If you’ve never got too high off of weed, you’re either a savvy user or you still have some room for mistakes in your life.
While it’s been scientifically proven that a person can’t fatally overdose on marijuana, it’s actually possible to go overboard with the herb.
But worry not! The side effects of smoking too much weed at a time are mild and don’t last for too long. In fact, the worst thing that may happen to you when you overindulge in weed is not even close to the consequences of overdosing other substances, such as alcohol or drugs.
Wondering about the pains of having that one puff too many?
The side effects of smoking too much weed depend on several factors; your genetics, THC tolerance, the potency of your go-to strain, how you live on a daily basis — they all DO matter. We dedicate this guide to all new cannabis users who would like to start their adventure with weed and get the most out of their experience without experiencing the bad vibes.
Here’s what can happen if you smoke too much weed at a time.
1. Dry Mouth (a.k.a. Cottonmouth)
If your mouth feels like a desert, it’s a good indicator that you’ve smoked too much weed. Worse yet, it’s one of the most annoying symptoms. The more weed you smoke, the less comfortable your mouth will feel, making the dryness almost impossible to quench, even with a few glasses of water.
The science behind the cottonmouth is pretty simple. It all boils down to how THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
THC mimics the chemical structure of anandamide, the endocannabinoid responsible for controlling some major biological functions, including the production of saliva.
The cannabinoid receptors to which THC binds are spread throughout the entire body and salivary glands are no exception. By imitating the actions of anandamide, THC can inhibit the saliva production, resulting in the so-called cottonmouth.
While hydrating yourself with water after smoking weed is very important, the water on its own isn’t that effective. That being said, we suggest that you drink something sweet and sour — orange juice or lemonade should do the trick — in order to stimulate the production of saliva.
Alternatively, you can have some peppermint chewing gum for almost instant relief.
2. Munchies
As someone wise has once said, the only thing a weed smoker could ever attack is a fridge.
Whether or not munchies are good or bad for you is up for discussion, we have to admit that it is, actually, a side effect.
The munchies effect is also triggered by THC. One of the ways this psychoactive compound can increase appetite is by making us more receptive to the aromas and flavors of food. Since scent and taste are very closely related, it’s understandable that food tastes better when you’re high.
In addition, THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the area of the brain referred to as the nucleus accumbens, which increases the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for experiencing pleasure. In other words, food is more enjoyable after a bowl or two.
Finally, THC can lead to the release of the hormone ghrelin, the one which is responsible for making us hungry.
3. Drops In Blood Sugar Levels
Studies suggest that marijuana helps people regulate their blood sugar levels, which can be groundbreaking for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.
However, if you’re new to weed, you may experience a green-out. The Green-out is characterized by overall weakness, nausea, pale skin, and temporary loss of consciousness.
If you smoke too much weed at a time and feel as if you were going to fade away, drink something that is rich in sugars or grab some high-carb snacks to level up the sugar deficit.
4. Anxiety & Paranoia
Some people may find this odd because marijuana is actually used to treat stress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression, but too much THC in the brain can backfire on new users and elevate anxiety levels, sometimes leading to paranoia.
The anxiety-inducing effects of THC will lose on their potency as you begin to build up your tolerance for weed. However, for some users, the symptoms may become chronic.
Paranoia, on the other hand, is strongly associated with the deterioration of an existing depressive stance combined with low self-esteem.
The most important thing to remember when you feel anxious after having that extra bong rip is not to let the negative emotions reign over. If you’re with friends, talk to hem about how you feel; they might be able to guide you if they are experienced weed users.
But even if they’re not, it’s always good to talk to someone about your worries to shrug some burden off your shoulders. In case you experienced chronic paranoia after smoking too much weed, cut down on the frequency and see if it helps curb the anxiety.
If it doesn’t, opt for CBD-rich strains. CBD has a well-documented record of anti-psychotic activity and can actually mitigate the THC-induced anxiety.
5. Temporary Short-Term Memory Impairment
When you smoke too much weed before doing any memory-related tasks, you may want to postpone them; otherwise, you might end up failing miserably.
Despite not being chronic, the short-term memory impairment after consuming too much marijuana will reduce your energy levels and motivation in your day-to-day activities.
To prevent yourself from becoming lethargic after indulging in THC, keep your marijuana intake in moderation and everything will be fine.
What Should I Do When I Smoke Too Much Weed?
To begin with, don’t panic. Whether it’s a drop in blood sugar or creeping anxiety, stay calm and remember that these symptoms are usually short-lived. Thinking too much about how high you are when THC levels are at their peak will take you nowhere. In fact, it can make things much worse.
Cottonmouth can be easily fought with a bottle of sparkling water or, in extreme situations, a sour drink to stimulate the production of saliva.
When you get too high and the munchies kick in, feel free to revel in the wealth of flavors offered by that slice of pepperoni pizza or the ultimate triple cheeseburger, but remember that you may end up adding a few more extra pounds to your body weight if you eat high amounts of carbs too frequently.
The general conclusion is to use weed responsibly. When consumed at moderate doses, THC won’t trigger the above side effects, and even if it does, they will be easy on both your body and brain.
What happens to you when you smoke too much weed at once? Let’s hear out some interesting stories!