Can You Overdose On Edibles? 6 Symptoms Of Eating Too Many Edibles

It’s easy to get tempted by glistening gummies, captivating chocolates, and irresistible cookies laced with the magic of cannabis.

But before you dive headfirst into a full-blown Willy Wonka and Marijuana Factory experience, you may wonder: what happens if I bite off more edibles than I can chew? 

Well, buckle up as we journey down the rabbit hole of what happens when you overindulge in THC treats. 

Eating too many THC edibles can lead to a variety of symptoms, which include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Paranoia and confusion
• Extreme dizziness and nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth and red eyes
• Impaired motor skills and reaction time
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Severe disorientation or drowsiness

These symptoms are typically non-life-threatening but can be uncomfortable and distressing, making it important to consume edibles responsibly and within recommended dosage limits.

If you’re experiencing the intensity of an edible excursion and the ‘highway’ feels a bit too akin to a winding mountain pass, fear not – we’re here to guide you back to a potentially smoother ride. 

Sure, you might feel like your heart is beating out of your chest, you’re not sure which way is up and down, you’ve turned your breathing on manually, and the conversation doesn’t seem to make sense, but we promise you that you’ll be alright. 

First things first, reassure yourself that the cannabis won’t cause lasting harm. You might feel peculiar but despite the strange sensations, you’ll be okay. 

To combat the marijuana edibles’ over-gripping embrace, follow these simple steps: 

1. Hydrate: Drink up! Staying hydrated can help with the dry mouth often accompanying the cannabis high. 
2. Breathe: Mindful breathing can calm a racing heart and thoughts. Breathing in, holding, and breathing out each for 5-8 seconds can help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system more. 
3. Create a Cocoon of Comfort: Ensure you’re in a safe and tranquil space, free from excessive stimuli 
4. Nap Time: Sometimes, the best antidote to an edible overload is a good nap. 

We won’t sugarcoat it – you may feel disoriented and anxious for a while. But don’t fret and hang in there – this will all pass soon. 

When you’re smoking a joint, you’ll immediately start to feel the effects of marijuana swimming around your brain and making your body feel different. 

When it comes to weed edibles, however, you’ll be waiting a while until you feel it – but no doubt, you’ll feel it. When it comes to finding the correct dosage of edibles, smoking is easier as you are in control and can just stop taking hits when you’ve had enough. 

Edibles are on another playing field because once you’ve taken them, there’s no turning back. So how should you dose your edibles? 

“Start low, go slow” is the best way to experiment with edibles if you’re a first-timer (or even a nervous cannasseur). If you buy a pack of edible gummies, the dosage will be marked on the box, with a standard of 10 mg per candy. 

If you’re feeling nervous about getting too high, start by ingesting half of a gummy, wait 60-90 minutes, and take more if needed.

You can always take more, but you can’t un-take if you down too much. 

Technically, yes, but it’s not an overdose in the traditional sense.

Overconsuming THC edibles can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, and disorientation—often referred to as greening out.

While these effects are typically non-lethal, they can feel like they are, with the amount of paranoia and anxiety washing over you.

It’s important to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to edibles, so that you can see how your body and mind react before taking more.

There isn’t a number of gummies that’s deemed “too many,” since potency can vary in edibles.

The right amount of THC gummies can also vary widely depending on individual factors such as tolerance levels, and how your body processes cannabinoids.

Generally, beginners are advised to start with a low dose, around 5mg to 10mg of THC, to gauge their reaction before consuming more. This approach helps prevent any uncomfortable side effects associated with overconsumption.

When it comes to the world of cannabis consumption, two main characters often take center stage: smoking and edibles. 

Each has its own unique and fruitful properties delivering a different kind of ‘high’. Let’s dive into what sets these two contenders apart. 

When you smoke cannabis, the effects are nearly instant, kicking in a few seconds to a few minutes post-consumption. THC and other active compounds are quickly ushered into your brain via the lungs, while edibles often play the long game, with effects commonly manifesting anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after digestion and metabolism by the liver. This slow and steady approach leads to a delayed, yet often more potent, effect. 

Duration of the high can differ dramatically as well– smoking usually has its high peaking within the first hour and generally lasts between 1-3 hours. In contrast, edibles’ slower absorption rate provides a prolonged ‘high’ that can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. 

Smoking, by nature, can lead to potential respiratory complications due to the inhalation of smoke. On the other hand, edibles offer a more appealing option for those concerned about the health impacts of smoking.

When smoking, it can be easier to control the high due to rapid onset – you usually know when you’ve had enough. Nevertheless, the edible journey isn’t as transparent and the delayed onset can lead to accidental overconsumption. 

If you’re keen to unravel the science behind the marathon-length ‘high’ that edibles offer, don’t miss our piece on why the edible high lasts so long – it will further satisfy your curiosity on the seemingly endless joyride. 

Navigating the flavorful world of cannabis edibles can be exhilarating, but it’s important to remember the importance of moderation. Too many gummies can lead to a potentially uncomfortable journey filled with anxiety, distorted time, and physical discomfort. 

If you ever find yourself on the wild edible ride and can’t seem to get off, remember to stay calm, hydrate, seek comfort and reassure yourself this experience is temporary. 

As always, take care of yourselves and have fun exploring the dynamic world of cannabis!