Can You Overdose on Weed? Here’s What You Need to Know

Budora Team
October 30, 2024
Cannabis WeedBlogs

Cannabis is not like opioids: a fatal overdose from cannabis alone is considered very unlikely. But you can take too much, and it can be frightening and sometimes dangerous. This page explains what “too much” looks like, what to do, and when to get help.

Can you overdose on weed?

You can consume more than your body handles comfortably, which is sometimes called a “green out”. Health Canada warns about the risks of overconsumption, and that higher THC amounts can cause greater impairment, particularly for new or occasional users. Serious harm is more likely with high-THC edibles and concentrates, with children and pets, and when cannabis is combined with alcohol or other drugs.

Signs you have taken too much

Intense anxiety, panic or paranoia
Fast heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion, disorientation or hallucinations
Extreme drowsiness or inability to move normally

With edibles these signs can arrive late and last a long time, because full effects can take up to 4 hours and edible effects can last up to 12 hours or more. See the signs of taking too many edibles and what to do.

What to do if you or someone else took too much

Stay calm.

The feeling passes as the effects wear off.

Move to a quiet, safe place

and sit or lie down. Keep someone with the person.

Sip water.

Do not take more cannabis, alcohol or other drugs.

Do not drive.

Get medical help

if there is chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, repeated vomiting, severe confusion, or you are worried.

In an Emergency Call 911. For poison advice in B.C., call the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre at 1-800-567-8911 (24 hours; Lower Mainland 604-682-5050).

Children and Pets

If a child ate cannabis or an edible, call poison control or 911 right away. Do not wait for symptoms. If a pet ate cannabis, call your veterinarian or an emergency vet. Prevent it by storing all cannabis products locked and out of reach, in the original child-resistant packaging.

How to lower your risk

Start with a low dose: 2.5 mg of THC or less for edibles; 1-2 puffs of a product at 10% THC or less when smoking or vaping (Health Canada).
Wait until you feel the full effects before taking more. See the edible dosing guide.
Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs.
Read the label and know how many milligrams are in a package. See what THC percentage means.
New users should avoid extracts and concentrates.

FAQ

Can weed kill you?

A fatal overdose from cannabis alone is considered very unlikely. Cannabis impairment can still lead to accidents, and mixing it with other substances adds risk.

How long does a bad reaction last?

Smoking or vaping effects usually fade within about 6 hours. Edible effects can last up to 12 hours, sometimes 24.

Does CBD stop a bad THC high?

There is no reliable evidence that it does. Rest, calm and time are the safest approach.

When should I go to the hospital?

For chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, repeated vomiting, severe confusion, or any child or pet exposure, get medical or poison-control help.

This article is general information, not medical advice.

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Budora Team

The Budora Team researches and writes practical cannabis content for adults in British Columbia. Our guides cover cannabis delivery, online ordering, product categories, responsible use, and local regulations. Content is informed by our experience serving Vancouver customers and checked against current information from British Columbia and Canadian government sources before publication.