Understanding Marijuana Overdose Risks and Safety for 17-Year-Olds

Understanding Marijuana and Overdose

Marijuana, also called cannabis, contains a chemical called THC that affects the brain and body. While marijuana is not known to cause fatal overdose like some other drugs, it is possible to take too much and experience unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Marijuana?

The term "overdose" means taking an amount of a substance that causes serious harm or death. With marijuana, there are no known documented cases of death purely from taking too much THC. However, extremely high doses can cause strong adverse effects such as:

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Paranoia or hallucinations
• Increased heart rate and dizziness
• Confusion and coordination problems
• Vomiting
• In extreme cases, temporary psychosis

These effects can be frightening and uncomfortable and may require medical attention.

How Much Marijuana Is Too Much?

There is no standardized amount that causes overdose because it depends on many factors:

• Method of use: smoking, vaping, or eating edibles
• THC concentration or potency
• Body weight and metabolism
• Tolerance level – how used the person is to marijuana

Edibles are often more likely to cause overdose-like symptoms because THC is released more slowly, and people may consume large amounts before tasting the effects.

Advice for Teenagers:

• Avoid using marijuana, especially during adolescence when the brain is still developing.
• If you or someone you know uses marijuana, be cautious of dose and source to avoid unexpectedly strong products.
• Be conscious of signs of overdose or severe reactions: extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness. Seek medical help immediately.
• Talk to a trusted adult, counselor, or healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns.

Summary:

While marijuana overdose deaths are extremely rare or non-existent, taking too much can cause very unpleasant or harmful symptoms. For 17-year-olds or any young person, the best course is to avoid marijuana use for health and safety reasons. If marijuana is used, understanding the risks and watching for overdose-like symptoms is important.