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Learn | 03.05.2024

Is It Possible To Overdose On Marijuana?

Can you overdose on marijuana? Signs, myths, and the truth explained.

Cannabis is the popular kid these days. Almost everyone wants to try it or has already tried it, but with popularity comes questions. is it possible to overdose on marijuana?

This question is on the minds of many consumers or future consumers, and understandably so, no one wants to overdose on anything. But we’re here to answer all those questions and shed some light on the subject. So buckle up because we’re going to dive headfirst into the subject.

The better informed you are about marijuana use and its effects, the more comfortable you’ll feel experimenting with our green friend.

The Myth Of Marijuana Overdose

Let’s skip to the end, there are no known cases of people who have fatally overdosed on marijuana. There aren’t. Period. You can give this fun fact to your judgmental aunt.

So, this is because the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, THC, does not affect the areas of the brainstem responsible for controlling vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. As a result, it is highly unlikely that consuming too much THC would cause death, or rather not enough THC could be consumed, and therefore a causal relationship for such an event has never been documented.

However, and here is the most important difference, an overdose is one thing, and a bad reaction or what is commonly referred to as a “bad trip” or “greening” is quite another, which is entirely possible and no fun at all.

Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Weed?

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Too much of anything, including weed, will never be good.

If you’ve been in the green world for a while, you might have more stamina and be able to smoke a forest without problems. But if you’re a newbie, beware of overdoing it, we’ve already warned you that it’s no fun.

Just like when you met alcohol and discovered its known consequences, marijuana has a science of its own. So, relax, we’re here to ensure you have a positive experience as you should.

What About CBD And THC Overdose?

While overdosing on marijuana is virtually impossible, some might wonder if it’s possible to overdose on CBD or THC separately. While both compounds are found in cannabis, they have different effects on the body.

CBD is not going to leave you on cloud nine, as it does not produce the characteristic “high”. There are no cases of fatal overdose with CBD, but beware, too much can cause side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, or changes in appetite.

On the other hand, THC, the party boy of marijuana, can lead to a bad trip if you overdose. So, if you find yourself in that situation, here are some tips to get you back on solid ground.

Understanding Marijuana Potency And Consumption Methods

Before we talk about the symptoms of a bad reaction, it’s critical to understand marijuana potency and the different methods of consumption.

Marijuana potency refers to the concentration of cannabinoids, primarily THC and CBD, but there are others, such as THCP, HHC, THCA, and a few other letter combinations.

Higher potency marijuana products will have more significant psychoactive effects, increasing the risk of a bad reaction. And beware of marijuana of dubious origin.

There are several methods of consumption, from smoking to edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Each has its onset time and duration of effects. For example, the effects of smoking or vaping are almost immediate and last about 2-4 hours. At the same time, edibles take longer to hit (30 minutes to 2 hours) and can last 4-12 hours.

Understanding these differences is key for novices, as overdoing it with edibles can lead you astray.

Herb’s Tip: Don’t make the rookie mistake of thinking that edible hasn’t worked for you and eat some more, you’re in for a good surprise.

Symptoms Of A Bad Reaction

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Bad trips are usually harmless and will disappear as the weed leaves your system. If this is your first time smoking weed or consuming edibles, start with smaller doses to avoid a bad trip.

Some symptoms of a bad reaction to weed are:

  • Dizziness

  • Excessive sweating

  • Anxiety

  • Fatigue

  • Panic attacks

  • Headache

  • Paranoia

  • Hallucinations

  • Nausea and vomiting

How To Deal With A Bad Trip

A bad trip is indeed – a bad trip – so the first thing is not to panic and know that what you are feeling is normal because of the excess cannabinoids in your system and that it will eventually go away.

To handle a bad reaction to weed, certain things can help:

Lie down and relax: Find a quiet, comfortable place to lie down and take slow, deep breaths.

Have a snack: Eating can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, which can alleviate some symptoms of a bad reaction.

Drink water: Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of a bad reaction, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

Go to sleep: Sleep can help the body process THC more quickly, potentially shortening the duration of a bad trip, and you’ll be asleep so you won’t feel the effects.

Reduce stimuli: Reducing external stimuli can help calm your mind and lessen the intensity of the bad reaction.

Breathe: It is normal to feel short of breath, but don’t worry, your brain is just playing tricks on you, so conscious and slow breathing can help.

Use grounding techniques: Grounding can help you stay present and avoid falling into the spiral of a bad trip.

Call someone you trust for reassurance and support: Talking to a friend or loved one can help you feel less alone and comfort you during a bad trip.

Eat black pepper: Chewing a few black peppercorns seems to help lessen the effects of THC, and in cases of desperation, anything goes.

Go to the doctor: If you feel you are really sick, go to the doctor, don’t worry about what they will say, they are there to help you.

Professional Tips To Avoid A Bad Trip

The best way to alleviate a bad trip is to prevent it, so to minimize the risk of a bad reaction to marijuana, keep these tips in mind:

  • Start with small doses: If it’s your first time, go slowly and increase gradually.

  • Know your limits: Be aware of your tolerance and don’t overdo it.

  • Choose the right strain: Research strains and choose the one that fits your desired experience.

  • Avoid stressful situations: Only smoke when you have time to relax and enjoy it.

  • Go easy on edibles: Wait at least 2 hours before eating more to avoid intensifying the high.

  • Use familiar methods of consumption: If it is your first time, opt for the familiar, including places, people, methods, and sensations.

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