Can You Overdose On Marijuana?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, contains compounds (cannabinoids) that bind to certain receptors in the brain that change your mood or consciousness. While it’s often grouped with other illicit drugs like cocaine or methamphetamines, it’s much harder to overdose with marijuana than it is with other drugs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a cannabis overdose is very unlikely to occur and, if it did, would take a large amount of the drug.

Can You Overdose On Marijuana?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there have been no overdose fatalities linked to cannabis alone.

An overdose with purely marijuana (via smoking, vaping, dabbing, or edible) is not impossible, but very unlikely. It’s when marijuana is mixed with other substances like alcohol or opioids that a cannabis overdose is more likely to occur.

Why is this the case? It’s because the active components in marijuana actually work against each other in the body. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) work against one another. CBD lessens some of the adverse and toxic side effects of THC.

Even newer cannabis products that have a high amount of THC are still likely to be okay because CBD is there to counteract it. It can make marijuana significantly less toxic and is one of the reasons overdose is so rare.

Marijuana Overdose Risk Factors

While a marijuana overdose is not very likely, serious health effects due to marijuana use can occur. The likelihood of these health effects can depend on a number of risk factors.

Polysubstance Use

Mixing marijuana with alcohol or prescription drugs is one of the most common ways people can overdose. Alcohol may increase the levels of THC in the blood and make a toxic combination.

Pre-Existing Health Issues

Smoking marijuana can affect your lungs, and ingesting the drug in any form can affect your heart. If you have heart or breathing problems, the drug can cause very serious side effects.

History Of Use

If you’ve been using marijuana in large quantities over a long period of time, there is an increased risk of health problems that can be fatal.

Method Of Consumption

Ingesting marijuana via an edible like a brownie can also lead to very serious consequences. You can eat an edible, not feel the effects you’re looking for, and then take another. When the drug eventually kicks in, the effects can end up requiring medical attention.

Side Effects Of Marijuana Abuse

Cannabis use may not lead to an overdose very often, but it can cause serious side effects that can be life-threatening.

These side effects include:

• hallucinations
• psychosis/mental health problems
• high blood pressure
• coordination issues
• confusion
• thirstiness
• dry mouth
• concentration issues
• slower reaction times
• dry eyes
• fatigue
• rapid heart rate
• anxiety
• paranoia
• panic attacks
• memory problems
• decreased judgment

If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important you call 911 or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. While it may not be a marijuana overdose, the adverse effects can still be serious and should be treated.

Treatment For Marijuana Addiction

If you’re looking for help to stop your marijuana use, there are several different treatment options out there, including:

• inpatient treatment
• outpatient therapy
• cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, Northeast Addiction Treatment Center is here for you. We offer a variety of outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment, and family and group therapy to address unhealthy patterns of drug use.

To learn more about everything we offer, please call our helpline today.