Cannabis Overdose: Signs, Risks, and Prevention in Australia
Written by Cannabis Medicine Australia Team
Medical cannabis is becoming more widely available across Australia, prescribed for a variety of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and more. While it offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial for patients to be aware of the risks associated with incorrect dosing, including the possibility of overdose.
Although cannabis overdose doesn’t have the same life-threatening implications as some other substances, understanding the signs, risks, and preventive measures can ensure that Australians use medical cannabis safely and effectively.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to recognize a cannabis overdose, how to reduce your risk, and what to do if you experience overdose symptoms.
What Amount of Cannabis Causes an Overdose?
The amount of cannabis needed to cause an overdose varies significantly from person to person. Factors like tolerance, experience, and the method of consumption all influence the likelihood of overdose. For new medical cannabis users in Australia, it’s essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed—a strategy commonly referred to as “start low and go slow.”
Experienced users may have a higher tolerance and understand their body’s limits better, but newer users are at risk of taking too much, especially if they’re not familiar with the various forms of cannabis available in Australia’s medical market. For instance, the time it takes for effects to set in can vary depending on whether you inhale cannabis or consume it as an edible.
Inhaled Cannabis
When inhaled, cannabis enters the lungs and quickly releases cannabinoids into the bloodstream, with effects felt within seconds to minutes. The peak effect typically occurs within 30 minutes.
Edible Cannabis
Edibles, on the other hand, are processed through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream, which means their effects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to set in. The peak effects are usually felt after about four hours. For this reason, people in Australia consuming cannabis edibles should be particularly cautious, as they may inadvertently consume more before the initial dose has taken full effect.
Varying Sensitivities
Different forms of cannabis affect the body in unique ways. Some Australians might be more sensitive to inhalable cannabis, while others react strongly to edibles. This variability makes it essential to experiment cautiously and follow medical advice when using cannabis for the first time.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Cannabis Overdose
A cannabis overdose can cause a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, which can be alarming for those experiencing it for the first time.
Physical Symptoms
Physical signs of overdose include:
- “Whitey” or “White Out”: This involves a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, nausea, and a pale complexion.
- Vomiting: Some individuals may feel sick to their stomach and vomit, which can be especially frightening during their first experience of an overdose.
- Tremors or Shakes: Shaking or trembling is another physical reaction to too much cannabis.
- Dry Mouth: Cannabis often reduces saliva production, causing a sensation of a dry mouth, but this is a common side effect and not necessarily a sign of overdose.
- Increased Heart Rate: Overdosing on cannabis can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise, which can be particularly dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Psychological Symptoms
Psychological effects may include:
- Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Overconsumption can lead to feelings of intense anxiety, disorientation, or even panic attacks.
- Paranoia: Some Australians using cannabis, particularly those with a history of anxiety, might experience paranoia or a sense of unease.
- Hallucinations: In extreme cases, users may experience hallucinations or delusions.
While these symptoms are rarely life-threatening, they can still be distressing, and it’s essential to take action to mitigate the effects if they occur.
What to Do If You Overdose on Cannabis
The good news for Australians using medical cannabis is that overdose symptoms are usually temporary and can often be managed at home.
Steps to Take During an Overdose:
- Stay Calm: It’s essential to stay as calm as possible. Moving to a safe, comfortable environment can help reduce feelings of anxiety or panic.
- Hydrate: Drinking water can help alleviate some of the physical symptoms of overdose, such as dry mouth or dizziness.
- Rest: Sleep can help relieve many of the overdose symptoms. If possible, consider lying down and resting until you feel better.
- Seek Support: If you’re with someone you trust, ask them to stay with you until your symptoms subside. Having a supportive person nearby can help you stay calm and provide assistance if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention: In rare cases, Australians may experience more severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. If this happens, seek urgent medical attention immediately.
Reducing the Risk of Cannabis Overdose
Preventing an overdose largely comes down to dosing and paying attention to your body’s reactions to cannabis. For Australian medical cannabis patients, the following tips can help reduce the risk of an overdose:
- Start Low and Go Slow: Especially for first-time users or those trying new forms of cannabis, start with the lowest recommended dose and increase gradually.
- Wait for Effects: When using edibles, always wait at least one hour before considering taking more.
- Monitor Your Body: Everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis. Pay attention to how you feel after each dose and make adjustments based on your experience.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Guidance: Australian medical cannabis patients should follow the dosing recommendations provided by their doctor or specialist. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.
Can You Die from a Cannabis Overdose?
One of the most reassuring facts about cannabis is that it has not been associated with fatal overdoses. Research suggests that it would take an extraordinarily high dose—over 15,000 mg of THC, which is about 750 times the standard dose that causes intoxication—to potentially result in a lethal overdose.
Additionally, unlike opioids or other drugs, cannabis does not affect the part of the brain responsible for breathing, meaning it doesn’t cause respiratory depression, a common cause of death in opioid overdoses.
Conclusion
While cannabis overdose is not life-threatening, it can still be a distressing experience for Australians using medical cannabis. Understanding the signs of overdose, following your doctor’s dosing instructions, and being cautious with different forms of cannabis can help prevent unwanted side effects.
At Cannabis Medicine Australia, we are committed to helping patients use medical cannabis safely and effectively. If you have any concerns about your dosage or experience any negative side effects, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
