Rediscovering Cannabis After 50: Cannabis, Confidence & Community

Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by Alex Roig

Meet Rita: From Candy Stores to Cannabis Confidence

Let’s take it back, way back. Rita Newsome, 55, still remembers the scent of sweet candy and something a little louder as she stood waiting for her treats at the local candy store.

But while most kids were eyeing gumdrops, Rita was learning unknowingly that cannabis was part of her family’s world. Wrapped in a tiny Manila envelope, her mother’s “nickel bag” was just part of the routine.

Fast forward to 18, and under the watchful (and very cool) supervision of her mom, Rita gave cannabis a try herself. But college came, life got busy, and the plant took a backseat until legalization changed everything.

“I had to get used to all of the corner sellers being out in the open. It was a shock, she laughed. On my birthday a few years back, I smoke out in the open in front of NY’s Finest. They just nodded in agreement. My mind was blown”

Today, Rita is embracing the new cannabis era with open arms and open lungs. Pre-rolls and vapes are her go to (“because I suck at rolling!”), and she’s even experimenting with infused food.

Her relationship with cannabis has evolved from curiosity to advocacy and we are here for it.

Home Grow Dreams: One Plant at a Time

Despite coming from a proud lineage of houseplant enthusiasts, Rita admits she doesn’t exactly have a green thumb. But that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about cultivating her own cannabis just one plant to start.

“I do want to try with one plant one day,” she said. “Just to prove to myself that I can do it.”

Cannabis for Wellness: Healing in a Haze of Calm

Rita’s story takes a powerful turn when she talks about wellness. Anxiety, depression, and body aches have all been unwelcome companions in her life, but cannabis offered her a new way to cope.

“I suffer from anxiety and depression. I get nervous in crowds and feel closed in,” she shared. “I tried smoking with my daughter, and we went out. I yelled, ‘I forgot my medicine!’ but then this calm energy blanketed me.”

The calm helped her step back into her true self: bubbly, radiant, and connected. And yes, she told her doctor because transparency and trust matter.

It took some trial and error, but Rita landed on a strain that soothed her pain and brought her peace. “I’m able to go out and enjoy life again! I want everyone to feel this good.”

Craving Cultivation Knowledge

Rita doesn’t just want to use cannabis she wants to understand it. From seed to shop, she’s fascinated by the journey.

“I would love to see a crop,” she said. “To see where it starts and what goes into caring for these wonderful buds that do so much for so many.”

Honestly, can we get this woman a grow tour ASAP?

The Dispensary Divaz: Building Sisterhood Through Smoke

What started as casual cannabis use turned into something way bigger. Rita started a group of women of all ages who support, educate, and represent the diversity of cannabis consumers.

“I would hope more women and men would feel comfortable coming to a dispensary to purchase,” she said. But she also knows the vibe has to change.

Her advice? Put someone older behind the counter. “As an older woman, I like information from someone I know is knowledgeable.

Some older people look at young budtenders like their grands and may feel a way.” We hear that loud and clear.

Cannabis Confessions: Wisdom, Tunes & Dream Strains

If Rita’s cannabis journey had a soundtrack? It’d be “Live Your Life” by Rihanna. And it’s fitting. She’s living unapologetically, joyfully, and high-spirited (pun very much intended).

Her advice to other women over 50?

“If you’ve survived all that the world has thrown at you, later for what anyone has to say. Do what makes life enjoyable. Be responsible, ask questions, and go to your local dispensary!”

And if you need backup? Just tell them “Tha Dispensary Divaz sent you.”

Breaking the Stigma: Why 50+ Still Hesitate—And Why They Shouldn’t

Even in this era of legal weed, there’s still a cloud hanging over the conversation especially for folks over 50.

Many grew up during the War on Drugs era, where weed wasn’t just taboo it was criminal.

For some, the idea of walking into a dispensary still feels like sneaking into a speakeasy, not stepping into a wellness shop.

But here’s the truth: cannabis has changed and so has the science.

And let’s be real: if you’ve got a medicine cabinet full of prescriptions but you’re still not feeling better, what’s the harm in exploring something that’s natural, legal, and has helped millions?

Changing the Conversation One Story at a Time

People like Rita are helping shift the narrative. When someone over 50 speaks openly about how cannabis improved their quality of life, it chips away at that stigma and builds a bridge for others to walk across.

And it starts with conversation.

• Ask questions.
• Visit a dispensary with a friend.
• Try a CBD balm for your knees.
• Start small. Go slow. Be curious, not ashamed.

Because cannabis isn’t just about getting high it’s about feeling good again. About healing. About connection. About living your best life, no matter your age.

Final Toke

Rita’s journey is just one of many lighting the way for a new generation of cannabis users seasoned by life, strong in spirit, and ready to reclaim their wellness on their own terms.

Whether you’re easing into cannabis with a tincture, eyeing your first grow, or simply curious about how the plant could fit into your life it’s never too late to start.

The stigma is fading. The science is growing. And the community? It’s wide open and waiting for you.

So, if you’ve ever whispered, “Maybe I should try…” let this be your sign to speak it loudly, ask the questions, take the leap.

And when you do? We’ll be right here cheering you on buds in hand.

Stay curious. Stay confident. Stay lifted.

Engage With Us

We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let us know what you think about Rita’s story or share your own cannabis journey.

Are you a business, nonprofit, or an inspiring group doing something unique in the cannabis space? We’re always looking to spotlight changemakers in our community.

👉 Reach out to us here to be considered for a future feature!

Let’s grow this movement together—one story at a time.