Cannabis edibles are becoming increasingly popular among recreational users and medical patients alike. Edibles provide a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, but they also come with some risks. One of the most significant risks associated with edibles is the potential for taking too much and experiencing unpleasant side effects. In this article, we will discuss what happens if you take too many edibles and how to prevent it from happening.
What are Edibles?
Edibles are cannabis-infused food products that contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” associated with the plant. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles are ingested orally, and their effects can take up to several hours to fully kick in.
What Happens When You Take Too Many Edibles?
When you take too many edibles, you can experience an intense and often uncomfortable high. This is because the liver converts delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting.
Symptoms of taking too many edibles can include:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Changes in blood pressure
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Memory impairment
The effects of edibles can last much longer than smoking or vaping, up to 12 hours in some cases. This can make the experience very uncomfortable and overwhelming for some people.
How to Prevent Taking Too Many Edibles
There are several steps you can take to prevent taking too many edibles and experiencing unpleasant side effects.
Start with a low dosage: The key to preventing an unpleasant experience with edibles is to start with a low dosage and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more. A typical dose for a beginner is 2.5mg to 5mg of THC.
Wait for the effects to kick in: The effects of edibles can take up to several hours to fully kick in. It is important to be patient and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more. Do not make the mistake of assuming that the edible is not working and consuming more, as this can lead to taking too much.
Read the label carefully: When consuming edibles, it is important to read the label carefully to determine the dosage and serving size. Do not consume more than the recommended dosage.
Avoid alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking edibles can intensify the effects and lead to taking too much.
Store edibles safely: Keep edibles out of reach of children and pets. Label them clearly to prevent accidental ingestion.
What to Do If You Take Too Many Edibles
If you have taken too may edibles and are experiencing unpleasant side effects, there are several things you can do to help alleviate them.
Stay calm: Try to stay calm and remind yourself that the effects of edibles will eventually wear off.
Drink water: Drinking water can help alleviate the symptoms of dehydration and dry mouth that can be caused by taking too many edibles.
Take a nap: Taking a nap can help you relax and ride out the effects of the edibles.
Seek medical attention: If you are experiencing severe symptoms like rapid heart rate or loss of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.
Final Thoughts
Taking too many edibles can be an unpleasant and overwhelming experience. It is important to start with a low dosage, wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more, read the label carefully, avoid alcohol, and store edibles safely. If you do take too many edibles, stay calm, drink water, and take a nap to help alleviate the symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.