If there’s one thing that cannabis enthusiasts do not like about smoking cannabis, it is smoking too much of it. But what happens when you smoke too much cannabis? Many people get nervous asking this question freely. It is scientifically proven that no one can fatally overdose on cannabis. Whether you are smoking cannabis for recreational purposes or medical purposes, there is always a chance of you overindulging. This is especially true if you are a beginner. With a medical marijuana card in Oceanside, you can buy medical cannabis for your condition. And when consuming it, it is crucial for you to pay attention to the dosage to avoid getting too high. There are certain warning signs that tell you that you have smoked enough.
Many people use cannabis for medical purposes and want to continue using it for their condition. That is why they get their MMJ card renewal in Oceanside. Even the experienced cannabis users sometimes have to deal with the side effects if they consume too much cannabis. The two main cannabinoids found in cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabinol). THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of your body and produces psychoactive effects or the “high” associated with cannabis. And too much of THC can lead to certain inconvenient effects. While it’s next to impossible to achieve a fatal dose with cannabis, smoking too much can cause some side effects. That is why it is important to understand what happens when you consume too much cannabis. This way you will get familiar with what amount of cannabis is too much for you. Having said that, here are some of the most common effects that tell you have smoked too much cannabis.
Effect 1. The Munchies
Ah, the munchies! Almost everyone is familiar with this common side effect of smoking cannabis. If you are keeping the use of cannabis in moderation, the munchies will also stay moderate. The munchies are the feeling of hunger that stays with you while you are under the influence of cannabis. But this side effect also has its medical benefits. The munchies can help people suffering from the loss of appetite.
Cannabis is known for stimulating appetite among cancer patients. The chemotherapy for cancer and autoimmune disease can lead to loss of appetite. This is where the munchies can help you by stimulating your appetite.
The munchies are caused when THC interacts with your ECS. THC also makes the person more sensitive to the aromas of food. Now, taste and scent are very closely related to each other. That is why the food tastes much better when you are high.
The main reason behind this effect that induces appetite is the interaction between THC and cannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamus region. This interaction releases ghrelin, a hormone that mediates hunger. Research also shows that THC interacts with some particular cannabinoid receptors present in the nucleus accumbens, a section of the brain. This boosts the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that causes the sensation of pleasure. And I don’t have to talk about the pleasure we get after eating some tasty food.
Effect 2. Cottonmouth, or Dry Mouth
Another very common side effect of smoking too much cannabis is cottonmouth, also known as dry mouth. Trust me, it is also a very annoying side effect as you end up with parched mouth and throat. Your mouth and throat become dry after smoking too much cannabis.
The main reason behind cottonmouth, or dry mouth, is the interaction of THC with the cannabinoid receptors in submandibular glands. These glands are responsible for the production of saliva in the mouth. But THC binds with the receptors and inhibits the production of saliva. It decreases the flow of blood towards these glands, which decreases the secretion of saliva. That is why you end up with cottonmouth. And the nature of your endocannabinoid system, it becomes almost impossible to avoid cottonmouth.
The best way to tackle this effect is by drinking a lot of water or other cold beverages. You can choose to drink juice or simple water. But make sure you stay away from alcoholic beverages.
Effect 3. Paranoia And Anxiety
Anxiety and paranoia can strike you if you smoked too much cannabis, especially if you are a newbie. Well, cannabis is actually known for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD. But too much of THC can lead to an increment in anxiety and paranoia. This is especially true for people with underlying anxiety issues. And high doses of THC can make it worse for them.
So, if you begin to feel anxious after smoking cannabis, try to keep yourself calm. Do not let your emotions overpower you. Find a quiet and comfortable place, and try to relax. It is advisable to smoke cannabis with a friend who is responsible and has experience with cannabis. The best way to avoid this feeling of anxiety and paranoia is to dose properly. If you are new to cannabis, start with a low dosage and take it slow. You can also use CBD to mitigate the feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
Effect 4. Temporary Short-Term Memory Loss
Cannabis produces mind-altering psychoactive effects. When you smoke too much cannabis, it can also have some temporary effects on your perception and memory. One of the common symptoms of these effects is short-term memory loss or diminished memory. This is why it can become very hard to engage yourself in memory-related tasks when you are too high.
If it is becoming difficult for you to finish your thoughts mid-sentence, that means you have consumed enough cannabis. Too much cannabis can also make you lose interest and motivation in some daily tasks. However, all these effects are temporary, so there is nothing to worry about.
The best way to avoid this situation is to understand how much THC you have to intake. Be aware of the amount of cannabis you consume and everything will go smoothly.
Effect 5. Blood Sugar Drop
This is another side effect of consuming too much cannabis that can also help people in some ways. Recent studies have shown that cannabis can help in regulating blood sugar levels. This can help people deal with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
But if you are a beginner and smoke too much cannabis, you may experience “green-out”. The signs of green-out are pale skin, along with weakness, nausea, and even temporary loss of consciousness. These symptoms can distress a lot of people, especially those who are new to cannabis. But these symptoms are short-lived. And you can deal with this phenomenon by drinking or eating something that is rich in sugars. You can eat your favorite snacks to get the energy required to reset your blood sugar. These feelings of nausea and dizziness will subside in only a few minutes.
Tips For a Successful Cannabis Experience
- Eat before consuming cannabis.
- Be in a comfortable environment and relax.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not smoke alone.