Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

Medical marijuana is now legal in more or less 30 states and recreational marijuana is legal in 11 states and the District of Colombia. The legalization of marijuana has given cannabis and non-cannabis consumers access to use it either for recreational and medical use.

With that fact, the question of most cannabis users is can you overdose on marijuana? Marijuana is known to be the most illicit drug in the world. It is being used for many purposes. It is a popular drug that is used for recreational purposes and it has also numerous therapeutic benefits. Because of its growing popularity, the cannabis industry is also on the rise. It has captured the attention of many and many are also curious and would like to try the magic of cannabis. 

This article is for all the newbies and experienced cannabis consumers alike, who would like to know the answer to the question: Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

What is marijuana?

Marijuana has become very popular. Unfortunately, it is the most abused drug in the world. Marijuana is known by many names. Some refer to it as weed, pot, grass, Ganga, dope, herb, cannabis, Mary Jane, Skunk, blunt, and a lot more.

The marijuana plant contains over 400 chemicals but the two major components are the THC short for tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD which stands for Cannabidiol. In simpler terms, the THC is the one responsible for the high that you get in smoking or ingesting marijuana while CBD helps more on the medical benefits. The CBD does not at all cost, contributes to the high that you get from marijuana.

Aside from being popular, marijuana is also known as a benign drug. Researches conducted that marijuana contains some benefits that can help in the treatment of several medical conditions. There is also plenty of researches conducted that shows evidence that marijuana is not a harmful drug.

Though studies have indicated the safety of the drug if properly used, still it is not surprising to know that marijuana consumers would like to know details on overdosing marijuana.

Can you overdose on marijuana?

The answer to this question is NO. You cannot overdose on marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an overdose happens when an individual uses enough amount of drugs to result in life-threatening acts or symptoms or the worst result to death. 

A marijuana overdose is not most likely to happen. A person cannot harm himself by using marijuana. Though marijuana can lead to a hangover, it is not harmful enough to cause an overdose. Though the strong potency and high THC can result in anxiety and paranoia still it remains not harmful.

Though marijuana overdose is unlikely to happen, it is still important to take into consideration its dose-dependent toxicity. Individuals taking marijuana should be aware of how much their body can take the dosage and also how their body responds to marijuana. 

So far there are still no recorded cases of a fatality caused by marijuana overdose. The increase n the concern regarding marijuana overuse arises because many people are getting access to the use of marijuana both for recreational and medical purposes.

People are not just concerned with the benefits that they will be getting in using cannabis or marijuana but they are also concern about its effects on their health and if there are underlying consequences in the use of marijuana.

A marijuana overdose is unlikely to happen. Marijuana taken in the right dosage is not harmful. Marijuana itself is not harmful. For those who are trying marijuana for the first time. Try to take those strains who have milder effects. Strong strains may have overwhelming effects so let your body adjust first. 

Adverse Effects of Marijuana

Since marijuana has no fatal effects or can lead to overdose, still there are adverse effects that users must know especially if they go beyond the right dosage of marijuana intake. Marijuana is made up of hundred components and as mentioned the two most active components are the THC and CBD.

Marijuana also can cause several side effects. If you get too much THC you may suffer from psychoactive reactions and experience hallucinations or paranoia. On the other hand, if there is too much CBD, you may go lethargic as the effects are sedative. It can make you stoney or too lazy to move or lull you to sleep. 

A bad reaction from taking marijuana can lead to:

• Dryness of the mouth and eyes
• Thirstiness
• Problems in focus
• Slow motor reactions
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Paranoia
• Panic attacks
• Nausea
• Vomiting

These side effects do not last long. They can last in about 10-20 minutes. 

There is also a “marijuana hangover”. Weed hangover happens when you feel sick or a little off after smoking or ingesting marijuana. Weed hangover happens as a result of the overconsumption of marijuana. This happens when you take too much weed that your body can handle. This will not lead to overdose. When this happens, you are experiencing weed hangover and not marijuana overdose.

Though there are just limited studies that show evidence that marijuana can lead to overdose and is harmful, there are no recorded cases of any fatalities that are caused by marijuana overdose. But it is a very interesting topic of debate especially to people who are opting to use marijuana for the first time.

Since marijuana is becoming a trend, it is best to increase people’s knowledge about the benefits that they can get with cannabis. By doing so, we are also starting a conversation that will break the stigma attached to the use of marijuana. It is about time that people will start to get to know the benefits of this weed. Thanks to every extensive research conducted to explore the advantages and disadvantages of marijuana. Now, it is gaining acceptance from the majority.

A marijuana overdose is still a hot topic. As of now, marijuana remains a harmless drug given the right dosage. Too much of something is never good. Know your body and the strain you are taking. Take it slow. If you are new, try milder strains. If you are an experienced smoker, know your limits.