Overdosing (or ODing) refers to the detrimental, often fatal, consequences of taking a large amount of a particular drug or a mixture of drugs that overwhelms the natural physiology of the human body.
Fatal overdoses from marijuana have yet to be further investigated and confirmed. But using too much marijuana can cause toxic effects. The signs of too much marijuana are similar to the typical effects of smoking:
Drowsiness or confusion
Stumbling
Altered sense of time
Impaired body movement
Vomiting
Increased heart rate
Acute psychosis that may resemble schizophrenia (such as experiencing hallucinations or extreme paranoia or delusions)
Using marijuana in significant quantities also raises the risk of accidental incidents such as auto accidents or physical altercations. It is also important to note that the effects of marijuana vary widely from person to person, and it is important to seek out medical care if they are severe. Acute toxicity is usually treated by managing symptoms. There are also some substances, such as synthetic marijuana, that increase the risk of fatally overdosing. This post will discuss how marijuana toxicity and synthetic marijuana can lead to an increase of negative health effects.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the key ingredient in marijuana that gives users a high. The amount of THC ingested by the body varies depending on how it is consumed, with smoking marijuana being the most potent. THC causes feelings of relaxation and distorted views of time in certain people. For many, THC leads to feelings of calmness and altered perceptions of time. However, if THC is in the body and someone experiences acute toxicity, they may experience more adverse side effects:
Intense feelings of panic or anxiety
Exacerbated symptoms of mental health issues (e.g., hallucinations, depression, anxiety)
Sleep issues
Increased blood pressure
Respiratory problems such as increased heart rate or slowed breathing
Increased risk of schizophrenia for those who are genetically inclined
The most common treatment for acute toxicity is to manage the effects. Unlike tobacco, no one knows what the fatal dosage of marijuana is. The long-term effects of marijuana use, especially during acute toxicity times, remain unknown(Marijuana DrugFacts or Marijuana and Public Health ). While some researchers believe there may be long-term effects such as developing respiratory diseases or interference in motivation (learning and memory and other cognitive functions).
It's possible that this isn't true with all forms of marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids(Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2/Spice) DrugFacts), such as synthetic hemp, have the potential to cause overdosing. These synthetic drugs imitate THC by binding to various receptors in the body, producing peaks that are close to those experienced while smoking marijuana. However, the effects of synthetic marijuana are much more intense and, in some cases, fatal. Synthetic cannabinoids may have more life-threatening side effects, such as heart attack, kidney failure, and seizures. This is because synthetic marijuana and other types of synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed or mixed with unknown chemicals, making it difficult to be entirely sure what is entering the body.
For more information, you can contact On-campus resources REACH (reach@binghamton.edu), Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Office (aodstaff@binghamton.edu) or Decker Student Health Services (607)777-221.
Resources:
About the Author: Aryanah Estinvil
Hi, I’m Aryanah, a senior majoring in Integrative Neuroscience at Binghamton University. I’m working towards my goal of getting a degree in medicine. I am interested in joining the medical field because of the need for Black health care professionals especially psychologists and Obstetricians as a doula or midwife. I Joined REACH to be a bridge that could fill in the gaps from unanswered questions about health issues related to college students.