Drug and Alcohol

Can You Overdose on Weed? What Happens When You Take Too Much Weed

Can You Overdose on Weed?

Can you overdose on weed? Yep, and while it won't kill you, it can make you feel terrible...and even put you into danger.

Weed is often seen as a milder drug compared to “hard” drugs like meth, cocaine, and heroin. But it does have something in common with them: you can overdose on weed.

We’ll say it upfront: overdosing on weed probably won’t kill you. However, overdosing on weed can be extremely unpleasant, especially if you weren’t expecting it.

The Basics of a Weed Overdose

As we said, a weed overdose isn’t likely to be fatal. Unlike alcohol or other drugs, too much weed isn’t likely to slow your breathing down or raise your body temperature to dangerous levels.

But that doesn’t mean we’re saying that a weed overdose is safe, either. Taking too much weed, whether intentionally or not, feels awful at best. At worst, it can put you at serious risk of injury from falls or other accidents…or potentially lead to worse problems.

How Can You Overdose on Weed?

Simply put, by taking too much of it. This may sound silly, but it’s very easy to consume too much weed, particularly if you’re using cannabis edibles.

Here’s why: edibles can take far longer to take effect than smoking weed. With edibles, the THC is processed by your liver before it enters your bloodstream. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on many factors, like your weight, age, metabolism, and more.

As a result, people sometimes consume more than they intended while waiting for the effects to kick in. By the time they realize what’s happening, it’s too late to stop it.

It's also easy to overindulge through other means. Keep in mind that different strains of weed have varying levels of potency. Some may have higher levels of THC (the psychoactive compound in weed) than others, so even if you’re used to smoking a certain amount of a different strain, it may have a completely different effect.

Finally, there's the issue of weed concentrates like shatter, wax, or dabs. These can be vastly more potent than edibles or flowers. It's extremely easy to take a hit off of a wax pen or dab rig without realizing how much weed you're actually consuming.

What Happens During a Weed Overdose?

"Greening out" is a common slang term for a weed overdose. This term refers to the feeling of extreme discomfort, anxiety, and panic that can occur when you’ve had too much weed. The symptoms of a weed overdose may vary from person to person, but some common experiences include:

  • Extreme dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Increased heart rate

  • Paranoia or anxiety

  • Hallucinations or distorted perception of reality

  • Loss of coordination and motor skills

If you start experiencing these symptoms after consuming weed, it’s important to remember that they will eventually pass. The best thing to do is stay calm, find a safe and comfortable place to rest, and wait for the effects to wear off.

"Scromiting"

You may have come across viral stories online about something called "scromiting." This is a condition where individuals who have consumed large amounts of weed experience uncontrollable vomiting. While this phenomenon has been reported, it's still relatively rare and not fully understood by medical professionals.

Some experts believe that scromiting may be caused by a combination of cannabis use and underlying gastrointestinal issues or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS is a condition that affects heavy, long-term users of weed and can cause symptoms such as severe nausea and vomiting.

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How Long Does a Weed Overdose Last?

The effects of a weed overdose can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, depending on the individual and how much weed was consumed. However, the most intense symptoms will usually subside after a few hours, with lingering effects such as grogginess or mild discomfort lasting for up to 24 hours.

It's important to remember that every person reacts differently to weed and there is no set timeline for an overdose experience. It may also take longer for edibles or concentrates to fully wear off compared to smoking or vaping.

Can You Overdose on CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in weed. It's often used for its potential therapeutic benefits and does not produce the same "high" as THC.

But can you overdose on CBD? The simple answer is no. Unlike THC, there is no known lethal dose of CBD. In fact, research has shown that even extremely high doses of CBD are well-tolerated by humans.

However, taking too much CBD may still cause some unwanted effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite or mood. It's always important to follow recommended dosages when using CBD products and to consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns.

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A Closer Look at Edibles: Why Is It Easier to Overdose on Weed Edibles?

Weed overdoses tend to involve edibles. They're relatively easy to use, don't require extra equipment like a grinder or a dab rig, and they're easier on your lungs than smoking weed.

However, edible cannabis has some unique issues that make weed overdoses more likely for some. Here's why.

Edibles Take Longer to Take Effect

As mentioned earlier, edibles take longer to produce their effects compared to smoking or vaping weed. This can lead some people to consume more edibles than intended while waiting for the effects to kick in.

Dosing and Potency Can Be Inconsistent

Edibles can also be challenging to dose accurately. Unlike standard doses of medication, there's no standardized amount of THC or other cannabinoids in each edible product. This makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly how much they're consuming.

Furthermore, different strains of weed used in edibles may have varying levels of potency and therefore produce different effects. Without proper labeling and information, it's easy for someone to accidentally overdose on an edible without realizing it.

Delayed Effects Can Lead to Overconsumption

As mentioned earlier, the effects of edibles can take longer to kick in compared to other methods of consuming weed. This delay can cause some people to consume more edibles before feeling any effects, leading to an overdose once the edible's effects finally hit.

Children Mistake Edibles for Candy/Food

Edibles are often designed to look and taste like regular food or candy, making them appealing to children. This can lead to accidental consumption of edibles by young children, which can result in an overdose.

It's important for adults to properly store and label their edible products to avoid any potential accidents with children.

How Do You Know If You're Having a Weed Overdose?

Because weed overdoses aren't as lethal as other forms of drug overdose, it often isn't easy to tell if you're having one. Some signs that you may be experiencing a weed overdose include:

  • Extreme dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Increased heart rate

  • Paranoia or anxiety

  • Hallucinations or distorted perception of reality

If you or someone else is exhibiting these symptoms after consuming weed, it's essential to seek medical attention if necessary and monitor the individual closely for any changes in their condition. It's also helpful to stay calm and try to create a safe and comfortable environment for the person until the effects wear off.

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What To Do If You Overdose on Weed

If you've overdosed on weed, the best thing you can do is seek medical attention if necessary and wait it out in a safe and comfortable environment. If you're feeling anxious or paranoid, try practicing deep breathing exercises or listening to calming music.

It's also important to stay hydrated and avoid consuming any additional substances. It may also be helpful to have a trusted friend or family member nearby for support.

If your symptoms are severe or persist for an extended period of time, it's important to seek medical help immediately as there may be underlying health issues at play.

Are There Risks to Weed Use?

While weed overdoses are relatively uncommon, there are still risks associated with cannabis use. These risks may include:

  • Impaired cognitive function and memory

  • Increased risk of respiratory issues when smoked

  • Potential for addiction and dependence (especially in heavy or long-term users)

  • Negative impact on mental health for some individuals

Weed may also put a strain on organs like the heart. According to the CDC, weed can make the heart beat faster as well as raising the blood pressure. While more research needs to be done, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should be cautious when consuming weed and consult with a medical professional if necessary.

Weed and Your Mental Health

As we've read, weed can make you feel anxious, paranoid, and disoriented. The CDC also warns cannabis users may be at a higher risk of developing psychosis and mental disorders like schizophrenia. This appears to be more likely for those who start using weed at an earlier age.

Cannabis Addiction

It's important to remember that cannabis is also an addictive drug. Cannabis use disorder affects roughly 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Addiction is more likely for heavy or long-term users and can negatively impact an individual's life, relationships, and overall well-being.

While cannabis use may be legal in some areas, it's essential to approach it responsibly and with caution, just like any other drug. It's always important to educate yourself on potential risks and effects before using any substance.

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The Lesson to Take From a Weed Overdose

A weed overdose isn't the end of the world, and most people will come back from it with a headache and some embarrassing memories. But if you're experiencing them regularly – or finding that weed is causing you some real problems at school or work – it's time for a conversation about your relationship with weed.

As harmless as weed seems to most, it is an addictive substance and one that can trap you in the same negative, repetitive behaviors of addiction. But it doesn't have to be that way – anyone struggling with their relationship with weed can learn to leave it behind.

The Edge Treatment Center uses proven therapeutic techniques to help people free themselves from addiction...and safely explore the reasons driving their substance use. We'll help you build a happy, successful foundation for the rest of your life.

Reach out to us today to learn more.

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Written by

brian-mooreBrian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

jeremy-arztJeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

Drug and Alcohol

October 4, 2024

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is highly unlikely to die from a weed overdose. However, consuming too much weed can lead to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side effects.

Edible effects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in depending on factors such as metabolism and dosage.

The best course of action is to seek medical attention if necessary and wait out the effects in a safe environment. Some measures that may help alleviate discomfort include staying hydrated and practicing relaxation techniques. However, there is no known way to reverse the effects of a weed overdose.

Yes, it is possible to develop an addiction to weed. Heavy or long-term use can lead to cannabis use disorder and negatively impact an individual's life and relationships.

If you suspect a friend is experiencing a weed overdose, it's important to seek medical attention if necessary and monitor their condition closely. Try to create a safe and comfortable environment for them and offer support. If symptoms are severe or persist for an extended period of time, it may be necessary to seek medical help.