It is maybe one of the most controversial questions most people ask regarding Cannabis. Some people believe that it is fatal and dangerous, like opioids, when consuming an overly large dosage. Others are convinced it is safe and harmless.
You cannot have a lethal overdose of Cannabis unlike with opioids. There are very few CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain stem thus vital body functions won’t stop when consuming a large dose of cannabinoids. However, it does not mean that you will not experience any uncomfortable side effects when you consume too much Cannabis.
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the primary psychoactive component in Cannabis responsible for the high effect of the plant. Though there is no data regarding deaths caused by overdosing on Cannabis solely, it is not advisable to consume too much.
Keep in mind that Cannabis can impair your balance and perception of velocity. Never drive under the influence of Cannabis and do not operate heavy machinery. Be extremely careful when crossing streets and do not interact with anything dangerous such as wildlife. Also, never consume Cannabis when taking care of children or people with mental disabilities. Furthermore, high dosages of Cannabis can take a long time to wear off. It is inadvisable for a person to consume Cannabis if he has to perform essential tasks the following day just as he would with alcohol.
To date, no one has died from taking too much Cannabis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that fatal overdose from Cannabis is too unlikely to happen. A person who consumes too much Cannabis may experience confusion, increased blood pressure, emotional distress, and nausea, but it is not an established fact that a person may die exclusively through Cannabis overconsumption.
Some reports have been made of death due to Cannabis overdose, but medical experts cannot clearly state if the patients have comorbidities (e.g. pre-existing heart condition).
A 2019 letter published in The New England Journal Medicine gave a detail regarding Cannabis overdose. A 52 years old man wants to stimulate his appetite during his brain tumor treatment by injecting Cannabis into his system. The man suffers from restlessness, speech problems, and confusion for two days before he submits to professional care.
Typically, the usual dose of THC is 10 milligrams only. However, he revealed that he was injecting 330 milligrams of THC during the investigation, making it 30 times stronger than the regular dose. Nevertheless, all the effects of taking too much Cannabis experienced by the man subsided after being hospitalized.
Although they are not necessarily symptoms of Cannabis overdose, the following are the signs of overconsumption of Cannabis:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not ignore them under any circumstances. Do not be afraid to ask for help because you fear judgment since the origin of your symptoms is Cannabis. If necessary, seek professional help when things get worse.
Anyhow, keep in mind that nobody ever died from Cannabis. If you only consume Cannabis, you can wait until it gets better without worrying about physical harm.
When you experience the above-stated symptoms, you can reduce these unpleasant feelings by doing the steps below:
There are ways to keep yourself away from Cannabis overdose. By doing so, you will save yourself from any unpleasant feelings you might experience in the future. Keep the following tips noted:
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