Cannabis Poisoning: Can You Overdose on THC?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that contains different chemical compounds called cannabinoids. 

Two of the primary and most well-known cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is what causes the “high” that people experience when they use marijuana. CBD does not lead to a high; however, it is associated with relaxation and a sense of calm. 

The scientific name for cannabis is cannabis satvia. It can be used in many different ways, including smoking, vaping, or ingesting it. Many people falsely believe that cannabis is entirely safe. However, it can lead to a variety of serious mental and physical health problems. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis use, there are resources available. Reach out to our team at Hawaii Island Recovery to learn more. 

Yes, cannabis can be addictive for some people. 

Those who use cannabis heavily over an extended period of time may experience what is known as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). People who have this condition may struggle to quit using cannabis even if they recognize that it is leading to negative side effects within their health or other areas of their life. 

The psychoactive compound THC plays a major role in what leads to cannabis addiction. This is because it activates the reward center of the brain and affects the production of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine helps to produce a pleasurable or euphoric sensation and can help a person relax. 

However, when a person misuses cannabis over time, it can affect the brain’s ability to produce dopamine on their own. As a result, they may become reliant on cannabis in order to experience the effects of dopamine. This can play a crucial role in the path to addiction. 

Cannabis poisoning and cannabis overdose are terms used to describe two very similar conditions, but they can be used in different ways. The similarity between both terms is that they both involve ingesting too much of the THC compound in cannabis. As a result, the individual may experience negative mental or physical side effects. 

The key difference between the two terms is that cannabis poisoning often refers to an emergency medical situation, while cannabis overdose may only involve experiencing distressing side effects. Cannabis overdose is often considered a more general term. While cannabis poisoning is rarely fatal, it can still be very dangerous and may require professional medical assistance. 

Some of the dangerous consequences of cannabis poisoning could include: 

Cannabis poisoning is different than alcohol or opioid overdose because, though it might be associated with potentially dangerous side effects, it doesn’t affect critical bodily processes like breathing, heart rate, or consciousness. Also, while alcohol and opioid overdose can lead to fatalities, this is far less common with cannabis poisoning. 

When someone is having an opioid overdose, some symptoms they may experience could include: 

When someone is having an alcohol overdose, some symptoms they may experience could include: 

Meanwhile, with a cannabis overdose, the symptoms a person may experience can be primarily physiological and include things such as paranoia and hallucinations. 

Yes, cannabis toxicity can affect people in very different ways. This includes leading to different physical, psychological, and physiological side effects. One of the primary reasons for the difference is that people have different levels of tolerance. 

For example, if someone has used cannabis over a long period of time or uses it on a regular basis, they might have a relatively high tolerance. They might be able to use a large amount of cannabis without experiencing any negative side effects. However, someone who rarely uses cannabis or is using it for the first time may be at risk of experiencing cannabis toxicity after using only a small amount. 

Other factors that may contribute to how a person experiences cannabis toxicity include: 

Another factor includes whether the individual may struggle with pre-existing mental health challenges. This may include: 

THC can affect the brain in many different ways, from affecting a person’s mood to their ability to make decisions, their memory, sleep, and much more. The primary way it does this is by triggering a surge of dopamine in the reward center of the brain. This can bring about a sense of calm, pleasure, or euphoria. 

However, over an extended period of time of using cannabis, it can become difficult for a person’s brain to produce dopamine on its own. As a result, they may become addicted to the substance. 

It’s important to note that THC can affect different people in different ways. For some people, it may lead to pleasurable effects. However, for others, it may lead to anxiety, paranoia, panic, and irritability. In severe cases, it can even lead to paranoia or hallucinations. 

Other ways in which THC may affect the brain include: 

THC can also affect the body, having different effects on different people. In particular, it may affect a person’s appetite, how they experience pain, their body temperature, immune response, sleep, and their digestion. The effects of THC on the body may be pleasurable for some and unpleasant for others. 

Some specific ways that THC may affect the body include: 

Cannabis can cause your dopamine levels to surge. This can lead to a sense of pleasure and euphoria. However, over time, a person can struggle to experience the effects of dopamine without turning to cannabis. 

Cannabis can make it harder to concentrate and retain information, and may cause you to be more forgetful. 

A person may find themselves losing their train of thought or struggling with brain fog. Over time, cannabis use may also affect a person’s long-term memory, making it difficult to remember past information. This can go on for weeks or months, and in particularly difficult situations, could even be permanent. 

Since cannabis affects areas of the brain that help regulate your sense of balance and your reaction time, cannabis can have a major effect on one’s sense of coordination. 

For example, some people may struggle with poor depth perception and may have trouble doing activities that require them to use their fine motor skills. 

Cannabis can affect your impulse control and your decision-making, causing it to be difficult to use good judgment. Some people may only be able to focus on their desires in the moment and may not think about the long-term consequences of their actions. 

THC may rarely be fatal in the same way that alcohol or opioid poisoning may be. 

However, there are situations where it could lead to very dangerous and potentially deadly circumstances. For example, someone experiencing THC poisoning may be unable to use good judgment and may possibly put themselves into an unsafe situation by engaging in risky behavior. There is also the chance of experiencing paranoia or hallucinations, which could also lead to hazardous and possibly deadly behaviors. 

There are situations in which very high cannabis levels could lead to an emergency medical situation, particularly in those who may already be vulnerable due to pre-existing factors. 

For example, this could include someone who already struggles with a heart condition or someone who has a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. This is because cannabis can lead to an increase in heart rate, particularly right after use. It can also lead to panic and delusions, which may cause someone to put themselves into an unsafe and possibly emergent situation. When someone is experiencing very high levels of cannabis, they may also be at an increased risk of experiencing accidents or engaging in self-harm. 

Some physical signs of cannabis poisoning may include an increase in heart rate, chest discomfort, a sense of grogginess, loss of coordination, tremors, dizziness, and sensitivity to light. 

Some mental signs of cannabis poisoning may include anxiety, panic, disorientation, hallucinations, psychosis, restlessness, and irritability. 

There are certain signs that someone going through cannabis poisoning may need emergency medical attention. Some signs may include chest pain, vomiting, trouble staying awake, hallucinations or delusions, or dangerous behaviors, including self-harm. 

If you think that someone may need emergency medical attention, it is important to call 911 right away instead of waiting for their condition to worsen. It is critical to remain with the individual until help arrives. 

People who already struggle with mental conditions, particularly schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or PTSD, may be especially vulnerable to cannabis overdose. 

Other people who may be vulnerable include children or teens, those who are using cannabis for the first time, or those who are struggling with cardiovascular or circulatory health issues. It is also important to note that the method in which cannabis is used and whether or not it is used alongside alcohol or other substances can affect the likelihood of overdose. 

Yes, cannabis can affect perception and the way people regulate their emotions, causing those who already have mental health problems to experience an increased risk of overdose. In addition, cannabis can lead to delusions, making it especially dangerous for those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 

One of the main reasons that edibles may lead to overconsumption is that it takes a lot longer to experience the effects of THC with this method as opposed to others. Edibles must be digested and processed by the liver, which can take up to 90 minutes. As a result, people might take additional dosages, not realizing they are taking too much. 

Yes, a cannabis overdose can mimic many of the same symptoms of a mental health crisis, including panic, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and detachment from reality. 

Yes, paranoia and hallucinations are symptoms that can be associated with a severe cannabis overdose. 

Yes, THC toxicity can lead to panic attacks, temporary psychosis, and other mental health problems. 

Yes, cannabis can make existing mental health problems worse, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. 

At Hawaii Island Recovery, we use a whole-person approach to treat a person’s body, mind, and spirit. 

We utilize evidence-based treatment to set our clients up for a successful long-term recovery. The process begins with an assessment to determine your needs and what specific treatment is the right fit for your unique situation. We will then move forward with an individual treatment plan. 

You will have access to mental health and physical treatment when needed, holistic therapy, and a supportive environment that will hold you accountable as you navigate your journey. 

Some of the evidence-based treatment methods we use include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and relapse prevention skill building.  

It can be difficult to watch someone you know and love struggle with substance use of any kind, including cannabis. 

If there is someone close to you who you believe is misusing cannabis, it is important to talk to them about it, even if it may be uncomfortable. While having this conversation, it is critical to ensure that you’re coming from a place of empathy and compassion and not judgment. It is also important that you remain calm and don’t raise your voice or become emotional. 

When talking to your loved one, you should let the person know that you’re concerned about them and their behavior. You can point out specific ways in which a person’s cannabis use may be affecting their life in negative ways. For example, this could include a decreased performance at work or school, mental or physical health problems, or tension within relationships. You can then let them know that there are things they can do to get help and that there are resources available. 

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, while assuring them that you’ll be there to support them along the way. For guidance on how to talk to a loved one about their substance use, reach out to our team at Hawaii Island Recovery. 

For someone who may be struggling with cannabis use disorder, the thought of cutting down or quitting cannabis use can be very difficult. 

Giving them specific options of steps they can take can help. For example, this could involve giving them the contact information for a local mental health professional or treatment center. You can then encourage them to give them a call and find out more information about their services. 

For many years, many people have falsely believed that cannabis is a relatively harmless drug. As a result, they might underestimate this substance’s ability to cause negative mental and physical health consequences. They may also not realize that it is possible to experience cannabis addiction. If you’re struggling with cannabis use, Hawaii Island Recovery can help. Call (866) 390-5070 today.