Learn more about the negative health effects linked with overdosing on marijuana.
Anxiety or panic attacksHeart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)Nausea or vomiting Paranoia or psychosis
THC Overdose
Marijuana (also often called weed or cannabis) doesn’t come with a clear definition of overdose. Doctors aren’t entirely sure how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it takes to overdose. THC is the ingredient in marijuana most likely to induce the high that some people are seeking. A toxic level of THC, or an amount that causes severe effects, is generally considered 7.5mg or more.
Risk of Death
Some wonder if marijuana overdose can cause death. There have been a few isolated case reports where marijuana has been implicated in a death. However, a clear causal relationship has not been established. Medical professionals aren’t sure whether those cases had other contributing factors (like pre-existing cardiac conditions).
Other Adverse Effects
Marijuana is a strange drug in that it contains a lot of active ingredients. Although scientists cite different numbers, in addition to THC, there are thought to be over 100 other cannabinoids in cannabis. Not all of these act the same way. Get too much THC and you may have a psychoactive reaction that is not unlike that of a stimulant. Cannabidiol (CBD) is associated more with sedative effects. The effects of marijuana use can vary widely. There have been cases of heart arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest while smoking weed. There are reports of both seizures and the reduction of seizures, which seems to be based on which type of cannabinoid and at what amounts are used. Here are some examples of THC toxicity that have been published:
Heart arrhythmias: Some doctors believe that heart disturbances are under-reported in marijuana use. Since smoking weed and taking other drugs often go together, it’s really hard to isolate the cause when the heart starts doing crazy things. Even drinking alcohol intensifies the effects, which means you can’t say for sure whether it was the pot or the booze that caused a problem. Psychosis or paranoia: There have been some reports of severe psychotic episodes with hallucinations and negative associations. In some cases, the psychosis can last significantly longer than the amount of time it should take to metabolize the THC. Uncontrollable vomiting: Although THC often has anti-nausea properties, it can rarely be associated with a syndrome of persistent vomiting. More often associated with chronic cannabis use, uncontrollable vomiting is sometimes relieved with a hot shower.
Edible Overdose
Even the method of consumption makes a difference. For example, a person may consume too much THC in edible form because it takes longer to see an effect. If one brownie doesn’t work, they take another…and maybe just one more. Suddenly, they have a serious reaction. Edibles are also much more prone to accidental overdoses. Smoking marijuana doesn’t usually happen accidentally. But with an edible, someone may consume a candy or brownie without realizing it contains THC.
Marijuana Overdose in Children
Kids are especially likely to accidentally consume an edible containing THC, since these often look like regular candy that kids might want to try. Edibles are often meant to be consumed in very small doses (like 1/4 of a gummy), but of course, kids aren’t aware of that; and their smaller body size also leaves them vulnerable to over-consuming. Children presenting to the emergency department with accidental ingestion of marijuana becomes increasingly common in every state that legalizes marijuana for recreational use.
Increased Concerns About Overdose
There are several reasons that medical and health experts have become concerned about the potential for marijuana overdose and adverse effects.
Increased Marijuana Use
Marijuana has been available for medicinal use since 1996 when California legalized it. Now, California, Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C. allow recreational use. In Oregon, the number of dispensaries doubled after recreational weed was legalized. As the momentum of recreational pot builds across the country, many in the medical world report being a bit surprised by the marked increase in marijuana use in states where it has been legalized. All that new consumption has led to significant increases in marijuana-induced emergency department visits.
Increased THC Concentration
Just as modern farmers are able to get much bigger yields from crops like corn and beans, weed farmers today are much more successful than they were in the past. The levels of THC in marijuana are well above what they were before the current farmers were born. The concentrations of THC increased from 3.4% in 1993 to 8.8% in 2008. Some folks say that just means you don’t have to roll the blunts as fat as you used to, but let’s face it: When you’re chasing the high, the bar just keeps getting higher.
How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?
How long weed stays in your system mostly depends on how much of the drug you’ve used. If you chronically use marijuana, it can be detected in urine for 30 days or longer once you stop using it. If you used marijuana once (and you don’t typically use it), it can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours. There’s no instant cure for a marijuana high, but to calm down any anxiety or racing thoughts you might have, try deep breathing, watching a soothing video, or listening to calming music to distract yourself. You might even call a friend who can help keep you calm until the effects wear off. Drinking plenty of water is always a good idea, especially to prevent dry mouth that marijuana often causes. Though eating isn’t proven to reduce a marijuana high, there is anecdotal evidence that carb-heavy and nutrient-dense foods make some people feel less high. Some research supports using cannabidiol (CBD) to promote relaxation and reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. It’s recommended you check with a doctor before using any supplement or at least start with a low dosage of CBD until you know how it affects you.
Treatment for Weed Overdose
If you are hospitalized with marijuana intoxication, you may be kept overnight for 24-hour observation. You may also receive fluids intravenously (through an IV) if you’re showing signs of dehydration. If you’ve developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that leads to bouts of repeated vomiting in people who chronically use marijuana, a doctor can treat this with IV fluids, medication to reduce vomiting, and/or proton-pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach inflammation. It should take 24 to 48 hours to recover from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome as long as you stop using cannabis. If your marijuana intoxication is linked with cannabis use disorder, a doctor may recommend that you attend an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program to address your condition. Rehabilitation programs often involve group therapy and educational sessions where you’ll learn how to use healthy coping mechanisms instead of turning to drugs or alcohol.
A Word From Verywell
Marijuana overdose is still a debated topic and there isn’t really a clear answer on how much pot is too much. Until there is, it’s important to be diligent if you choose to use and to keep yourself informed. Don’t accept the mantra that weed is natural and therefore, safe. What makes anything safe is an informed consumer and a critical mind.
