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Marijuana Mishaps: Things First Timers Should Be Mindful of and How to Address Them!

Marijuana Mishaps: Things First Timers Should Be Mindful of and How to Address Them!

There are numerous substances in the world including alcohol that may cause death if you cross a certain line or threshold. The same isn’t true for marijuana. Though marijuana can get you pretty messed up on occasion as some of us would know (haha!), it can’t kill you by overdose.

The Truth Behind Marijuana Overdoses

One article published in Leaf Science magazine elaborates on why this is so. The article states that scientifically speaking, there are two determined measures when it comes to substances which have an effect on the mind and body. The first known as ED-50 represents the dose at which the substance’s effects can be felt. The second known as LD-50 represents the dose at which the substance becomes potentially lethal.

To give you a sense of how this works, let’s take alcohol as an example. Where ED-50 for alcohol is say a single drink, the LD-50 is ten times that amount in a go. Similarly the LD-50 for a substance like heroin is only five times the ED-50. The smaller the gap between an LD-50 and ED-50 of a substance, the easier it is for said substance to be lethal.

The LD-50 of marijuana according to the same article is forty thousand times that of its ED-50! In other words, it can’t kill you!

So Nothing Can Go Wrong

We didn’t say that. If you’re not careful, responsible and of the correct age, there are few things that could go wrong. You might not die but you could hurt yourself or someone else! Though marijuana can’t kill you, there might be instances when you take too much too quickly and your body isn’t equipped to handle the same.

What Happens if I Smoke/Ingest too much Marijuana

Though such effects are usually observed in first time smokers or those who do not smoke regularly, they are worth looking out for regardless. Here are some of the possible effects of smoking or ingesting too much marijuana:

  • Vomiting/Nausea
  • Pallor
  • Trembling
  • Being short of breath
  • Heart racing (and even the illusion of palpitations)
  • Perceived paralysis
  • Hallucinations (auditory mostly but sometimes visual)
  • Dizziness
  • Extreme disorientation
  • Anxiety/paranoia

 

Where Do We Go From Here

Now, say for instance, you or someone you know who is new to marijuana begins to experience one or more of the symptoms above, you might be wondering what you can do to help. Under most circumstances calling emergency services should not be needed.

Here’s what you can do:

Don’t Abandon Them. Ask how they are feeling and if they have trouble responding, offer to stick around until they feel better or until someone else arrives. If you’re a close friend or relative, stick around regardless.  

Stay in One Place. At times like this, too much movement may not be recommended. Sort out a space where they can just chill for a while and level out. If they feel dizzy, they should avoid standing or leaning near edges as they risk falling over.

 

 

Remind them it’s the Marijuana. Reminding the person that they have smoked or eaten something is important. This is particularly so in the case of edibles. Remind them they are high and if they can understand also remind them that scientific evidence proves that they will be alright shortly!

 

Try not to Let Them Wander: In the case of a paranoid attack, the person may be tempted to leave or wander. Try not to let them go off unattended. If it is your company that seems to be triggering them, connect with someone of their choosing and hand them over so they can come down in a safe environment.

 

Hydration is Essential:  Make sure they are kept well hydrated. This is especially so if they have also been vomiting or seem to have cotton-mouth.

 

Keep them away from ALL other substances. This Includes Medication. This needs no explanation, does it? 

 

The Time It Takes. As a rule of thumb, such symptoms usually subside within the hour. You can comfort the person by reminding them of the same.

 

Emergency Situations. There are cases where it might not just be your standard marijuana overdose so to speak. If the person suffers from a predisposed medical condition, is on anti-psychotics or seems to be getting worse for whatever reason, don’t wait up.
If you as an experienced smoker feel something is amiss, get professional help immediately.

 

Winding Down

As we said, though marijuana is not the kind of thing that could kill you just through consumption, it can get inexperienced users pretty messed up. Further, there are medical conditions that our wonder herb might not agree with so always know what you’re getting into.

As a company that sells bongs, water pipes and accessories online, we’re about more than just getting people to buy our products. Some of us are seasoned smokers ourselves so if it’s wisdom we have that could help others who are part of the culture; it’s our job to make it accessible!    

If you’re done reading and just want to restock that bong shelf, check out some of the cheap and well crafted bongs we’ve got on offer! Smoke safe folks.  

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