Understanding Cannabis Intoxication: Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment
Addiction Medicine • Psychiatry • Primary Care
Understanding Cannabis Intoxication: Effects, Symptoms & Treatment
Cannabis intoxication occurs when recent cannabis use leads to significant psychological or physiological changes. While many cases are mild and self‑limiting, some patients present with severe anxiety, panic, vomiting, or psychotic symptoms requiring clinical attention. This guide helps clinicians recognise symptoms and manage intoxication safely.
What is cannabis intoxication?
Cannabis intoxication results from recent exposure to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), leading to changes in perception, mood, cognition and physical functioning. Intoxication may vary depending on dose, THC potency, route of administration and individual vulnerability (especially adolescents and people with mental health disorders).
Common effects of cannabis
- Euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time.
- Increased appetite (“munchies”).
- Heightened sensory perception, giggling or talkativeness.
- Impaired motor coordination and slowed reaction times.
Symptoms of cannabis intoxication
Psychological symptoms
- Anxiety, panic attacks or agitation.
- Paranoia, suspiciousness.
- Perceptual distortions; rarely, hallucinations.
- Short‑term memory impairment, difficulty concentrating.
Physical symptoms
- Red eyes (conjunctival injection).
- Dry mouth, increased thirst.
- Tachycardia or palpitations.
- Impaired coordination and slower reflexes — risk for accidents.
- In high doses (especially edibles): vomiting, dizziness, severe intoxication.
Risk factors for severe intoxication
- High‑potency THC products, concentrates (“dabs”), edibles.
- Adolescent or first‑time use.
- History of anxiety, panic disorder or psychosis.
- Polysubstance use — especially alcohol or stimulants.
Clinical management
- Provide reassurance and a calm, quiet environment.
- Monitor vital signs and mental status; watch for agitation, chest pain or severe vomiting.
- For severe anxiety or panic: short‑acting benzodiazepines (low dose) may be used under supervision.
- For psychotic symptoms: urgent psychiatric assessment; short‑term antipsychotics may be required.
- Hydration and supportive care for nausea and dizziness.
- Educate about avoiding high‑potency products and unsafe settings.
Red flags — when urgent care is needed
- Severe agitation or violence.
- Chest pain, arrhythmia or very high heart rate.
- Persistent vomiting (possible cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome).
- Hallucinations or delusions.
- Unresponsiveness or suspected polysubstance intoxication.
Case vignette
Patient: S., 19, consumed a high‑dose THC edible at a party. Presented with panic, palpitations and fear of dying. Management: reassurance, quiet room, monitoring, and a single low‑dose benzodiazepine for anxiety. Symptoms resolved within 3 hours; discharged with precautions about edibles and mental health follow‑up.
தமிழில் — சுருக்கம்
கஞ்சா அதிக அளவில் எடுத்தால் பயம், பதட்டம், இதய துடிப்பு, மயக்கம் போன்ற அறிகுறிகள் தோன்றலாம். அமைதியான சூழல், கண்காணிப்பு மற்றும் தேவையான போது குறுகிய கால சிகிச்சை அவசியம்.
Key takeaways
- Cannabis intoxication is usually self‑limiting but may cause anxiety, panic or psychotic symptoms.
- Management focuses on reassurance, monitoring and symptomatic care.
- Severe agitation, chest pain, persistent vomiting or psychosis require urgent care.
- Educate patients on risks of high‑potency products and safe use practices.