Can You Overdose on Marijuana: Separating Fact from Fiction

In the recent decade, medicinal cannabis has successfully carved out an exciting new industry. Cannabis’s legalization in more than 30 states has been a big step toward erasing the stigmatization surrounding the compound’s use. Now, let’s talk about marijuana’s overdose.

Today, marijuana isn’t a singular entity. It comes in various products, from tinctures and oils to edibles and vapes, all with their own unique effects and benefits. However, the cannabis industry still hasn’t matured. There’s a lot of misinformation and inconsistency due to which the potency and dosage of cannabis products may vary from one company to another. 

Therefore, it’s not odd that many people have had certain unsettling experiences with marijuana. This has often led to the same question: “Can I overdose on marijuana?” And to answer this, you need to know all the facts involved. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to nudge you in the right direction:

Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

The short answer is no.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, overdose involves life-threatening symptoms that may result in death. As of yet, there have been no reports of users dying of marijuana overdose. 

However, this doesn’t mean that marijuana can’t harm you. While we can rule out marijuana overdose, we can’t set aside certain unpleasant side effects. For instance, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, in cannabis has been linked to anxiety, hallucinations, and delirium. It is also known to exacerbate underlying mental conditions, such as schizophrenia. 

In 2018 and 2019, many news outlets reported deaths due to vaping products containing high THC levels. However, in the end, the Centers for Disease and Control concluded that THC wasn’t the reason behind these unfortunate incidents. Rather, these products contained Vitamin E acetate, which isn’t problematic as a topical application. However, when inhaled, it can cause serious damage to the lungs. 

Of the hundreds of affected patients, CDC found Vitamin E acetate in every one of the. The CDC also added that the complications specifically arose in people who bought THC-dense cigarettes from illicit sources, such as illegal underground markets or friends. The FDA has warned people that no one should obtain products from these means, owing to the dangers this route presents. 

Marijuana Overdose Risk Factors

Cannabis is a difficult compound to judge. It comes in different strains and has several delivery systems, from sublingual to topical. The best way to ingest cannabis is through a bong or smoke because of its rapid effects. But, there are also slower, less effective ways people prefer, such as edibles. 

Edibles like beverages, cookies, and gummy bears, can wield impressive potency. However, these produce delayed effects, sometimes taking several hours to kick in. During this time, many people ingest more, thinking they’ve under stepped their bounds. This can lead to an overdose. In 2014, a Colorado man had a piece of cookie, and when it didn’t produce any immediate effect, he munched it whole. This led to some troubling side effects in the next couple of hours, such as aggressiveness and irritability. Consumed by these symptoms, he eventually committed suicide, jumping from his apartment building’s fourth floor. Authorities found only one drug in his system — marijuana. 

The risk of marijuana overdose is particularly high for children. Many edible products are neatly packaged and decorated to assume the appearance of candies and cookies. From 2006 to 2013, cannabis exposure to kids jumped to 148%.

One more risk factor often associated with marijuana overdoses is an increase in THC’s average in cannabis products due to better plant breeding technologies. In the 1970s, marijuana cigarettes had ten times less the potency of THC than they do today. 

People who experience symptoms of marijuana overdose should consider treatments for substance abuse. Despite marijuana’s reputation as an innocuous compound, many people face difficulties extending to their professional and personal lives. Treatment helps to keep overdoses in check and provides relief from psychological and physical symptoms in the long run. 

Indicators of Marijuana Overconsumption

If you think you’ve had too much marijuana, but aren’t sure, here are some signs to make sure:

•  Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Extreme confusion
•  Paranoia
•  A loss of some judgment and motor control 
• A racing heartbeat
•  Increased blood pressure
•  Nausea or vomiting

It is worth noting here that mixing cannabis with other drugs is a dangerous thing. Cannabis interacts with alcohol and other substances, increasing your susceptibility to the symptoms mentioned above. 

Treatment for a Marijuana Overdose

A marijuana overdose is often manageable. The effects take only a few hours to fade, and treatment is mild and supportive. 

Doctors monitor the vital signs of people who visit the hospital for a possible OD. Then, they place the patients in a quiet room. Here, they administer Xanax, Klonopin, or any other anti-anxiety medication. The final step is counseling, in which a substance abuse professional devises a drug rehabilitation program for the affected patient. 

Take Precautions to Avoid Marijuana Overdose

Marijuana intake isn’t the same for everyone. Depending upon genetics, metabolic activity, and tolerance, experiences may vary from person-to-person. While one person may have a high tolerance to cannabis and may not have any side effects, the same might not be true for someone else, even at higher intakes. So, the most important thing is experimentation. Start with low doses, and gradually move your way up to find your dosage sweet spot. For new users, the starting dose shouldn’t exceed 5mg. Also, take ample pause — preferable of two to three hours — between doses. 

Final Thoughts

According to the World Health Organization, CBD, or cannabidiol, a compound found in cannabis, has an excellent safety profile. However, the same cannot be said for every other compound present in the plant. There are more than 133 compounds in marijuana, each having its effects and properties. One compound you should practice caution with is THC. This is psychoactive, i.e., it may cause a high and alter consciousness. Make sure you’re buying your cannabis from a source that is very transparent about its practices. If you don’t know how much THC is in your product, it will cause problems.