Can You Overdose on Pot?
Marijuana or cannabis is a popular recreational drug used by many people. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in cannabis is what gives users their “high” feeling. There’s a common misconception that overdosing on pot is impossible and that it’s a harmless drug. However, it is technically possible to overdose on marijuana and with more potent strains being made available, the risk of overdose is increasing.
Signs of a Marijuana Overdose
The most common symptom of marijuana overdose is paranoia. Other physical signs include:
- Anxiety or panic attacks – rapid breathing, a racing heart rate and sweating are all possible.
- Confusion and disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid pulse and elevated blood pressure
- Hallucinations and delusions – people may experience intense visual and auditory hallucinations.
- Seizures – these can be slight twitching or violent shaking.
When a person overdoses on marijuana, it’s important to seek emergency medical help right away as the symptoms can worsen and result in permanent impairment.
Risk Factors for Marijuana Overdose
Anyone using marijuana can potentially overdose, but certain factors can make a person more likely to experience an overdose. These include:
- Using cannabis in large amounts – experiments have shown that consuming large amounts of THC can cause intoxication and can lead to overdose.
- Using cannabis of high potency – higher levels of THC content can increase the risk of overdose.
- Using cannabis that’s been laced with other drugs – this is a fairly common practice among drug dealers, who lace the marijuana with other drugs to increase its effects.
Preventing Marijuana Overdose
The best way to prevent an overdose of marijuana is to be aware of its potential risks and to use the drug in moderation. People who choose to use marijuana should also be sure to only purchase it from trusted sources and to avoid cannabis that has been laced with other drugs. Additionally, people should not drive or operate heavy machinery after using marijuana as this can increase the risk of an overdose.
It’s important to remember that marijuana overdose is a real risk and that cannabis is still a psychoactive drug and can be unhealthy when used in excess. If a person experiences any of the above symptoms, it’s important to seek medical assistance immediately.
