01 Dec Can You Overdose From Marijuana?

Marijuana goes by many names; Mary Jane, Weed, Chronic, and hundreds more. According to a 2019 Gallup poll, 12% of Americans identify as active users, while 22% aged 18-25 say they had used it in the past month. As the industry enjoys a bullish renaissance in the wake of a multi-state legalization push, the question that might linger on most users’ minds is, ‘can you overdose on weed?’ The answer is yes, but not in the traditional sense of the word.

Symptoms of marijuana overdose

A marijuana overdose is not fatal, but it is possible to take a large enough amount to cause severe symptoms. Such symptoms, although not immediately life-threatening (e.g., a heroin overdose), can significantly impair an individual and make them a danger to themselves or others.

Marijuana overdose, whether smoked, injected, applied, vaped, or eaten, can cause severe symptoms like:

While none of these symptoms are fatal, they can cause indirect harm and even death. For example, an individual experiencing hallucinations, psychosis, or coordination issues while driving or operating heavy machinery can cause a fatal accident.

Synthetic marijuana overdose

Although standard or natural marijuana does not result in fatal symptoms, synthetic marijuana toxicity from edibles, concentrates, waxes, and vapes can be fatal. Known by the street names K2 and Spice, synthetic weed has compounds that mimic the effects of marijuana on the brain.

Usually chemically amplified and enhanced with other compounds, a synthetic weed overdose can result in:

Besides dangerous side effects, overdosing on natural and synthetic marijuana can lead to tolerance and addiction, which in turn can lead to destructive habits like crime and violence.

If you or a loved one suspect a marijuana overdose, whether standard or synthetic, call 911 immediately or seek medical assistance at your nearest ER.