Can you Overdose on Marijuana?

Can you overdose on marijuana? Not quite. While harder drugs such as opioids can cause fatal overdoses, there are no recorded deaths in history from using marijuana. However, while you can’t overdose in the typical sense, using too much marijuana can have some bad side effects.

Marijuana is actually one of the safest drugs you can take, but you should still avoid high dosages. Smoking more weed than you’re used to can cause serious anxiety, panic attacks, nausea and vomiting, and even psychotic reactions for some. Whether you call it a whitey or simply being way too high, you should always avoid going this far.

So how do you avoid going over your limits on marijuana, how much should you take, and what should you expect when you’ve gone overboard? Here’s more on marijuana overdoses.

Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

Unlike with many other drugs and with alcohol, there are no recorded deaths from marijuana. Simply put, marijuana will not cause a fatal overdose no matter how much you try to use. However, there are still some harmful effects of taking too much marijuana you need to avoid.

Everyone has their limits with marijuana, and ingesting too much can cause some pretty uncomfortable effects. Users who go beyond their limits will experience sweating, nausea, vomiting, and potentially panic attacks. It can also be harmful to your mind- it’ll worsen symptoms of anxiety and, in some cases, can even trigger psychotic effects.

So while you won’t die no matter how much you use, don’t use this as an invitation to take too much. Too much marijuana can also impair your memory and ability to think or act logically, so smoking too much can still be very dangerous.

Side Effects of Smoking Too Much Marijuana

When used in moderation, marijuana won’t cause any side effects. While most users will experience bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, and the munchies, this is pretty much par for the course and not something to worry about.

However, when you go beyond your limits it can cause some problems. Smoking too much marijuana can be overwhelming both physically and mentally. You may experience some physical distress, causing you to shake, vomit, and feel nauseous.

Mentally, too much THC can make you seriously anxious and paranoid. Those who suffer from mental health problems will also suffer from worsened symptoms. Marijuana has been shown to trigger schizophrenia, particularly in users who are prone to it. Those with severe mental health problems should avoid overusing marijuana at all costs.

Some of the effects of marijuana can also cause problems when not used in moderation. THC is known to affect your memory and thinking. You may act irrationally and find it hard to focus or remember things. It’s important to never do anything potentially dangerous, such as driving, while under the influence of marijuana.

These effects will usually wear off after the high has gone. However, if you don’t use marijuana in moderation, it can affect your memory and mental focus more significantly in the long-term.

How To Avoid A Marijuana Overdose

If you want to avoid the uncomfortable effects of getting too high, it’s important to smoke in moderation. Of course, a lot of this comes down to smoking the right dosage and using it safely. But the method of usage also matters.

Certain ways of ingesting marijuana can cause a much more intense high than others. This can cause a bad high for some users, especially beginners.

For instance, marijuana edibles are much more potent than just smoking or vaping marijuana. These include concentrated THC, resulting in an intense psychoactive experience. The effects of marijuana edibles can last for up to 12 hours, so it’s important not to eat too much.

It’s also important to note that marijuana edibles take longer to kick in- sometimes up to 2 hours. Users may feel like they need to eat more, which can result in a bad high. The recommended dose is usually 10mg, although serious beginners may want to start lower.

Other concentrated forms of marijuana can also cause side effects faster. Dabbing with concentrates is known to be overwhelming to many users. THC tinctures can also be overwhelming if you accidentally use too much oil.

However, marijuana in any form can cause adverse side effects and the most important thing is to control your dosage.

How Much Marijuana Should I Take?

Your recommended dosage depends on a few factors, such as your body weight and your tolerance level.

Beginners should start off low and build up as they go. For instance, joints are often rolled with around 0.5 grams to a gram of marijuana. Beginners may want to only take a few hits to see how they manage the high instead of smoking a whole joint.

Using a bong, pipe or vape can also be useful for controlling your high. You only need to apply a very small amount of marijuana to the bowl or chamber, and you can also take it in small hits.

With edibles, beginners should not go beyond 10mg. The high is much more powerful and it’s worth experiencing it at a lower level first. Some users even split edibles into smaller amounts, such as 2.5mg or 5mg, for a milder and more manageable high.

The dosage of other marijuana products can depend. For instance, tinctures often come with a dropper which gives you a manageable dose. In general, you should start off low to gauge your tolerance levels, then you can take more as you get used to the high.

Conclusion

Can you overdose on marijuana? Not fatally, but you can still have some adverse side effects. Make sure to control your dosage and if you do happen to smoke too much, drink plenty of water and rest until the high wears off.

In moderation, marijuana is completely safe for anyone to use. While you’ll experience side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, and the munchies, it doesn’t affect your high negatively. Like with any other substance, use it wisely and stay safe while you’re under the influence to ensure a positive experience every time.