What to Do If You’ve Consumed Too Much Marijuana

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed when you have consumed too much marijuana. Too much THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) could lead to feelings of being anxious, paranoid, dizzy, nauseous, having a fast heart rate, confused, or extremely “high”. Most of these effects will eventually subside over time; however, there are times where these effects are severe enough to warrant seeking immediate medical care.

Firstly, do not continue to consume cannabis. Find a quiet, safe place to relax. Do not add alcohol, medication or any other substance to your system.

What Can I Do Until the Symptoms Subside?

In most instances, it is best to reduce your exposure to excessive stimulation and ensure your safety while awaiting the passing of the symptoms.

Try to keep in mind that the extreme sensations caused by too much marijuana are temporary. Breathing techniques, limiting stimuli and avoiding unnecessary movements can help ease the wait.

What Does an Excessive Amount of Marijuana Feel Like?

Effects vary based upon THC concentration, tolerance to marijuana, the quantity used and the type of consumption. The most frequent indicators of an excessive marijuana experience include:

As well as potentially frightening for individuals without prior experience with marijuana, these symptoms typically do not indicate a medical emergency.

When Would You Need to Obtain Medical Attention?

While most people consider an excessive marijuana experience to be merely a “bad trip”, some symptoms necessitate more than just treating it as such. Seek medical treatment immediately if anyone displays:

• Serious trouble breathing/chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Extreme agitation/confusion
• Persistent vomiting

Medical intervention may also be warranted if cannabis has been mixed with alcohol, prescription medications or other illicit substances and you’re unclear about how these substances might react. If children ingest cannabis by accident, contact a physician or poison control service immediately.

Why Edibles Tend to Be Unexpected Hits

Edibles often cause unintended excesses of THC due to the fact that their onset is slower compared to either vaping or smoking cannabis. As a result, it’s possible for an individual to consume one portion of edible and initially feel nothing. Therefore, he/she/they may choose to consume more portions which ultimately creates a far stronger total effect once the initial dose takes hold.

Additionally, the effects of edibles are generally longer lasting than those experienced via inhalation. Thus, what may seem like an unanticipated extreme experience may take longer to wear off. It is crucial to understand serving sizes and allow for the complete manifestation of effects prior to contemplating further ingestion.

What Not to Do

Do not attempt to “neutralize” marijuana through the addition of alcohol, extra drugs or prescription medications not intended for this specific purpose.

You should never drive or ride a bike in heavy traffic nor operate machinery while under the influence. Never leave someone who is experiencing an adverse reaction alone.

Understand When to Wait and When to Seek Help

An uncomfortable high and a medical emergency are two distinctly different scenarios. For example, mild anxiety, dizziness or the sensation of being “too high” may resolve themselves given sufficient time in a peaceful setting whereas chest pains, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, seizures or persistent vomiting require professional medical attention.

Want to make more informed choices? Explore the Canna City range to compare flower, THC vapes, edibles and other cannabis products with different formats and potency levels before choosing the option that suits your preferences.