substance and addiction prevention branch

Cannabis Poisoning

Cannabis poisoning occurs when a person uses or consumes too much cannabis at one time. Compared to smoked cannabis, edible cannabis (food or drink products that contain cannabis) has a higher risk of poisoning. Edibles take longer to take effect, so people may eat more edibles while waiting for the "high." This can lead to the person eating too many edibles which can result in cannabis poisoning.

Children are at Higher Risk

Anyone can experience cannabis poisoning, but children are at higher risk. Edible cannabis can easily be mistaken for regular candy or food and unknowingly eaten by children. Because of their smaller size and weight, children are more sensitive to the effects of cannabis.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs of cannabis poisoning can look like the usual effects of cannabis but more severe. They can include:

Problems walking or sitting
Hard time breathing
Confusion
Anxiety or paranoia
Panic
Fast heart rate or high blood pressure
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (delusions or hallucinations)
Nausea or vomiting
Unresponsiveness
Slurred speech
Sleepiness
Seizures (in rare cases)

Visit this page to learn about cannabis safeguards: Cannabis Safety Measures.

What to Do

If your child has ingested cannabis, or if you or someone you know is showing signs that suggest they have used too much cannabis, call the California Poison Control hotline as soon as possible at: 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. The hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

If you think your pet ingested cannabis, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.