Marijuana intoxication, also called cannabis intoxication or marijuana toxicity, happens when a person uses too much marijuana and feels its effects strongly. The main chemical in marijuana, THC, affects the brain and body, causing changes in mood, behavior and thinking. This is often referred to as being 鈥渉igh.鈥� People may feel happy, relaxed or sleepy 鈥� but they can also feel anxious, paranoid or confused.
Cannabis; Cannabis intoxication; Cannabis toxicity; Ganja; Grass; Hash; Intoxication 鈥� marijuana (cannabis); Mary Jane; Pot; Weed
Marijuana is a drug made from the cannabis sativa plant, or it can be produced from cannabis indica, ruderalis or even hybrids of these species. It can be smoked, vaped or eaten (such as in cannabis edibles). When someone uses more THC than their body can handle, cannabis intoxication occurs. This is more likely to happen during first-time marijuana use, after eating edible cannabis (which requires more time to take effect but lasts longer) or when using high doses or high-potency cannabis products.
Mixing marijuana with alcohol or other drugs, or using it while having a mental disorder (like anxiety or depression), increases the risk of serious side effects. Repeated or heavy cannabis use can lead to cannabis use disorder, marijuana addiction or other long-term health effects. Rarely, users may also experience cannabis poisoning, marijuana overdose or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, especially with strong products or synthetic cannabinoids.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is the primary psychoactive component in marijuana and is responsible for most of its intoxicating effects. Delta-8 THC is a closely related compound that occurs naturally in small amounts but is often synthesized from hemp-derived cannabidiol, or CBD. Though milder in effect, Delta-8 also causes euphoria and sedation. It is available in many states where Delta-9 THC remains restricted.
Because Delta-8 products are largely unregulated, they may contain unknown compounds or inconsistent dosages, increasing the risk of adverse effects, especially in children or inexperienced users.
Many people use marijuana to relax or help with pain. However, using too much or using it very often can sometimes lead to health problems.
Doctors are seeing marijuana intoxication more often in the emergency room. Patients feel dizzy, confused, anxious or paranoid. Some have a rapid heartbeat or have trouble thinking clearly.
However, another serious condition linked to heavy marijuana use is called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS.
CHS causes severe and repeated vomiting in people who use marijuana regularly, especially strong or high-potency products. Most people who get CHS are young men, but it can happen to anyone. The vomiting can last for hours or even days. Many people with CHS say that taking hot showers or baths helps them feel better for a little while, but the symptoms keep coming back unless they stop using marijuana.
The only way to stop CHS for good is to quit using marijuana. Once people stop, the vomiting usually goes away and doesn鈥檛 return.
If you鈥檙e using marijuana often and notice regular nausea or vomiting, talk to your doctor. Don鈥檛 wait. Getting care early can prevent more serious problems and help you feel better faster.
Common effects (usually not dangerous):
More serious effects (may need medical attention):
网红黑料 professionals can identify marijuana intoxication through clinical questions about when and how much cannabis was used. They assess vital signs like heart rate and breathing, as well as mental alertness. Urine drug testing may confirm cannabis use if needed. They screen for cannabis use disorder, substance use disorder or underlying mental disorders that may complicate the intoxication or withdrawal symptoms.
At-home treatment (for mild symptoms):
In a hospital or emergency setting (for severe symptoms):
When marijuana is smoked or vaped, THC intoxication begins within minutes and usually lasts 2-3 hours. With edible cannabis, onset is delayed (1-2 hours) and effects can persist for 6-10 hours, though most individuals feel better by the next day. Overall prognosis is good: most people recover fully unless frequent or heavy marijuana use continues, or if a cannabis use disorder develops. Long鈥憈erm cannabis toxicity and health effects are uncommon in single exposures, but repeated heavy use may lead to memory problems, mood instability or difficulty with learning, which may indicate a developing use disorder or addiction.
Wait before using more; avoid mixing marijuana with alcohol or other drugs; know the THC strength in any cannabis product; keep cannabis away from pets and children; and avoid use if you have mental health conditions.
Complete abstinence is always the best method to avoid additional medical consequences of marijuana ingestion. If marijuana is ingested, particularly with edibles, use small doses, and wait before using more to avoid unintended intoxication
Call 911 or go to the ER if someone:
You can also call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 for free, private advice.
This entry was written by Jennifer Cruz-Urbano, marketing specialist, and reviewed for accuracy by Rachel Waters, Manager Regional Business Development, and David Fields, Executive Director of the FRC. Generative AI was leveraged as part of the content creation process.
June 29, 2016
The likelihood adolescents will try marijuana rises steadily from age 11 to age 16, then decreases before hitting another peak at age 18, according to a new鈥�
Department of Epidemiology, +4 more
