The short answer is no. However, contrary to popular misconceptions, weed is not a totally harmless drug and can have some very damaging long-term health effects. Weed, the slang term for Marijuana (also known as cannabis), refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant, native to central and south Asia. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient in weed, which is responsible for the “high” associated with the drug.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that [1] Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the United States, with 48.2 million people, or about 18% of Americans, using it at least once in 2019.
However, for the long answer to ‘can you overdose on marijuana,’ we need to clarify what exactly the term overdose means. Generally speaking, when we say that someone has overdosed on drugs, we mean that they either died or passed out and had to be revived. However, the broader term refers to any time someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a drug and surpasses their tolerance level. Taking too much of a drug may not be fatal, but it will cause a type of poisoning that overwhelms the body and can lead to hospitalization and lasting health problems.
It is extremely rare for a person to fatally overdose on Marijuana due to the low toxicity level of THC. THC also doesn't typically interact with the parts of the brain that control vital bodily functions in the way that other drugs do. This doesn’t mean that overdose on THC is impossible, though. If an extremely large amount of THC were consumed in a short period, the substance could reach toxic levels.
Weed Overdose Symptoms
Consuming very large amounts of THC can lead to painful symptoms, often referred to as “greening out” or “weed blackouts.”
THC overdose symptoms are similar to the typical effects of marijuana, but in the case of overdose, they are more pronounced and severe. These can include:
- Severe anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea
- Panic
- Vomiting
- Impaired coordination
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the above-mentioned symptoms of a marijuana overdose, seek medical help immediately by dialing 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
Factors That Increase The Likelihood of Consuming Too Much THC
- Edibles - Marijuana edibles, which are foods or beverages infused with THC (such as brownies or cookies), can pose a higher risk of overdose compared to smoking or vaping. These weed edibles take longer to take effect, with onset time being up to two hours. Therefore, users may unwittingly consume too much, leading to an unexpectedly intense experience. The amount, concentration, and strength of THC are very difficult to measure and are often unknown in edible products. Many people who use edibles can be caught off-guard by their strength and long-lasting effects.
- Mixing with other substances - Marijuana can always be laced with other substances, whether or not you are aware. Using marijuana together with other substances can result in an increased risk of overdose or serious injury. Mixing drugs with alcohol or prescribed medications can put a user in more danger than if they had just taken Marijuana alone.
- Individual Sensitivity – Some people are more sensitive to THC than others. What is a manageable dose for one person could be overwhelming for another. So, the question of how much weed causes overdose will vary from person to person.
Long-Term Effects Of Marijuana
Even when a person doesn’t take enough of the drug to fatally overdose, there are several harmful long-term effects of marijuana, including:
- Respiratory issues
- Lung problems
- Heart problems
- Cognitive issues
- Mental health issues
- Increased risks of accidents.
While the drug in and of itself is highly unlikely to cause death, death can result from one of these secondary effects when one takes large amounts of the drug over an extended period. For example, a user can get into a fatal car accident or have a heart attack if they take the drug with pre-existing heart-related conditions.
Preventing Marijuana Overdose
Over the past few decades, the amount of THC in Marijuana has steadily climbed; today’s Marijuana has three times the concentration of THC compared to 25 years ago. The higher the THC amount, the stronger the effects on the brain. Obviously, higher levels of THC lead to higher rates of dependency and addiction. One way to prevent overdose is by checking how much THC is in any weed product, and by being careful not to exceed the recommended serving of 10mg (which is sometimes reduced to 5mg for first-time weed users). Users should also, of course, ensure that what they’re using is legal in the country/state they are in.
Treatment for Weed Addiction and Overdose
Individuals may find themselves addicted to marijuana but experience difficult withdrawal symptoms when they try to slow or stop their use. This leads to a vicious cycle which causes them to relapse to the drug in an attempt to remove the withdrawal symptoms. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) – Fifth Edition recognizes cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS) as an actual condition with mood and behavioral symptoms that include irritability, nausea, sleeping difficulties, dysphoria, stomach pain, craving, and anxiety.
There are several treatment options available, including one-on-one behavioral therapy (such as CBT) as well as group therapy. Working with a trained specialist will help the addict identify and change problematic thought patterns and behaviors related to cannabis use and learn coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers. In addition, attending residential drug treatment will allow the individual to withdraw from the drug at a safe pace while being monitored by health professionals to ensure their safety and well-being.
If you or a loved one are experiencing marijuana addiction, don’t hesitate to contact Avenues Recovery, where we will talk you through the different recovery options available. Just because a person has become addicted, that doesn’t have to determine their fate. Our experienced and highly qualified addiction counselors have helped thousands of people free themselves from the manacles of addiction, and they can help you too! Reach out to us today, and take the first step on the journey to recovery and the quality of life you deserve.
Sources
[1] www.cdc.gov