First-Time Edibles at 75: What Happens When Grandparents Try THC

Videos of grandmas getting high have been taking over social media lately, and honestly? They’re impossible not to love. There’s something genuinely heartwarming about watching a 75-year-old take their first hit, dissolve into a giggle fit, and inevitably ask for snacks twenty minutes later.

But beyond the entertainment value, these clips tap into something real. Cannabis use among older adults is skyrocketing. Many grandparents are already using weed—they’re just doing it quietly. And for those trying it for the first time on camera, the reactions range from hilarious to surprisingly touching.

This article breaks down why these videos are going viral, what the research says about seniors and cannabis, and what to keep in mind if you’re thinking about introducing your grandparents to THC for the first time.

The internet has produced some genuinely golden content of grandmas getting high for the first time, and the clips keep going viral for good reason.

The Grandpa Gummy Video

One Reddit post captured someone’s grandpa eating a cannabis gummy for the first time. The footage starts simple—grandpa happily chewing a gummy, waiting for it to kick in. Cut to the next scene: he’s collapsed in a La-Z-Boy, laughing uncontrollably about how much he just ate and how hungry he still is.

The best moment? His granddaughter asks, “You’re not stressed out anymore, are you?” Grandpa, mid-laugh, replies: “What stress?”

The comments section added another layer to the story. User /Ande64 shared a moving story about giving their mother a gummy during her final days in hospice. After months of being unable to eat, talk, or engage, she spent her last afternoon laughing, reminiscing, and pulling up memories she’d forgotten for years. “My last moments with her were awesome because of that gummy.”

The 93-Year-Old Grandma

Another viral clip shows a 93-year-old grandmother trying weed for the first time. She accepts a joint from her grandson, takes a nice pull, and politely says, “Thank you.” Her grandson tells her he loves her, and she mentions hoping the weed will help with her knee pain. Pure wholesome content.

The Cut Video: Three Grandmas, One Bong

A now-classic from YouTube shows three grandmothers from Washington State smoking weed together. One admits she never tried it before because she was “too busy being a suburban mom, raising kids, drinking cocktails, and smoking cigarettes.” Then they each take a rip from a bong—coughing, giggling, and reporting instant pain relief.

Their reactions say everything: “I totally lost track of what you were talking about.” “I’m feeling like I really don’t care.” “Yeah, I would do it again, if I could get this bag of chips open.”

Videos of grandmas getting high work because they’re genuine. You get authentic reactions from people experiencing something new at an age when most assume you’ve done everything you’re going to do.

These clips also challenge stereotypes. We’re used to seeing cannabis content from younger demographics. Watching a grandpa get high for the first time and immediately ask about snacks reminds us that weed isn’t just for one generation. The joy is universal.

And there’s something cathartic about watching older people let go. Many grew up during decades when cannabis carried a heavy stigma. Seeing them finally try it—and enjoy it—feels like a cultural shift happening in real time.

A lot of grandparents are already using weed. They’re just not filming it.

Cannabis use among adults 65 and older has been climbing steadily. According to a 2025 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, cannabis use among adults 65 and older increased by 46% from 2022 to 2023 alone. For context, back in 2006-2007, only about 1% of seniors reported using cannabis. The shift has been dramatic.

NYU researchers summarizing the data note that this isn’t just recreational experimentation. Many older adults are turning to cannabis for specific health-related reasons:

• Chronic pain: Joint pain, arthritis, and other age-related discomfort top the list
• Sleep issues: Difficulty falling or staying asleep drives many to try cannabis
• Anxiety: Some seniors use it to manage stress and worry
• Appetite: Cannabis can help stimulate appetite, which often decreases with age
• Alternative to pharmaceuticals: Many older adults specifically seek cannabis as an alternative to opioids or benzodiazepines, which carry significant side effects and dependency risks

The appeal makes sense. Grandmas getting high might seem like a novelty online, but for many seniors, cannabis offers genuine relief from issues that traditional medications don’t fully address… or address with too many trade-offs.

It’s pretty common for older adults to keep their cannabis use private. The stigma from decades of prohibition doesn’t disappear overnight. Some worry about judgment from family members, doctors, or their social circles. Others simply grew up in an era where admitting to drug use (even legal drug use) felt taboo.

One Reddit story captures this perfectly: a grandson panicked after thinking his grandfather accidentally ate his weed brownies. Turns out, grandpa had been using cannabis for years and never mentioned it. The evening that followed? Deep conversations, jazz music, cigars, and a grandfather with a big smile looking thoroughly blazed. They connected more deeply than ever before.

The point is: your grandparents might already be ahead of you on this one.

If you’re inspired by the viral videos and thinking about introducing your grandparents to cannabis, approach it thoughtfully. First-time edibles can be overwhelming for anyone, especially someone who’s never experienced THC.

Start With a Microdose

This is non-negotiable. A full 10mg gummy might be standard for experienced users, but it can be way too much for a first-timer, especially an older adult. Start with 2.5mg or 5mg max. You can always add more later. You can’t un-eat a gummy.

Edibles take 45 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, and the effects last much longer than smoking. Make sure your grandparent knows to wait before deciding they need more.

Stay With Them

Don’t hand over a gummy and leave—that would be cruel. First-time edible experiences can be disorienting, and having a calm, familiar presence makes a huge difference. Be there to answer questions, provide reassurance, and share the moment.

Have Water and Snacks Ready

Dry mouth (also known as cottonmouth) and munchies are real. Keep water within reach and have some easy snacks available. This also gives them something to do if they start feeling the effects strongly.

For snack ideas, see our guide on The Best Food to Eat While High: Top Snacks & Unexpected Food Combos. 

Make Sure They Know What They’re Consuming

This should go without saying, but always be transparent. Your grandparent should know they’re consuming cannabis, what to expect, and that they can stop anytime they feel uncomfortable. Surprising someone with THC is never okay.

Choose the Right Setting

A comfortable, familiar environment is ideal. Their living room, a family gathering where they feel safe, or anywhere they can relax without worrying about being judged or watched by strangers.

Consider Their Health

If your grandparent takes medications or has health conditions, encourage them to check with their doctor first. Cannabis can interact with certain prescriptions, and it’s better to be safe.

The trend of grandmas getting high for the first time reflects a real cultural shift. Cannabis use among older adults is rising fast, and many seniors are finding that cannabis can provide relief from pain, anxiety, and sleep issues that other treatments haven’t solved.

The viral videos work because they’re authentic. Watching a grandpa get high for the first time and forget what stress even means is funny, sure. But it’s also a reminder that cannabis can bring joy and comfort to people at any age.

If you’re thinking about sharing the experience with your own grandparents, do it responsibly. Start low, stay present, and make sure they know what they’re getting into. Done right, it might become one of the best afternoons you’ve ever spent together. And who knows—they might already be way ahead of you.

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