Marijuana overdose
Marijuana (cannabis, hashish, anasha) is a psychoactive drug derived from hemp. Its effects on the central nervous system are related to the cannabinoid content. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol has the strongest intoxicating and analgesic effect. Once in the brain tissue, tetrahydrocannabinol increases the synthesis of serotonin. This leads to the development of euphoria, improved mood, happiness and joy.
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Marijuana is considered a soft drug and is legalized in some countries (Netherlands, China). It is also used in some states in the treatment of people suffering from HIV infection and cancer. But in most parts of the world, the use, possession and distribution of marijuana is prohibited. This is due to the fact that over time, dependence is formed to it, and when consumed in high doses, an overdose may occur. The use of marijuana as a pain reliever, anticonvulsant or antitussive agent is currently unnecessary due to the fact that there are more powerful and safer drugs in the arsenal of doctors.
How Much Marijuana Do I Need to Overdose?
The narcotic activity of marijuana is determined by its tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. The threshold dose of the drug causing the development of the psychoactive effect is 50 mg / kg of body weight. Signs of a marijuana overdose occur when this dose is exceeded by at least 3 times and is 150-200 mg / kg.
An hour after use, the concentration of the drug in the blood reaches its maximum, and the narcotic effect can last up to 6 hours, depending on both the THC content in marijuana and the way it is used.
THC quickly binds to blood proteins, and then is carried throughout the body through the bloodstream. In case of an overdose, this leads to some changes in metabolic and biochemical processes, which, in turn, causes disturbances in the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein molecules. As a result, the activity of organs changes, functional disorders of the nervous system occur (disorders of motor activity and mental processes, mental disorders).
THC interferes with the mechanism of production, release and destruction of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for the transmission of neuromuscular impulses. Acetylcholine plays an important role in the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the functioning of the heart and several other internal organs. Therefore, in case of an overdose of marijuana, the victims develop pain in the region of the heart, blood pressure rises, up to the development of a hypertensive crisis. Impaired metabolism of acetylcholine, in turn, causes dysfunction of the digestive system, lungs, and salivary glands. The innervation of the iris of the eyeball is impaired.
Until recently, it was believed that a lethal outcome from an overdose of marijuana is impossible, since for this you need to use a dose 40,000 times higher than the average drug. However, in 2014, a group of scientists from the University of Dusseldorf clinic led by Professor Benno Hartung conducted a study, the results of which showed that an overdose of Indian marijuana can develop atrial fibrillation, leading to blood clots in the coronary arteries. It was this process that caused extensive myocardial infarction and death in two patients of the clinic, whose age was 28 and 23 years.
Signs of overdose
An overdose of marijuana is manifested by the following symptoms:
- dilated pupils that do not respond well to light;
- increased appetite;
- redness of the mucous membranes and skin;
- severe tachycardia (heart rate more than 100 beats per minute);
- hoarse voice;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- increased blood pressure;
- tremor of the limbs;
- chills or, conversely, a feeling of heat;
- convulsions;
- violation of coordination of movements;
- disorientation in time and space.
In the initial stage of an overdose, a state of delirium (acute psychosis) develops, which is characterized by:
- blurred consciousness;
- hallucinations, delusions;
- obsessive fears;
- psychomotor restlessness;
- difficulty speaking;
- violations of thought processes.
Suicide attempts are possible against the background of acute psychosis.
As the intoxication of the central nervous system grows, excitement is replaced by stunning, the victims hardly react to external stimuli. After some time, deep pathological sleep (stupor) develops, which can last from several hours to several days.
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First aid for marijuana overdose
- Provide the victim with psycho-emotional and physical peace by eliminating sources of bright light, noise, loud music.
- Provide fresh air supply: remove or unfasten tight clothing, open the window.
- Give the victim strong sweet black tea to drink.
- In case of severe heat - a cold compress on the forehead, in case of chills - cover with a warm blanket.
- If a state of stunning or stupor has developed, the victim must be awakened by any available methods: light slaps, rubbing the ears, spraying with cool water, persistent involvement in conversation.
If marijuana has been ingested, you must:
- Flush the stomach by drinking a few glasses of water and induce vomiting by irritating the root of the tongue. This is done only if the patient is conscious, and no more than 3 hours have passed since the moment of taking the substance.
- Take enterosorbent (Activated carbon, Smecta, Polyphepan or any other).
If the victim is unconscious, they put him on his side and make sure that he remains in this position until the ambulance arrives.
Antidote
There is no specific antidote to marijuana.
When is medical attention needed?
In case of an overdose of marijuana, in all cases it is necessary to call an ambulance to the victim. Hospitalization is carried out in the department of narcology or toxicology.
To relieve acute excitement, intramuscular administration of neuroleptics (Droperidol, Haloperidol) is indicated. Medicamental correction of dysfunctions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is carried out.
Severe marijuana overdose may require hemosorption or plasmapheresis.
The victim is placed under round-the-clock observation, since at the height of acute delirium suicidal attempts are not excluded.
Possible consequences
In most cases, an overdose of marijuana is not fatal, but there are often long-term negative consequences, which include:
- depressive state;
- increased irritability;
- memory impairment and decreased intelligence;
- myocardial dystrophy, heart rhythm disturbances;
- toxic hepatitis;
- decreased potency in men;
- chronic bronchitis (if the overdose was caused by inhalation of the substance).
In the presence of a genetic predisposition, an overdose of marijuana can become a trigger factor for schizophrenia.
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Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
