Marijuana Overdose
Can you overdose or even die from smoking marijuana? This is an age-old question pervading discussions of drug overdoses. Pro-cannabis supporters point to arguments claiming that not only is marijuana perfectly safe to use, but even has perceived health benefits. On the other side of this debate, opponents assert that marijuana deserves its high federal classification as a Schedule 1 substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
No other single drug has nearly as many staunch proponents with such opposing viewpoints. But, with marijuana becoming legal in several states and available for medicinal purposes in dozens of others, it is certainly a conversation that needs to be had.
Exploring the fundamental question of whether an individual can overdose on marijuana helps drive a productive dialogue in the United States. Additionally, by having such discussions, we ensure that those who choose to partake in cannabis develop safer habits of use that mitigate any potential issues that might arise.

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Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700According to reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control, there have been zero overdose fatalities linked to cannabis. Regardless of personal opinions on the matter, pretending or substantiating claims to the contrary would be a gross mistreatment of the truth on the part of any institution — especially by those claiming to have the best interests of drug users in mind.
Still, some more recent recreational trends have shifted the danger conversation slightly. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or commonly referred to as THC, is the main psychoactive component found within cannabis. Over the last decades, THC levels have increased exponentially across marijuana strains the world over. This, paired with newer means of ingestion such as dabbing and edibles, means that marijuana use has become somewhat less predictable than the otherwise benign methods of smoking.
Dabbing involves smoking a high concentrated hash or wax to attain an instant, intense high. Edibles, as the name implies, involves the creation of food products such as candies or desserts with THC baked right in. The true problem resides in dosages. To this day, many states still lack regulations of THC levels for edibles. Approved sellers are left to mostly play a guessing game when it comes to advertising THC content of their products. For the novice smoker, this can have hazardous effects.
Take Colorado, one of the very first states in the country to legalize recreational marijuana use. A chief issue facing Colorado dispensaries revolves around marijuana tourists coming from outside states. These people then consume dabs or edibles while incorrectly assuming that these products contain the same THC levels they are accustomed to. While the term ‘overdose’ may be too extreme even in these instances, there have certainly been many documented cases of people needing medical attention after getting too high, too quickly.
For the sake of argument, just how much would it actually take to die from marijuana? Best estimates put the amount needed at 680 kg of cannabis smoked in a 15-minute time period.
- Escalated heart rate
- Headache
- Pale skin
- Paranoid thoughts or hallucinations
- Confusion or panic attacks
Symptoms like the ones described here should not be ignored under any circumstances. Do not let the fact the symptoms originated from cannabis prevent you from seeking help. Always seek medical intervention if it becomes necessary.
While not necessarily addictive on its own, marijuana use may lead to the consumption of more addictive drugs. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, The Recovery Village is here to help. Reach out to us today for more information.
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See more topicsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700