A Closer Look at Whether Marijuana Can Be Lethal
Although products with higher amounts of THC have become more common in recent times, and there have been increasing levels of acceptance regarding marijuana use, it does not mean that ingesting marijuana can’t be risky.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana is one of the most-used drugs in the United States, with more than 35% of those in the 18-25 age bracket using marijuana in the past year in 2021.
So, can you overdose on weed? If so, can cannabis overdose be lethal?
Let’s go over the facts on marijuana overdose, what happens when you consume too much marijuana, and preventing serious effects first. Then, we’ll discuss what to do for a marijuana overdose, synthetic products and why they can be more dangerous, and other risks associated with marijuana.
Finally, we will look at understanding and getting help for marijuana abuse or addiction at Catalina Behavioral Health in Arizona.
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Can You Overdose on Weed?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are no known deaths that have been caused by marijuana overdose. While marijuana on its own is not lethal, it is possible to consume too much marijuana.
Regardless of whether your use is recreational or medicinal, it is possible to consume too much marijuana or encounter other problems, like marijuana addiction, which can affect your life seriously and in ways you may not have expected from cannabis use.
Doing so can come with uncomfortable, potentially scary marijuana intoxication symptoms.
Long-term marijuana use can also come with potential risks and consequences. It is also possible to develop marijuana use disorder, also called marijuana addiction, which can be highly destructive to your life.
What Happens When You Consume Too Much Marijuana?
Although a fatal overdose is extremely unlikely, consuming too much marijuana can come with severe symptoms. If you consume too much marijuana, you might notice physical or mental symptoms such as the following.
- Unresponsiveness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Paleness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Poor judgment
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Confusion
- Fear
Some cannabis products contain higher doses of THC (the primary psychoactive component or psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana products), which can make marijuana overdose symptoms more likely. The higher amounts of THC found in these products may also impact the development of marijuana use disorders.
Ways of Preventing Marijuana Overdose
Not consuming marijuana means that you cannot overdose on it. Marijuana addiction treatment can help you stop using marijuana and avoid marijuana overdose-like symptoms. If you are someone who experiences marijuana addiction, help is available.
For those who still consume cannabis at this time, being mindful of the products you use can help you avoid adverse effects. Using products that don’t have too much THC can reduce your risk. It is also notable that, if marijuana is mixed with other drugs, marijuana’s effects may intensify.
Often, an edible cannabis product will cause a stronger high. Smoking marijuana can be extremely harmful to your lungs, but the intensity of edible products can make scary or uncomfortable marijuana intoxication symptoms more likely.
What to do for a Marijuana Overdose or Overuse
In most cases, the effects of consuming too much marijuana go away on their own. However, some people experience more serious reactions than others, which may warrant a need for medical attention.
If you have serious marijuana overdose symptoms, like chest pain, vomiting, seizures, excessively fast heart rate, or severe psychoactive effects, seek medical attention immediately.
What About a Synthetic Weed Overdose?
Rather than traditional marijuana products, some people use synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., “spice” or “K2.”) Although these products are easily accessible, they’re actually more dangerous and have caused fatal overdoses.
Adverse effects like loss of consciousness, confusion, psychosis symptoms like hallucinations, anxiety, elevated heart rate, and death have all been reported with the use of these synthetic products.
Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences severe adverse effects such as loss of consciousness, extremely elevated heart rate, or synthetic marijuana psychosis after using a ‘spice’ product or any similar substance.
What is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome?
In addition to the possibility of using too much weed, there is something called Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a condition causing cyclical nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. These symptoms are preceded by several years of cannabis use, happen every few weeks to every few months, and stop when you discontinue cannabis use.
CHS is not the same as a weed overdose, but it is something that can be particularly common in those who consume too much THC, smoke, or use marijuana regularly, with or without taking occasional t-breaks.
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The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse
Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed based on the criteria acknowledged in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). About 3 in 10, or 30% of people who use marijuana develop cannabis use disorder. Common symptoms of marijuana addiction or cannabis use disorder include the following.
- Using cannabis even though it causes social or relationship problems
- Using marijuana even if it causes problems at work, home, or school
- Using cannabis despite physical or mental health symptoms caused by the drug
- Spending a lot of time smoking or otherwise using cannabis (e.g., consuming edibles)
- Giving up significant activities with friends and family in favor of using cannabis
- Using marijuana in high-risk situations, like before driving a car
- Needing to use higher amounts of THC than before to achieve the same high
- Trying but failing to stop or reduce cannabis use
- Craving marijuana
Some people also experience physical or mental withdrawal symptoms when they stop using marijuana. Cravings can be one symptom, but others experience mood swings and other effects.
A Sampling of the Many Long-Term Effects of Chronic Marijuana Use
Research suggests that those who engage in marijuana use early in life are more likely to develop cannabis addiction. In addition to problems with marijuana addiction, there are other health effects and related consequences of long-term or chronic marijuana use to look out for.
Chronic marijuana use can be associated with the following.
- Less career and academic success
- Lower satisfaction in life
- Worsened physical health
- Worsened mental health
- More relationship problems
Substance abuse treatment at Catalina Behavioral Health can help you overcome marijuana addiction or chronic marijuana use, and our marijuana abuse and addiction self-assessment can provide insights into the severity of use.
How Treatment for Cannabis Can Help Quality of Life
Catalina Behavioral Health offers treatment for all types and levels of drug abuse. Addiction treatment at Catalina Behavioral Health can help you overcome marijuana addiction with support and address co-occurring disorders like depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety, if applicable. Many people with cannabis addiction
We offer inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment for marijuana addiction in Arizona. When you call Catalina Behavioral Health, we can set up an intake assessment that’ll help determine the right starting level of care for you.
For example, cannabis detox and inpatient rehab for marijuana or other substances remove you from exposure to daily life triggers and the ability to access substances like marijuana. Outpatient treatment can be ideal for those who want to balance work, school, or other responsibilities with treatment.
A Unique Plan for Our Clients Addresses Underlying Causes
All Catalina Behavioral Health clients get an individualized treatment plan. While in treatment, you might engage in individual therapy, group therapy, process groups, life skills, and recreation activities. We also offer family therapy, medication management, aftercare planning, and other services.
Our mental health professionals use a combination of evidence-based treatments and holistic therapies to help those overcome drug addiction. Contact Catalina Behavioral Health today to learn more about what to expect.
Get Help for Marijuana at Catalina Behavioral Health Today
Getting help for marijuana abuse can do more than simply decrease your risk of overdose; it can change your life. A cannabis use disorder comes with health risks and other negative consequences. Our addiction treatment programs can help those seeking inpatient and outpatient care for cannabis get the help they need.
We’re here to verify your insurance coverage, book a free tour of our facilities, or answer your questions about treatment for marijuana addiction. To get in touch, call the confidential admissions line on our website now!
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FAQs Regarding Marijuana Toxicity and Overdose
What are the cons of marijuana use?
Outside of the potential for addiction, some people have a bad reaction to marijuana, such as psychosis symptoms or psychotic episodes, panic attacks, and anxiety. Memory problems can occur in those who engage in regular marijuana use, as well as a lowered IQ, poorer performance at school or work, and health or relationship problems.
Can cannabis cause serious medical issues?
While medical emergencies are rare in cases where cannabis isn’t combined with other drugs, consuming too much cannabis can lead to severe side effects. For example, rapid heart rate, panic attacks, trouble breathing, and digestive system effects, like nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Products with more THC are associated with a higher risk of THC overdose or overconsumption.
What are the risks of smoking marijuana?
Smoking weed can lead to specific issues that may not be present in those who consume the drug in other ways. For example, smoking weed can lead to a higher risk of developing a daily cough and phlegm, as well as bronchial and breathing issues that can become quite serious.
References
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549915/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3470439/ https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-use-disorder.html
