Blog

What To Do If A THC Edible Makes You Sick?

November 6, 2023

Trying a new cannabis product can be exciting, from the variety in flavor to the unique effects attributed to Sativa, Indica, and hybrid strains. Unfortunately, mistakes happen, and even veteran hobbyists might occasionally find themselves uncomfortable after consuming marijuana. Most frequently, this happens with THC edibles because they are more difficult to properly dose and self-adjust during use.

If you don’t feel well after trying a THC edible, there are options to help ease your misery. The good news is that it will pass. While you may feel unwell, most marijuana overdose cases are far from dangerous, just unpleasant.

Of course, suppose you believe you are having a severe medical reaction (heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, or other). In that case, the wisest option is to seek emergency medical care. For those who want their unpleasant symptoms to go away, try these tips.

Why Edibles Make You Sick

It’s no secret that marijuana is supposed to make you feel something. Still, that sensation is not typically feeling “ill.” Edibles are one of the most frequent culprits for one main reason: the time they take to work.

Because edibles are processed through the digestive system, the body must spend longer extracting THC from the edible than other consumption methods, such as smoking or dabbing.

Edibles commonly make people feel sick because they believe the first dose is not strong enough, so they consume more, only to discover that the first dose hasn’t manifested yet. Always give your body an hour or two after consuming an edible to determine its effects. You can always try more but can’t undo how much you have already eaten.

Boston, MA blue raspberry cbd fummies with hemp leaf

What to Do if a THC Edible Makes You Feel Ill

If you feel unwell after consuming a THC edible, there are many things to help relieve symptoms. Be sure to:

1. Rehydrate

A build-up of higher-than-expected THC levels in the blood contributes to most feelings of sickness after edibles. Drink lots of water to help your body flush out this THC. Once it’s gone from your system, you’ll start to see a decrease in feelings of nausea or malaise. If you’re nauseated, sip water frequently rather than taking large gulps.

2. Get Something to Eat

Eating when you feel sick can be difficult, but nibble on bland, easy-to-digest food such as crackers or plain toast. These items can help to absorb and mix with the THC edible in your digestive tract so that it is diluted and passes through your system faster. Food also gives your body the energy to heal itself and get better sooner.

3. Rest

To facilitate wellness, let your body dedicate its energy reserves to processing the THC. Lie down and rest, just as you would if you had the flu. If you can comfortably nap, this is a great way to pass the time while your body recovers. Just don’t take sleeping aids—your body has enough to process as it is.

4. Try Antihistamines

Some studies show that antihistamines such as meclizine, normally used to reduce dizziness and nausea associated with motion sickness, can also help with feelings of unwellness tied to edible overdose. It is wise to ask your doctor before trying this route to ensure the drug will not interact with any other medications you are taking.

5. Use Ginger and Pepper

Some natural ingredients, such as ginger and black peppercorns, provide a soothing effect to the digestive system that can calm nausea. Try ginger tea, ginger ale, or even aromatherapy or lotion with ginger. Alternatively, chew on black peppercorns to trigger the brain’s calming centers, reducing your nerves and feelings of discomfort.

6. Breathe

It sounds simple enough, but most people forget to stay calm when they begin to feel the effects of a THC overdose. Remember that your body is working hard to process the extra THC you consumed, and your role is to support it while it does its job.

You may feel unwell, but it will pass. Take slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth to depress your heart rate and regain control over your anxious feelings. Things will get better.

happy man with cannabis plant

Try Responsibly Dosed Edibles from a Reputable Dispensary

Enjoying edibles can be a fun part of participating in cannabis culture. However, whether due to inexperience, dosing mistakes, or something else, it can be easy to try too much of an edible. One of the best ways to avoid this is to purchase your supplies from a high-quality dispensary that takes accurate dosage seriously.

The team at Pure Oasis can help you understand everything you need to know about proper edible dosing so you can have an enjoyable experience. Stop by Pure Oasis’ dispensaries to explore edibles that are the right strength for you.

Shop Cannabis