Can You Overdose on Marijuana (Weed)? Signs & Treatment
Marijuana use is becoming more common as many states make weed legal for medical and recreational use. Some people believe that marijuana is safe because it’s a natural plant but taking too much of the substance can trigger unpleasant outcomes.
This page addresses common questions like can you overdose on weed and is weed overdose fatal. You will also discover how to get effective treatment if you have been using too much marijuana and want to recalibrate your life.
Marijuana—also known as weed or cannabis—is one of the most used drugs in the United States [1]. While weed overdose is not typically fatal, it is possible to take too much and experience harmful and intensely uncomfortable effects.
Cannabis overdose happens when someone uses a lot more of the substance than their body can handle. Marijuana overdose is sometimes called THC overdose—THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in marijuana [2]. When this happens, the effects can be alarmingly powerful. Some people experience extreme panic, confusion, and hallucinations. They might feel like they’re losing control or that something terrible is going to happen.
Overdosing on marijuana usually occurs when someone smokes or consumes too much of the substance in a short time. OD is more common with edibles like gummies or brownies because these take longer to work. People sometimes eat more while waiting for the effects to manifest, accidentally taking too much THC in the process. Additionally, as edibles pass through the liver and GI tract, THC is metabolized into 11-hydroxy THC, a more potent byproduct [3]. This raises the risk of overdosing.
Mixing marijuana with other substances like alcohol can also increase the likelihood of an overdose. Combining substances can intensify the effects of marijuana, making it harder to manage.
Although THC overdose is seldom fatal, it can trigger severe physical and mental complications.
Greening out is a term used to describe the disagreeable experience of taking too much marijuana. It’s not the same as a life-threatening overdose, but it can be frightening and uncomfortable. When someone greens out, their body and mind react in a way that makes them feel dizzy, sick, and panicked.
When you use marijuana, THC impacts the brain and body. Taking too much can overstimulate parts of the brain that control mood, balance, and heart rate. This can provoke symptoms such as:
Greening out can happen to anyone, even those who use weed frequently. That said, it’s more likely to affect people who are new to the drug or who take a stronger dose than normal. Edibles are the most common cause of greening out.
If you or someone you love is greening out, stay calm. Find a safe and quiet place to sit or lie down. Drinking water and taking slow, deep breaths can help. Get medical help if the symptoms worsen or linger.
While marijuana may be perceived as safer than other drugs, it can still cause serious medical issues, especially in large doses.
Cannabis-induced panic attacks are one common medical issue stemming from too much weed [4]. These happen when someone feels extreme fear, anxiety, or paranoia after using marijuana. Their heart may race, they may sweat, and they might feel like they are losing control. While panic attacks aren’t life-threatening, they can feel scary and may need medical attention if they don’t subside.
CHS (cannabis hyperemesis syndrome) is another medical emergency resulting from using too much marijuana long-term [5]. CHS provokes repeated episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The only way to stop CHS is to stop using marijuana completely.
Marijuana can also affect your heart. Using too much can cause chest pain or a rapid heartbeat. It may even lead to a heart attack. People who already have heart problems are at heightened risk of these effects.
Some people may experience psychotic reactions after using too much marijuana. This means they might see or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations) or believe things that aren’t true (delusions). They may also feel paranoid or like they are losing their sense of reality. These symptoms can be distressing and may require medical intervention.
If someone is experiencing a medical emergency after using marijuana, get help right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Symptoms to watch for include:
Staying informed and using marijuana responsibly can help lower the chances of a medical emergency, but discontinuing use completely is the most effective way to avoid these issues.
A fatal overdose from THC alone is highly unlikely. However, overdosing can cause harmful effects and bring about dangerous situations, especially if other substances are involved or the person has pre-existing health problems.
THC is the compound in marijuana that triggers the high feeling associated with the drug. When you use too much marijuana, THC can impact the body and mind. Although it doesn’t stop your breathing or heart rate like alcohol or opioids, it may still lead to risky situations.
Taking too much THC may cause extreme confusion, panic, or paranoia. In this state, someone might make poor decisions—driving a car or wandering into unsafe areas, for instance. This kind of behavior increases the chance of accidents, injuries, and death.
Another danger comes from mixing marijuana with alcohol, opioids, or prescription drugs. These combinations intensify THC’s effects, making the person more likely to encounter adverse outcomes.
People with cardiovascular conditions are at heightened risk when using marijuana. THC can raise blood pressure and heart rate, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke. This is remarkably rare but may occur in individuals with underlying heart problems.
If you or someone you know experiences severe symptoms after using marijuana, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
You can reduce your risk of overdosing on weed by becoming aware of the physical and psychological impact of THC.
THC is the chemical in marijuana that causes a high feeling. When you use marijuana, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain [6]. These receptors control mood, memory, and coordination.
Your body can normally handle THC in small amounts, but cannabinoid receptors can become overstimulated when you take too much, triggering confusion, dizziness, anxiety, and hallucinations.
THC is processed in the liver. The liver is unable to break it down fast enough if you consume too much. This leads to higher levels of THC in your blood, prompting stronger and longer-lasting effects.
While THC overdose is not usually fatal, it can be intensely uncomfortable and cause health complications.
The most common weed overdose symptoms include:
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, stay calm. Seek medical assistance if the symptoms get worse or persist.
Using too much marijuana can have many negative effects on your health. These include:
Researchers once believed that marijuana was not addictive, but studies show that many people who use the drug develop an addiction over time [7]. Marijuana use disorder or cannabis use disorder is a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of weed regardless of negative consequences in all areas of life. Signs of weed addiction may include:
Some people are at more risk of developing addiction than others. If you use marijuana every day or start using it at a young age, your risk of addiction is higher. People with mental health issues or a family history of addiction are also more likely to become addicted.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you think you might be addicted to marijuana. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help you learn to manage your use and regain control of your life.
Using marijuana regularly over a long time can affect your health in many ways. One of the primary concerns is how it impacts your brain. THC affects parts of the brain that control memory, learning, and decision-making. Long-term use can make it hard for people to remember things, learn new skills, or focus on tasks.
Long-term use of marijuana carries risks that include:
If you use marijuana regularly and notice any of these issues, it might be time to take a break or get help.
Marijuana use doesn’t just affect your health—it can also impact your relationships and overall quality of life. People who use marijuana regularly may find that it changes how they interact with friends and family. This may occur in the following ways:
Marijuana use may also affect work or school performance. You might miss deadlines, skip important tasks, or lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. This can lead to job loss, poor grades, or fewer opportunities in the future.
When marijuana starts affecting your relationships and responsibilities, it can lower your overall quality of life. If this happens, consider talking to someone about cutting back or getting help. Marijuana addiction, like all addictions, typically worsens over time unless treated. Long-term recovery is possible, though, with the right combination of evidence-based treatments like talk therapy, counseling, and effective aftercare.
If you or someone you love has been misusing addictive substances, reach out to California Detox for help getting back on track. We treat all addictions and mental health issues at our luxury beachside facility in Laguna Beach, CA.
When you choose medical detox at our welcoming facility, you can access medications and continuous clinical care as you withdraw and find stability. After a week of detox, you transition to ongoing inpatient treatment while addressing the root causes of substance abuse.
The unique aspect of all addictions means you will get a personalized treatment plan, which may include:
Start living sober by calling California Detox at 888-995-4208
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt47100/NSDUHDetailedTabs2023/NSDUHDetailedTabs2023/2023-nsduh-detailed-tables-sect1pe.htm
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tetrahydrocannabinol
[3] https://encorelabs.com/11-hydroxy-thc-why-edibles-can-feel-more-potent/
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218760/
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7599351/
[6] https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21111138
[7] https://mcwell.nd.edu/your-well-being/physical-well-being/drugs/marijuana-or-cannabis-sativa/quitting-marijuana-a-30-day-self-help-guide/myths-and-current-research/
[8] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/how-teen-marijuana-use-impacts-brain-development
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