Anne Tenna
Resident Senior

Police say three people were hospitalized after they unknowingly ate marijuana-laced brownies at a Huntington Beach, California funeral.   
 
Two 71-year-old women and an 82-year-old man were taken to a hospital emergency room following a friend’s memorial service, where a tray of pot-laced brownies was offered. They complained of nausea, dizziness and an inability to stand without assistance.
The seniors didn’t know the “high-octane” sweets were being offered in memory of their friend, who enjoyed marijuana brownies. Police say the baked goods were put out without any announcement about what was in them.

My word! I have heard of strange last requests for funeral receptions, but this one pretty much takes the cake (or hash brownie). Lots of times memorial services are “tailored” to the person in passing, focusing on their particular passions like favorite music, drinks or foods, but this is really going a step further.

When one of your most beloved snacks are laced with a drug, it might be wise to alert any guests who may not share the same palate, especially considering how certain drugs have different side effects on other people. This lack of fore-thought could turn into a dangerous situation for delicate systems not used to the unexpected potency–even in California! This situation might have been helped if it wasn’t assumed that everyone attending was aware of their friend’s eccentricities. I’ll admit, I have been to some interesting funerals.

One acquaintance really loved her friends to gather for drinks and good conversation, so her last request was to hold a cocktail party at her wake. It was very different, but if you understood the person, then it made perfect sense.

I have also attended a memorial service where speakers were asked to relate a funny story about the dearly departed, or how they were inspired by her. The atmosphere was much happier and of all services I’ve attended, I think I prefered that one the most.

Regardless of how we may choose to go out, we should insist that our final requests don’t impose on the welfare of the ones left behind. After all is said and done, memorial services are more for the living, than the dead.