Emergency treatment for cannabis overdose starts with calling 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 in the US when symptoms are severe. There is no antidote for cannabis, so emergency care is supportive: protect the airway, monitor breathing and heart rate, treat severe agitation or vomiting, and prevent injury. Overdose from legal cannabis is rarely fatal in adults, but edibles, high-potency concentrates, alcohol, and other drugs can make it a medical emergency.
When is a cannabis overdose an emergency?
A cannabis overdose means using more than the body can comfortably handle, and most cases cause anxiety, nausea, and drowsiness rather than death. Call 911 for red flags that suggest dangerous poisoning or a co-ingestant. Treat any suspected edible exposure in a child as an emergency.
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Seizure or unresponsiveness
- Severe chest pain or a fast, irregular heartbeat
- Extreme agitation, panic, psychosis, or violence
- Repeated vomiting or signs of dehydration
- Fainting or inability to stay safe
What should you do while waiting for emergency help?
Stay with the person and focus on safety and breathing until help arrives.
What to Do If Someone Is Too High and Sick: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Keep the person calm and in a quiet, safe space.
- Seat them upright if they are awake, or place them in the recovery position if drowsy.
- Monitor breathing and responsiveness.
- Do not induce vomiting or give food or drink to a drowsy person.
- Tell responders what was used, how much, when, and whether alcohol or other drugs were involved.
Why can edibles cause a more serious overdose?
Edibles can take 1 to 3 hours or longer to peak, so people often take more before the first dose takes effect. Effects also last longer than inhaled cannabis, which raises the risk of severe intoxication. Children who eat edibles are at higher risk for serious poisoning because of their size and lower tolerance.
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome causes repeated vomiting and abdominal pain in long-term, heavy cannabis users. Hot showers or baths may temporarily relieve symptoms, but they do not replace emergency care for dehydration or uncontrollable vomiting. Seek emergency care for signs of dehydration, kidney injury, or vomiting that will not stop.
What not to do during a cannabis overdose
Avoid common mistakes that can worsen the situation.
- Do not leave the person alone.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Do not give more cannabis, alcohol, or stimulants.
- Do not assume it will pass if red flags are present.
- Do not give activated charcoal unless Poison Control or a clinician tells you to.
How is cannabis overdose treated in the emergency department?
Emergency department care is supportive and guided by symptoms. Staff may monitor vital signs, give IV fluids for dehydration, use antiemetics for vomiting, and provide a calm environment or medication for severe agitation. Breathing support is used if respiration is depressed, especially when alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives are involved.
When should you call Poison Control instead of 911?
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for mild symptoms, accidental edible ingestion, or questions about whether an ER visit is needed. Call 911 first for breathing trouble, seizures, chest pain, unresponsiveness, or immediate danger. This guide is general information, not a substitute for emergency care.