The use of marijuana has always been an issue for countless debates and discussions. This is because a lot of people find peace in its sensory altering effects. Most users call this weed and demand it in large quantities because its users experience different feelings ranging from happiness to relaxation. But no one has talked about how to survive a marijuana overdose. So let’s find out.
Since we are different people with different biological compositions, the effect of marijuana intake varies in each person. These results and effects of marijuana use are based on several factors. These factors include the mode of administration, the potency of the dose, the frequency of use, age, and physiology.
These factors may have varying effects, and can sometimes have dangerous health repercussions. While you’ve probably heard that taking marijuana in large quantities may lead to an overdose, is this true? Well, follow this article to explore the myths and facts.
Is The Myth True? Is Marijuana Overdose Possible?
To overdose is to take in amounts of a drug or substance that exceed the recommended quantity. If this is the case, then, users can abuse Marijuana and as with every other drug or substance, excessive intake might have catastrophic effects. Although Marijuana is less dangerous than other drugs when abused, the serious harmful effects that excessive use might cause are still dire. However, it is widely believed that Marijuana cannot lead to death. Once or twice, there have been reports of Marijuana leading to deaths, but these reports have not been substantiated. To lead to fatality, it would take ingesting 1500 pounds of marijuana in 15 minutes. Because this is physically impossible, the direct use of marijuana cannot lead to deaths. Although both acute and chronic effects of marijuana use have been described, they appear to be less than other commonly abused substances.
Effects Of Marijuana Overdose.
Marijuana overdose cannot lead to death, but it can lead to serious health problems. These health problems and effects of marijuana overdose could include
- Panic attacks,
- Increased blood pressure,
- Anxiety, hallucinations,
- Seizures,
- Nausea, among others.
- If a person with underlying health problems abuses Marijuana, it aggravates these problems which in dire cases eventually leads to death.
The mode of administration of marijuana achieves varying effects. Naturally, edibles are more likely to lead to overdose, when compared to smoking. This is because the ‘high feeling’ does not quickly surface when taking marijuana edibles, in contrast to when smoking it. So, a person might take in multiple amounts of edibles before the effects start kicking in, and this might lead to an overdose. The Tetrahydrocannabinol the psychoactive component responsible for giving the high sensation differs in the way it is broken down while being smoked, and while eating. This is what leads to the edibles making you more prone to marijuana overdose.
How Bad Can The Side Effects Of Marijuana Overdose Be?
Getting overdosed on Marijuana might lead to serious conditions that might vary from fatigue to confusion to even severe nausea. The dangerous effects might vary from person to person depending on body chemistry, and mode of use. These side effects can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a full day. The situation might be particularly more difficult for people who are new to using marijuana.
When experiencing these side effects, the first thing that comes to mind is how to survive the marijuana overdose. This is quite tricky because most people are always too confused to calmly think of a rational way to fix this. So, how can you then survive a marijuana overdose?
How Do You Survive A Marijuana Overdose?
Surviving a marijuana overdose is not as difficult as the other hard drugs. This is because it is not as powerful as when you overdose on other drugs. Surviving a marijuana overdose may not even involve going to the hospital. Interested persons can employ some simple hacks to help manage the overdose crisis. Here are some of the ways you can manage and survive a marijuana overdose.
- Rest:
Sometimes, all that is needed to survive a marijuana overdose is rest. Because the tetrahydrocannabinol is always in full effect at this point, relaxing could take off the anxiety that comes with an overdose. This can help you stay calm till the overdose episode is over. So, the next time you or someone you know is having a marijuana overdose crisis, just remind yourself, or them, that no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose, and you will be fine.
- Stay in a relaxed environment:
To survive a marijuana overdose, you could simply go to a relaxed and calm environment. Most times when marijuana is in use, it’s always around people, loud music, or noise. To survive an overdose, you could simply leave for a calm environment to relax. This will stop you from getting unnecessarily anxious and scared. It could calm you down, and give you the sanctity you need till the Tetrahydrocannabinol is broken down, and the effects wear out.
- Water:
One of the most harrowing symptoms of Marijuana is vomiting.
Drinking water for rehydration can help in surviving a marijuana overdose.
- Black peppercorns:
Research has shown black peppercorns contain caryophyllene which has properties that can reduce the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol. Chewing or sniffing it can help to survive a marijuana overdose. Although this claim has not been extensively studied, people claim that it works. So, if you ever overdose on marijuana and you have tried the other things, you could simply get hold of peppercorns to help you.
- Reach out to a medical practitioner:
Most times to survive an overdose, you just need to stay calm and use a couple of tricks. But sometimes, an overdose might be severe, especially if there are underlying health factors. In situations like this, reaching out to a medical practitioner, or the hospital might be the best idea.
Conclusion.
Experiencing a marijuana overdose might not be a palatable experience. To survive an overdose, you need to stay calm and remember that you are just having a bad reaction. It won’t kill you. This way, you’d be able to calmly get through the crisis without putting yourself in harm’s way. Not to experience an overdose with its numerous side effects, the safest option is to take marijuana in small quantities so as not to run the thin thread of an overdose.
Reference.
B S Selden et all. Emerg Med Clin North A m. 1990 Aug; 8(3) : 527 -39