One common question for weed enthusiasts is, ‘Can you OD on weed?’ No one wants to smoke weed and experience negative side effects. People smoke weed for different reasons including to have fun, relax, get creative or benefit from the potential therapeutic effects of this valuable plant .
Can You OD on Cannabis?
The short answer is no, you can’t overdose on weed. Unlike other substances like alcohol or opioids, there has never been a recorded case of someone dying from a cannabis overdose.
The primary cannabis compound that gives us all those good feelings is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system in a way that makes it challenging to reach toxic levels. Unlike opioids or alcohol, which can directly affect vital bodily functions like breathing and heart rate, THC doesn’t work that way. It’s pretty remarkable, actually, how safe it is compared to other substances.
So, in other words, you’d need a heck of a lot of cannabis to reach toxic levels.
How Much Cannabis Would an OD Require?
As we mentioned earlier, there has never been a recorded case of someone dying from a cannabis overdose. In fact, you would have to consume an obscene amount of weed to even come close to overdosing. To put it in perspective, the average joint contains around 0.3 grams of weed. You would have to smoke around 1,500 pounds of weed in 15 minutes to even have a chance of overdosing. That’s enough weed to fill up a whole room!
How Often Does Overdosing on Cannabis Happen?
Some of the uncomfortable symptoms that come with smoking too much cannabis include:
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Nausea
This is commonly known as “greening out,” and it’s something that most regular weed smokers have experienced at least once.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), no deaths from cannabis overdose have been reported. Additionally, the LD50 (the lethal dose needed to kill 50% of the population) for cannabis is extremely high and has never been reached in any human or animal studies.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re greening out, the best thing to do is to take a break from smoking and relax. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down and focus on taking deep breaths. You might also want to drink some water or have a snack to help regulate your blood sugar levels.
It’s important to remember that smoking too much cannabis is not uncommon, especially for novice users or those with lower tolerances. But the good news is that the effects are temporary and will eventually wear off. Just give yourself some time and space to let your body process the THC and you’ll start feeling better soon.
How Can I Avoid Overdosing on Weed?
Start low and go slow: If you’re new to smoking weed, start with a small amount and wait a bit before consuming more. It’s much easier to consume more weed than to reverse the effects of consuming too much.
Know your limits: Everyone’s tolerance for weed is different. Know your limits and stick to them.
Stay hydrated: Drinking water can help counteract some of the negative effects of consuming too much weed.
Know the potency: Different strains and products vary in potency, so be aware of the THC content before consuming. This information can help you make informed decisions about dosage.
Choose your strain wisely: Some strains are known for their relaxing and calming properties, while others can be more stimulating and energizing. If you’re prone to anxiety or have a low tolerance, you might want to stick to strains that are lower in THC or higher in cannabidiol (CBD), which has been shown to counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
Choose your consumption method wisely: Different methods of consumption, such as smoking, vaping, edibles, or topicals, can have varying effects and onset times. Be aware of how your chosen method influences the experience and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Surround yourself with a comfortable environment: Creating a safe and relaxing environment can positively impact your cannabis experience. Whether it’s with friends or in the comfort of your own home, being in a familiar and calm setting can help reduce the likelihood of negative reactions.
Don’t mix substances: Consuming weed with other substances like alcohol can increase the likelihood of negative side effects.
Overdosing on Weed Statistics in the U.S. and Canada
Even though it’s very difficult to overdose on weed, there have been some reported cases of people consuming too much and experiencing negative side effects. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, cannabis-related emergency room visits have increased in the U.S. in recent years.
In 2015, there were around 455,668 cannabis-related emergency room visits in the U.S. In Canada, a study found that emergency room visits related to cannabis use increased after the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2018. It’s important to note that not all of these visits were related to consuming too much weed.
