Should You Go to the ER for Cannabis Poisoning?

As cannabis becomes more widely available across the United States, emergency rooms are seeing an increase in visits related to adverse reactions. What many users don’t realize is that consuming too much cannabis — whether through edibles, vaping, or traditional smoking — can lead to extremely uncomfortable and sometimes frightening symptoms that might warrant medical attention.

Here’s how to know if you need to seek emergency treatment for cannabis poisoning:

• Mild to moderate cannabis overconsumption: Can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and a calm environment
• Severe symptoms that prompt an immediate trip to the emergency room:
  • Extreme paranoia
  • Panic attacks
  • Racing or irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hallucinations
  • Loss of consciousness 
• High-risk patients: In children, older adults, people with pre-existing heart conditions, and those experiencing their first adverse reaction should all seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms seem mild.

When faced with a potential marijuana intoxication emergency, Complete Care’s freestanding ER locations offer the perfect solution — providing the same level of emergency medical expertise as hospital ERs but with significantly shorter wait times and more personalized attention.

Is cannabis poisoning real?

We’ve all heard it before, “You can’t overdose on weed!” and while it’s true that cannabis doesn’t cause fatal overdoses like opioids or other substances, cannabis poisoning — medically known as “acute cannabis toxicity” — is very real and can require emergency medical intervention.

Today’s cannabis products are significantly more potent than those available decades ago, with THC concentrations in some products exceeding 90%. This increased potency, combined with the delayed onset of effects in edibles, can lead to accidental overconsumption and severe adverse reactions. The body’s endocannabinoid system becomes overwhelmed, resulting in symptoms ranging from severe anxiety and a fast heart rate to temporary psychosis and breathing problems.

Even more dangerous are synthetic weed emergencies, which have become increasingly common in recent years. These lab-created substances, often marketed as “K2” or “Spice,” can cause severe toxic reactions including seizures, kidney failure, and even death. Unlike natural cannabis, these synthetic compounds have unpredictable effects and potency, making them particularly hazardous and more likely to require emergency medical treatment.

Cannabis poisoning symptoms

Cannabis poisoning affects everyone differently based on the person, how they consumed it, and the type of cannabis. A mild reaction for one person might be serious for someone else, so it’s important to know what signs to watch for.

• Mental symptoms: Severe anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, and disorientation
• Heart-related effects: Fast heartbeat, palpitations, high blood pressure, and sometimes left side pain that may feel like heart problems (Learn more: How can you stop chest pain)
• Breathing problems:Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and in serious cases, slowed breathing
• Physical symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, poor coordination, shaking, and extreme sleepiness
• Sensory issues: Seeing or hearing things, sensitivity to light and sound, and feeling like time is distorted
• Rare but dangerous signs:Seizures (especially with synthetic cannabis), passing out, and temporary psychosis

Many cases of cannabis poisoning get better on their own, but it’s always safer to get help if you’re worried. If you or someone with you has concerning symptoms after using cannabis — especially breathing problems, chest pain, severe confusion, or unusual behavior — seek help right away. Medical professionals care about your health, not legal issues, and can tell which symptoms will pass and which need treatment.

When to go to the ER for marijuana intoxication

As we’ve pointed out, not every unpleasant experience with cannabis requires emergency medical attention. However, certain symptoms signal a need for immediate professional care. Understanding when to seek emergency help can prevent complications and provide necessary relief during severe reactions.

Emergency symptoms include:

• Severe psychiatric symptoms: Extreme paranoia, panic attacks that don’t respond to calming techniques, hallucinations, or psychosis
• Cardiovascular concerns: Persistent rapid heartbeat, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or significantly elevated blood pressure
• Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath that doesn’t improve, labored breathing, or respiratory distress
• Loss of consciousness: Brief fainting episodes or extended periods of unresponsiveness
• Severe vomiting: Persistent vomiting that prevents keeping down fluids, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain (possible Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome or CHS)
• High-risk individuals: Any concerning symptoms in children, seniors, pregnant individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions
• Suicidal thoughts: Cannabis-induced anxiety or paranoia that leads to thoughts of self-harm

While mild symptoms like temporary anxiety, slight dizziness, or moderate sensory changes can typically be managed at home with a calm environment and reassurance, it’s always better to seek medical help if you’re uncertain about the severity of symptoms. Emergency departments are equipped to handle cannabis poisoning discreetly and without judgment, focusing solely on patient well-being.

How to treat cannabinoid toxicity

At the emergency room, medical professionals assess your condition and provide supportive care, as there is no instant cannabis poisoning antidote. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and ensuring your safety until the cannabis naturally leaves your system.

1. Initial assessment: Vital signs monitoring (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels), medical history review, and toxicology screening to confirm cannabis exposure and rule out other substances
2. Cardiac monitoring: ECG to evaluate heart function, especially if you’re experiencing chest pain or palpitations
3. Respiratory support: Implementation of emergency room protocol for shortness of breath, which may include oxygen therapy and breathing treatments if respiratory symptoms are present
4. IV fluids: Administration of intravenous fluids to address dehydration and help flush the system
5. Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines may be given to reduce severe anxiety, panic, or agitation
6. Anti-nausea treatments: Medications to control vomiting, particularly important in cases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
7. Observation period: Monitoring until acute symptoms resolve, typically 4 – 6 hours for inhaled cannabis and potentially longer for edibles

Most patients recover from marijuana intoxication with supportive care and are discharged once symptoms improve. However, severe cases may require hospitalization. Discharge instructions include hydration, follow-ups, and, if needed, substance use resources.

Worried about cannabis poisoning? Rest easy knowing Complete Care is here for you.

When it comes to cannabis poisoning, knowing where to turn can make all the difference between a frightening experience and one that’s quickly resolved with proper medical care. 

Complete Care’s network of freestanding emergency centers provides 24/7 access to emergency-trained physicians who understand the complexities of cannabis reactions and treat every patient with respect and compassion. We are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to address everything from mild cannabis toxicity to more severe reactions requiring immediate intervention.

With state-of-the-art facilities across Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, help is never far away when cannabis effects become concerning.

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