What Are the Signs I’ve Taken Too Much Cannabis?
Introduction
Cannabis consumption, whether for medical or recreational purposes, is generally considered safe. However, overconsumption, often referred to as "greening out," can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms. While it's important to note that it’s nearly impossible to fatally overdose on cannabis, understanding the signs of overconsumption can help you manage and mitigate its effects.
In this article, we will share the signs that you have taken too much cannabis.
MUST READ: What Is an Entourage Effect and How Does It Work?
Signs of Cannabis Overconsumption
Overstimulation
Overstimulation occurs when your senses are bombarded by more stimuli than you can handle. Imagine preparing dinner and suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks at hand. Your mind races, and you struggle to focus on simple tasks like locating the oven mitts. This feeling of being unable to manage your environment is a clear sign of having consumed too much cannabis.
What to Do:
Break tasks down into smaller steps.
Communicate with those around you and ask for help if needed.
Find a quiet place to relax and reduce sensory input.
Intense Drowsiness
Certain strains of cannabis can induce significant drowsiness, especially when overconsumed. This can make it hard to stay awake and function normally.
What to Do:
Listen to your body and get some rest. Sleeping is safe and can help your body process the THC.
Create a comfortable environment for sleep: dim the lights, play calming music, and use comfortable bedding.
Agitation, Anxiety, or Paranoia
Overconsumption can amplify feelings of anxiety and paranoia. You might find yourself worrying excessively about minor issues or feeling unusually on edge.
What to Do:
Engage in calming activities such as deep breathing, listening to soothing music, or practicing light yoga.
Stay in a safe, familiar environment and avoid large social gatherings.
Remind yourself that these feelings are temporary and will pass as the cannabis wears off.
Nausea
Ironically, while cannabis is often used to combat nausea, overconsumption can cause it. This is particularly true if you've eaten heavily or indulged in the munchies beforehand.
What to Do:
Stay hydrated by drinking water or a carbonated beverage like ginger ale, which can help settle your stomach.
Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
Distract yourself with light activities, such as watching a movie or taking a gentle walk.
Disorientation
In extreme cases, you might feel disoriented or detached from reality. This is less about hallucinations and more about a sense of confusion and loss of focus.
What to Do:
Minimize external stimuli by turning off loud music or TV and lowering the lights.
Engage in grounding techniques like gently rubbing your arms, putting on comfortable clothes, or focusing on deep breathing.
Make reassuring statements to yourself, reminding yourself that you are safe and the feeling will pass.
How to Recover from Cannabis Overconsumption
Recovery primarily involves waiting for the effects to wear off, which can take a few hours. Here are additional strategies to aid in recovery:
Movement: Engage in light exercise such as walking or yoga to help your body metabolize the THC.
Phone a Friend: Having someone with you can provide comfort and assistance. They can help keep you hydrated, make you a snack, or simply provide companionship.
Document Your Experience: Take notes on your dose, the strain, and your symptoms. This can help you make more informed decisions about cannabis use in the future.
Related: Tips for Recovering from Overconsumption of Cannabis Edibles
Conclusion
While greening out can be uncomfortable, it's important to remember that these effects are temporary and not life-threatening. By recognizing the signs of overconsumption and knowing how to respond, you can manage these experiences effectively. If at any point you feel that your life is in danger, do not hesitate to reach out to emergency services.
For those new to cannabis or those looking to better manage their consumption, consulting with healthcare providers like those at CannabisMD Telemed can be beneficial. Our licensed clinicians can help you find the right products and dosages to avoid overconsumption and optimize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
Ready to start your medical cannabis journey? Make an appointment with CannabisMD Telemed today.
FAQs
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If you feel overstimulated, it's best to reduce sensory input by moving to a quieter, dimly lit space. Break tasks into smaller steps and ask for help if needed. Communicating with those around you and focusing on calming activities, like deep breathing or listening to soothing music, can also help manage overstimulation.
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Yes, it is safe to sleep after consuming too much cannabis. Intense drowsiness is a common sign of overconsumption, and your body may be signaling that it needs rest. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment and allowing yourself to sleep can help you recover as the effects of cannabis wear off.
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To manage nausea from cannabis overconsumption, stay hydrated by drinking water or a carbonated beverage like ginger ale. Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Engaging in light activities, like watching a movie or taking a gentle walk, can also help distract from nausea symptoms.
