically distressed elders after accidental overconsumption. In rural communities, a lack of appropriate health literacy and limited access to geriatric-focused counseling increases chances of unsafe experimentation.
Globally and in Thailand, public and professional understanding about cannabis’s health impacts on older adults struggles to keep pace with the market’s expansion. Investigators like Dr. Daniel Myran at Ontario’s Bruyère Health Research Institute note that their findings “highlight that the rapid expansion of regular cannabis use in North America is outpacing our knowledge.” The same is true in Thailand, where regulatory policy remains in flux and consistent safety messaging for seniors is scant. Importantly, most existing studies have not been randomized trials; rather, they link patterns of observed harm in hospital and emergency care records, making causality difficult to firmly establish (NY Times.
Cultural context is crucial in Thailand. For many elders, Buddhist principles of moderation and self-discipline may encourage a measured approach to substance use, but for others, Thailand’s historical use of cannabis—as “ganja” in traditional medicine and cooking—can foster a misplaced sense of safety about today’s commercially potent products (Wikipedia). Community leaders and senior center staff report both increased curiosity and confusion among their constituents, as retirees weigh ancient herbal wisdom against sensationalized media reports and aggressive product marketing from “modern” dispensaries—some of which openly court the over-55 market with educational seminars and discounts.
Thailand, with one of the fastest-aging populations in Southeast Asia, faces a uniquely urgent challenge. As the population over 65 is projected to reach nearly 20% within the next fifteen years (United Nations), ensuring the health of older Thais is both a public health and economic imperative. If the lessons from North America and Europe are neglected, Thailand could face a costly epidemic of cannabis-related injuries, hospitalizations, and impaired cognition among its elders. Integrating clear, culturally attuned education about cannabis into primary health services for seniors could become just as vital as blood pressure screening or diabetes monitoring.
Moving forward, medical professionals and policymakers must be guided by the principle of “start low, go slow.” The Thai government, academic institutions, and senior advocacy organizations should accelerate research specific to older Thai populations—factoring in prevalent comorbidities, social attitudes, and traditional health beliefs—and immediately expand training for health workers on detecting cannabis use and responding to associated side effects.
For Thai readers—especially elders and their caretakers—here are practical recommendations: consult physicians before trying any cannabis product; avoid high-THC varieties; be vigilant for side effects such as confusion, anxiety, dizziness, or heart symptoms; and never mix new cannabis products with existing prescription medications unless under medical supervision. Family members should support elderly loved ones by helping monitor dosing and observing for new health complaints. Above all, seek guidance from professionals familiar with the distinctive challenges older adults face.
As the landscape for cannabis in Thailand continues to evolve, it is essential for both older adults and their families to keep in mind that “natural” does not mean risk-free—especially as the health risks from cannabis use only appear to grow as users age. Staying informed, speaking openly with health providers, and seeking community support can help ensure that the pursuit of relief does not inadvertently compound suffering in Thailand’s golden years.
Sources:
- “Health Risks From Cannabis May Grow as Users Age,” The New York Times, 2025
- “Health risks from cannabis may grow as users age,” Seattle Times, 2025
- “Health effects of cannabis,” Wikipedia
- “Survey shows Thais say no to cannabis,” Bangkok Post
- “Data: Thailand’s Aging Population,” World Bank
- “World Population Prospects,” United Nations