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Consuming very large quantities of marijuana can result in nonfatal overdose effects. This can include physiological effects, such as nausea and changes in heart rate, as well as psychological effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms. The severity of these effects can vary depending on the method of administration and the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumed.
- Common symptoms of a marijuana overdose include drowsiness, changes in heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, and nausea.
- Smoking marijuana will cause faster onset of effects, as compared to eating edibles. The risk of overdose is increased when eating THC products due to the likelihood of overconsumption while waiting for effects to emerge.
- Treating THC overdose can include managing unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms. Hospitalization is rarely required and the effects are typically mild and manageable.
Can you overdose on THC?
Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, contains the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC affects the brain and causes the physical and psychological effects experienced when smoking or consuming marijuana, such as a euphoric high, mood changes, and altered senses. These effects can be pleasant in small or moderate doses, contributing to its widespread use. [1]
However, in very large doses, people can experience a THC overdose. During this, the effects can be more extreme and unpleasant. Typically, overdose is more likely when people eat marijuana products, known as edibles, as it can be more difficult to regulate the amount used and overconsumption may occur while waiting to feel the effects. [2]
The duration of symptoms of a THC overdose is less likely to be severe or long-lasting than overdoses of other substances. However, in some cases, they may be severe. Their impact may vary depending on various factors, including the amount and strength of the product that has been consumed. [3]
Is it possible to die from smoking marijuana or consuming edibles?
While the effects of a THC overdose can be unpleasant, they are very unlikely to be fatal. There are no recorded instances of death being caused solely by the smoking or consumption of marijuana. [4]Â
In some cases, marijuana use could cause harm through indirect causes, such as an increased risk of accidental harm, psychological issues, or allergic reactions. [3]
When smoking marijuana, the effects emerge very quickly and last for up to around three hours. When THC is consumed via edible products, it can take up to two hours for the effects to emerge. During this time, the individual might consume large quantities of THC, thinking that they require higher doses to feel the effects. When the effects finally start, they can feel overwhelming and unpleasant but are not life-threatening. [2]
How much THC is too much?
Smoking or eating THC products can have varying effects on people. Factors that can impact how a person is affected can include: [1][3][5][6][9]
- Age of the individual: Children may be more likely to experience adverse physical and psychological effects.
- Tolerance: People who regularly use THC products will develop a tolerance, so they may be less affected by large doses. However, people who develop tolerance will typically use larger quantities, which can increase the risk of overdose.
- Dosage: Larger doses or higher-strength products are more likely to cause overdose or adverse effects.
- History of marijuana use: People who have not used THC previously may be at more risk of experiencing extreme effects.
- Additional substance use: Combining substances can increase the risk of harmful effects.
- Physical health: People with existing health conditions, particularly cardiac issues, may be at more risk of harmful effects.
- Mental health: People with pre-existing mental health conditions might be more likely to experience overdose effects relating to psychotic symptoms or mood changes.
Marijuana overdose symptoms
Symptoms of a marijuana overdose are rarely severe or life-threatening. However, symptoms that cause concerning effects on physical or psychological well-being may require professional support to manage and reduce their impact. Serious effects include psychotic symptoms, aggressive behavior, trouble breathing, and persistent vomiting. [2][3]
Physical symptoms of a THC overdose
What to do if you smoke or eat too much marijuana?
In most cases, a THC overdose will not cause any severe effects, and any unpleasant effects that are experienced will be alleviated within a few hours without any intervention. However, if concerning effects occur, such as extreme changes in heart rate, panic attacks, or psychotic symptoms, it may be beneficial to seek professional advice to ensure this is safely managed. [1]
Serious symptoms may be more likely to occur in high-risk groups, such as children or people with existing health conditions, and can require emergency assistance. Call 911 if the individual loses consciousness or has trouble breathing, or if they appear to be a danger to themselves or others. [1][6]
THC overdose vs. Overdose from other substances
THC overdose is rarely serious or life-threatening. Compared to other substances, overconsumption of THC is much less dangerous, as other substances can cause severe effects that may be fatal. For example: [3][7][8]
- Marijuana vs. Synthetic cannabinoids: Synthetic cannabinoids, such as Spice, were designed to replicate the effects of marijuana. However, they tend to be more potent and can cause more severe effects.
- Marijuana vs. Opioids or alcohol: Opioids and alcohol are often found to be involved in overdose deaths, particularly when multiple substance uses are involved. Opioids and alcohol are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that can cause extreme effects on heart functioning and breathing. They are also more addictive and can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms than marijuana.
- Marijuana vs. Stimulants: Stimulants, such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, and prescription CNS stimulant medications can be very dangerous in large quantities and can lead to overstimulation of the CNS, causing heart and organ failure. These substances are much more dangerous than marijuana, particularly in large doses.
Preventing THC overconsumption
For many people, smoking or consuming marijuana does not cause harmful effects. Managing marijuana use can help prevent adverse effects and prevent overdose. This might include:
- Regulating daily use, such as setting a limit for how much will be smoked or eaten per day
- Smoking instead of eating marijuana if concerned about overconsumption of THC
- Using smaller amounts when smoking or eating THC products
- Taking breaks from using marijuana to prevent tolerance from developing, as this can help keep doses small enough to prevent overdose
It may be beneficial to seek professional support to reduce or stop marijuana use if it is impacting mood, social or professional functioning, finances, or general well-being. This might include:
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