How to Introduce a Grandparent to Cannabis 

Talking to your family about cannabis can be difficult. You’re often battling with generations of stigma and the impacts of changing social norms in real time. Conversing with a grandparent who grew up believing that cannabis is bad and those who smoke weed are lazy, among other sentiments, can be challenging. With that in mind, you may be wondering how to effectively introduce a grandparent to cannabis for its therapeutic effects and other benefits. 

We’ve talked about discussing your cannabis use with family before. But if you have a canna-curious grandparent or someone in your life who you think could benefit from cannabis use, the conversation may go in a different direction. After all, you’re no longer talking about your personal health and experiences. You’re touching on someone else’s life, and it can be a sensitive conversation. 

Although the cannabis topic may be sensitive, times are changing. A recent poll found that 21% of adults older than 50 used cannabis in the last year. As more seniors embrace cannabis, here are some tips for talking to your loved ones:

Considerations Before Opening the Conversation 

If your grandparent approaches you with curiosity about cannabis, great! You know that they are at least open to discussing the topic. 

But if you are the one considering bringing up cannabis use, take some time to evaluate the situation. Is it because your grandparent is in pain, stressed, or could benefit from the therapeutic effects of the plant? Do you know their history with cannabis use and their current opinion on the increase in use across the world?

Know that while some people may be open to the conversation, others may shut it down immediately. Be prepared for either response. And more importantly, respect their right not to want to discuss it. 

If you’re not sure how your grandparent or loved one will respond to the idea, try something like this script: “Hey grandma. I know you experience a lot of joint and back pain. Would you ever be open to discussing the possibility of using cannabis to help? I can show you some research I found.”

The above script doesn’t trap your grandparent into an immediate conversation and allows them time to ruminate on the idea. Even if they say no, you’ve planted the idea. They may think about it and return with curiosity, but in general, you shouldn’t push the topic if they say they are not open to discussing it. 

Discussing Cannabis With Your Grandparent 

Once your grandparent or loved one has agreed to talk with you, take it slow and let them lead the way. It’s a good idea to come prepared, so go ahead and save some links to articles about cannabis for pain, anxiety, or other conditions. 

But don’t bombard them with information unless prompted. Instead, ask what they already know about the topic. Ask what they’re most interested in using it for and what parts of cannabis use concern them.

Above all, listen to their concerns. If they say they’re not comfortable smoking, don’t try to convince them to change their mind. Take their word and pivot by presenting other options, such as edibles or topicals. If they say they don’t want to get high, present them with non-intoxicating options and explain how different cannabinoids produce different effects. 

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Set Realistic Expectations

If your grandparent has agreed to give cannabis a try, that’s great. But the work is not done. Now it’s time for some trial and error. 

Ideally, you will be able to find a product that works for your grandparent’s needs on your first try. But even if you find the perfect product, you still need to figure out the right dosage to achieve your desired effects. 

This process shouldn’t be too difficult if you’ve narrowed down what type of products your grandparent wants to try, the consumption methods they’re comfortable with, and their desired results. 

However, it’s crucial to make these expectations clear to your grandparents before they try a new product. Let them know that they may need to try a few different doses or even switch to a different product entirely before finding what works best for them. Setting an expectation for trial and error can help prevent frustration. Plus, if they end up liking the first thing they try, they’ll have a pleasant surprise. 

READ: Why it’s Critical for Patients to Consult Their Physicians Before Using Cannabis

Start Low and Go Slow 

Always start with low doses and work your way up over time. If your grandparent wants to try a 5 mg sleep edible, start with half for their first try to make sure they don’t get too high. If they feel like they could have used more, try 5 mg the next night. If they report that it felt too strong, you may want to opt for a lower-dose option. 

This advice goes for all consumption methods. If grandma wants to try her hand at smoking a joint, start with one small puff and wait 10-15 minutes before taking more. If grandpa wants to try a vape for his aches and pains, go with a low-dose vape. Have him take one puff and wait 10-15 minutes before evaluating his pain and deciding on trying more. 

Keep in mind that your grandparent can always consume more, but it’s not possible to undo what’s already been consumed. It’s better for them to need a little more than to get too high accidentally and have a negative experience that will color their perception of cannabis. 

Final Tips on Introducing Your Grandparent to Cannabis 

While cannabis has been normalized for younger generations, many grandparents are not on the same page. It’s important to make them feel comfortable, safe, and heard when discussing the potential for cannabis use. 

Offer to accompany them to the dispensary and let your budtender know the situation. You could also watch videos or read articles together to make for a more collaborative research experience. 

Above all else, remember that they have the final say. While it may be frustrating to have a grandparent reject your suggestions—especially when you feel they could benefit from cannabis use—it’s ultimately their decision. It’s crucial to respect that. Once you’ve opened the door to the conversation, they may come back with curiosity down the line.