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Table of Contents
- What is THC, and how does it work?
- Can you overdose on THC?
- Signs and symptoms of a THC overdose
- Who’s most at risk for THC overconsumption?
- What to do if you think you’ve taken too much THC
- Best practices: How to avoid taking too much THC
- The bottom line on THC
Key takeaways
- While you can’t fatally overdose on THC alone, taking too much can cause anxiety, paranoia, and nausea (among other, not-fun side effects).
- Edibles have the highest potential for overconsumption because of their delayed onset and more potent effects.
- THC beginners, kids, and anyone mixing THC with alcohol are most at risk of a THC overdose.
- For the best experience, remember to start with a low dose and go slow.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, which means it’s the stuff responsible for making you feel “high.” When you’re new to THC, and even when you’re not, it’s perfectly normal to wonder about the possibility of an overdose and what might happen if you take too much. After all, we’ve all heard stories about panic attacks, paranoia, and overwhelming highs that lasted way too long. But what does it really mean to overdose on THC, and is it actually dangerous, or just unpleasant? Here’s what overdosing really means in terms of THC, and more importantly, how to avoid a miserable experience.
What is THC, and how does it work?
Let’s quickly define THC and how it works in the body. THC is one of more than 100 identified cannabinoids found in both hemp and marijuana plants, which are both types of the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s also the primary psychoactive compound, which means it’s the reason people experience euphoria, deep relaxation, tension relief, altered perception, and even the munchies after consuming, say, a THC gummy. THC produces these effects because of the way it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS (lots of acronyms, stay with us).
The ECS is a highly complex network within our bodies that plays a direct role in regulating functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and responses to pain and stress. Its goal is to maintain homeostasis, or balance, so it’s pretty much always on the clock. The ECS is made up of three parts:
- Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce (yes, even if you’ve never used cannabis in any form).
- Receptors are located throughout the body. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly in the immune system.
- Enzymes are essentially on clean-up duty. They help break down endocannabinoids after they’ve interacted with receptors.
Like the body’s own endocannabinoids, THC interacts with CB1 receptors. It binds to these receptors incredibly well, which is why it creates such intense psychoactive effects. And unlike the body’s endocannabinoids, which are both made and broken down pretty fast, THC activates CB1 receptors a little longer, which contributes to the general euphoric experience.
Can you overdose on THC?
Traditionally, the word “overdose” is used to describe a lethal reaction to a substance. There are no documented cases of someone dying from too much THC, and the whole scenario is pretty unlikely for a few reasons. First, THC has a very low toxicity level. That means you’d need to rapidly consume a truly ridiculous amount—like smoking hundreds of pounds of cannabis in a single hour—to come close to what might be considered a lethal dose. Second, THC interacts with parts that manage our cognition and memory, unlike opioids, which affect areas responsible for actually keeping us alive, like breathing. So while you could theoretically consume enough THC to forget your name temporarily, it’s very, very unlikely to kill you.
Still, it’s certainly possible to take more THC than your body can handle, which sets you up for a pretty awful experience. It’s considered a non-lethal overdose, also known as marijuana poisoning or acute marijuana intoxication, and it’s characterized by all kinds of unpleasant symptoms—things like intense anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and confusion, not to mention physical discomfort like nausea, dizziness, and a general sense of severe unease. Depending on how much THC you’ve taken, how you consumed it, and your personal tolerance level, these adverse effects can last for hours. The good news is that these effects generally resolve on their own once enough time has passed.
While it’s very unlikely to overdose on THC in the traditional sense, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk of indirect fatalities. People who combine THC with alcohol, for instance, can become so intoxicated that it impairs their judgment and motor skills, which puts them at risk of things like impaired driving. It should go without saying—always use THC products responsibly.
Can you overdose on THC gummies?
It’s easier to overdo things with edibles, including THC gummies, because they’re metabolized differently in the body. In your stomach, THC gummies are broken down by digestive enzymes and pass to the small intestine. Here, most of the THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and makes its way to the liver. In a process known as first-pass metabolism, THC is converted into a much more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC. It creates longer-lasting, more intense effects than THC that’s been smoked or vaped.
As this concentrated form of THC moves through the body, effects become noticeable, but it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to upwards of 2 hours after you first eat a gummy. If you become impatient before effects kick in and go back for more, you can overdo it with the THC and turn a good time into something pretty unpleasant.
To play it safe, remember to wait at least two hours before considering more and always start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to THC.
Signs and symptoms of a THC overdose
Wondering exactly what happens if someone takes way too much THC? Let’s run through the most common signs and symptoms:
- Intense anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Confusion or disorientation
- A rapid heart rate
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Chills
- Impaired coordination
In rare cases and with very high doses of THC, hallucinations or delusions are also possible. If someone becomes unresponsive, can’t stop vomiting, or is displaying extreme distress or confusion, it’s best to seek medical help.
The severity of these symptoms hinges on a few things, like your method of consumption (remember, edibles hit hardest), how much you weigh, how quickly you metabolize THC, your personal tolerance level, and whether you combined THC with any other substances.
The good news? For most people, these symptoms are temporary. Resting, hydrating, and waiting it out is the best remedy.
Who’s most at risk for THC overconsumption?
While anyone can overdo it with THC, some people are more at risk. Since individual tolerance plays a significant role in effects, first-time or inexperienced THC users are more likely to run into issues with overconsumption. It’s mainly because they don’t know what to expect, and they may take more than they can comfortably handle (especially if they’re starting with edibles).
At the other end of the spectrum are the people who use very high doses of THC. Since even small amounts of high-THC products can be overwhelming, it's important to be careful about dosing.
People who combine THC consumption with other substances, particularly drugs and alcohol, really increase their risk of overdose and general problems. That goes for some prescription medications as well, so be mindful of potential interactions.
Kids and pets are more likely to ingest THC products accidentally, and they may do so in higher quantities (like downing an entire infused chocolate bar or a jar of gummies). That can lead to vomiting, loss of coordination, or extreme lethargy, and it deserves a visit to urgent care. Remember to keep your cannabis products well out of reach to avoid this situation.
What to do if you think you’ve taken too much THC
Hydrating, resting, and waiting it out are generally the best things you can do. But if you have any concerns, seek medical attention—better safe than sorry.
Best practices: How to avoid taking too much THC
We champion the golden rule of cannabis consumption: start low and go slow. Be aware of your limits, pay close attention to how you’re feeling, and give effects plenty of time to kick in.
Low-dose options, like Cornbread Hemp THC gummies (which can be cut in half for a beginner-friendly 5mg dose) or our new THC Seltzers, are your best bet. The idea is to stay safe and have a good experience, and the trick to that is beginning with a low dose to gauge your reaction and being patient.
The bottom line on THC and its potential for overdose
The good news: It’s pretty much impossible to fatally overdose on THC. The bad news: Too much THC leads to a miserable experience. Things like intense anxiety, nausea, confusion, or vomiting are all signs that you’ve sailed past your limits. Fortunately, they’re usually temporary and resolve on their own. Still, seek medical assistance if you have any reason to be concerned.
