This question may be somewhat controversial, even for frequent marijuana users.
While some say cannabis can be as harmful as opioids and other common pharmaceutical stimulants, some say the plant is completely safe and harmless.
However, while an over dosage is common and highly dreaded with opioids and related drugs, cannabis does not threaten similar effects. Surprisingly, the CDC says, to date, there are no reported benefits caused solely by cannabis use.
But although cannabis may not necessarily become fatal, there are the chances of getting too much.
This brings us to the next concern….
How much is too much cannabis?
Here’s a somewhat tricky question to answer. Remember, cannabis works in people differently, so it can be challenging to say which dosage is considered “too much.”
Naturally, some persons have a high tolerance to cannabis; some easily react to even low doses.
Besides, all cannabis products are not created equally. This makes it even more difficult to define a general prescription.
Edibles, for instance, is thought to trigger some adverse effects. For one, since the results do not kick in early enough, consumers are usually tempted to go overboard with their doses.
Edibles effect may begin to trickle in, say, 20 minutes to about 2 hours after dosage. Due to impatience, one may have had too much before realizing the product isn’t actually impotent but only slow-acting.
Using marijuana alongside alcohol is another concern that may cause irregular effects from similar doses.
While some uses may get a high from THC-rich cannabis products, others report several degrees of adverse reactions – the latter is most common in first-time users.
What are the possible effects of using too much cannabis?
When in excess, cannabis may cause a range of reactions that vary across users. Some of such undesirable effects include:
- Red eyes
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dry mouth or thirstiness
- Slower reaction time
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased heart rate
There could be even more grave side effects, including
- Vomiting and nausea
- Paranoia and panic attacks
- Hallucination
These awful effects may stay for about 20 minutes and may linger for a whole day. Typically, rich –THC cannabis strains are linked to higher and longer-acting effects. And note that a hangover is also possible with weed.
What to do if you’ve had too much weed
You think you (or a friend) have had too much weed?
Here are some actionable tips to help you manage the adverse reaction
• Relax
Anxiety is a primary symptom of weed overdose. If you feel so, reassure yourself, you’d be fine.
Remembering nobody ever died from weed-only consumption will help you feel better. Trust me, such effects do not stay for too long. In an hour or two – or less – you’d be fine.
• Take something
If you feel shaky or nauseous, take something – food, snacks, beverage. Although you may not feel any need to, particularly if your experience comes with a dry mouth, having something in your stomach may cause a significant relief.
• Hydrate
For your dry mouth symptom, drinking a lot of water will help. This is particularly relevant if you threw up or just feeling generally drained.
• Take a nap
Time may be the best way to wade off cannabis effects. All you may have to do is simply wait. And the best way to pass the time while waiting for the undesirable impact to wane off is to take a good rest.
• Overstimulation
If you get too high, stay away from social activities. Too many events around can make you paranoid and anxious.
Hence, you may have to stay off the TV or music, isolate yourself from crowded places, and find some less eventful place to calm. A restroom or an empty room may do.
• Try peppercorns
Many cannabis users say black peppercorns have helped soothe effects like paranoia, anxiety, and other adverse effects of overindulgence.
Based on research reports, black peppercorns are rich in caryophyllene, a compound thought to counter THC’s side effects. However, more research may be needed to substantiate these early findings.
• Discuss with someone
Any close person with cannabis experience will help a great lot if you ever find yourself struggling with the effects of too much weed. A word or two based on their unpleasant experience may help you feel less troubled and calmer.
Tips to avoid having too much cannabis
If you’re trying to avoid a repeat of an awful experience with cannabis or you’re just starting out on your cannabis journey, here are some handy tips to know
- Begin with low doses
The need to start out with the least possible dosage can never be overemphasized.
Being your first attempt, it’s better to have the effects come in bits. This way, you can easily regulate the doses and remain within safe limits.
The rule says to start small and watch the effects for some time – then, work up your dosage to something more suitable.
- Enjoy your edibles, but cautiously
Averagely, it takes about 20 minutes to as much as two hours for cannabis effects to trickle in as they undergo digestion. On your first attempt, it can be tricky to tell the strength of your weed-infused product.
Eat small portions first, and increase the doses.
- Start with Low THC products
You’ll usually find the THC concentration on labels of cannabis products. If you’re new to THC, begin your journey with low THC concentrations. Also, consider products with high CBD concentrations –they not only deliver unique therapeutic effects, but studies also saythey may help douse the dreaded effects of THC.
Wrap Up – how much is too much cannabis?
There’s no one general answer to this question.
Based on product and their individual THC: CBD concentration, dosage medium, and other individual factors like age, bodyweight, etc., one can feel some adverse effects from too much cannabis.
Note that such effects are common and more severe with highly concentrated THC products.
One way to stay safe – particularly for first-timers – is to give careful attention to your dosages per time and don’t be in a rush to have more.
With testimonies from weed proponents, one would think cannabis has only great recreational and medical benefits.
While it isn’t entirely a wrong assumption, the truth is, cannabis can cause more damage than you think.
To learn more about how to stay within safe cannabis doses, we’ve compiled some beginners’ guides to help you stay safe as you explore and exploit the cannabis space.
You may also check up on our affordable industry-standard products if you seek quality and effectiveness.