One of the most common questions among medical marijuana patients and their loved ones is can you overdose on THC?
Although you’ve probably never seen a news headline about THC overdoses, it’s still relevant. Below, you’ll discover everything you need to know when consuming too much medical marijuana.
Is it Possible to Overdose on THC?
It is theoretically possible to consume enough THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, to cause an overdose, but it is highly unlikely.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the THC necessary to overdose is around 1,500 pounds of marijuana consumed within about fifteen minutes. This is significantly more than any person could consume in such a short period of time and is far beyond the levels of THC that are typically found in marijuana.
Additionally, the symptoms of a THC overdose are primarily psychological and do not pose significant physical risks. These symptoms include anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Therefore, it is practically impossible to overdose on medical marijuana and THC.
Is it Possible to Reduce or Counteract the Effects of THC?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that can counteract some of the effects of THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis.
CBD can counteract the anxiety and paranoia that high levels of THC can cause by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. GABA is responsible for regulating the activity of neurons and is known to have an inhibitory effect on neurotransmission, which can help to calm the nervous system.
Additionally, CBD can also interact with other receptors in the body, such as the CB1 receptors, which are responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC, and modulate their activity, which can reduce the overall psychoactive effects of THC.
It is important to note that while CBD and THC have different effects, they both have therapeutic potential and can enhance each other’s effects when used in a balanced ratio, commonly known as the entourage effect.
How to Counteract the Effects of THC With Emergency Medical Treatment
Sometimes, the effects of medical marijuana can be extraordinarily uncomfortable.
From anxiety to nausea, consuming too much THC can produce effects that can scare beginners and seasoned medical marijuana patients. Although it’s practically impossible to overdose, most people want to avoid unwanted consequences.
With the rise of medical marijuana in Florida and beyond, Anebulo Pharmaceuticals created ANEB-001. The emergency medication inhibits acute cannabinoid intoxication (ACI) by attaching to the CB1 receptors — thus blocking THC molecules from activating.
Although ANEB-001 works similarly to CBD, it’s a faster-acting medication that’s geared towards emergencies, such as a child accidentally eating a medical marijuana edible.
How to Counteract the Effects of THC Naturally
There are a few natural ways that may help to decrease the intensity of the effects of THC:
- Hydration: Drinking water can help to alleviate dry mouth and eyes, which are common side effects of THC.
- Sleep: Getting enough can help reduce fatigue and disorientation, which are also common side effects of THC.
- Food: Eating a balanced diet can help to reduce the intensity of the “munchies” and other side effects of THC.
- Exercise: Light exercise or yoga can help to reduce anxiety and paranoia, which high levels of THC can cause.
- CBD: As previously discussed, CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, can counteract some of the effects of THC by increasing the levels of GABA in the brain and modulating the activity of the CB1 receptors.
- Time: The effects of THC will decrease over time as the body metabolizes the compound.
It’s important to remember that these methods may not work for everyone, and the effects of THC can vary depending on the individual, the dose, and the method of consumption.
What are the Side Effects of Consuming Too Much Medical Marijuana?
The side effects of THC-dominant medical marijuana can vary depending on the individual, the dose, and the method of consumption. Common side effects include:
- Increased appetite, often referred to as “the munchies”
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Increased heart rate
- Coordination and balance problems
- Altered sense of time
- Short-term memory impairment
- Anxiety, paranoia, or other psychological distress in some people, particularly those prone to these conditions or consuming high doses.
Less common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Headache
It’s worth noting that the side effects of THC can be more pronounced if consumed in large amounts, if ingested by people who are not used to it, or by those with a history of mental health issues.
THC can also negatively affect pregnant or breastfeeding women, which is why pregnant women are advised not to use marijuana products, as it can harm the developing fetus or infant.
How Much Medical Marijuana Should You Consume to Avoid Negative Side Effects?
The golden rule when determining the ideal amount of cannabis is to go slow.
For example, if you’re indulging on a medical marijuana pre-roll tested at 32% THC — take two puffs and wait 15 minutes. If you haven’t felt the desired effects, take another two puffs. Ultimately, you want to consume small doses (microdose) until you reach a relaxing point.
From medical marijuana edibles to concentrates, always consume small doses until you become accustomed to the effects. Edibles and concentrates typically contain far higher THC levels than flowers, making them suitable for more experienced medical marijuana patients.
Enjoy Medical Marijuana Safely in Florida With an MMJ Card
Now that you understand that it’s nearly impossible to overdose on THC — it’s time to get in touch with a medical marijuana doctor in Florida.
From best practices to recommended MMJ strains, qualified medical marijuana doctors are an excellent source of information on staying safe while consuming THC-dominant products. With hundreds of qualifications and leading medical marijuana doctors, Compassionate Healthcare of Florida is the premier choice when applying for or renewing your MMJ license.
With so many uses for medical marijuana patients, there’s no better time than now to educate yourself on cannabis safety to ensure an exceptional experience.