How To Avoid Unintentional THC Poisoning
- Real Deal
- Mar 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 20
NOTE: If you or someone you know has taken too much THC or reacts badly to a THC product, contact a medical professional or the Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Cannabis products that contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can now be sold in Minnesota to adults age 21 and older. THC is the main compound in cannabis that can cause intoxicating effects, such as changing how you perceive and think about things, how you feel, and how you make decisions.
Unintentional THC poisoning can occur when someone takes too much THC or when someone uses a type of cannabis or hemp product that is more potent than the one that they had intended to use.
THC products in Minnesota come in many forms, and it is very important to store them safely and read their labels carefully to understand their dosage and their variety-specific effects. Mixing cannabis products with alcohol or other drugs can also increase the chance of having a negative experience.
Tips for Preventing THC Poisoning
Many edible and drinkable THC products look like candy, juice, or other treats. While children are especially susceptible to eating or drinking them accidentally, even adults can unknowingly consume edible THC products if they are not clearly labeled and safely stored.
Read labels on cannabis products carefully. Understand the dose you are taking (measured in milligrams) and be sure to use the intended type of cannabis product. Different strains of THC (indica, sativa, or hybrid) can cause significantly different effects.
Adults using cannabis should start with small doses (less than 5 mg) and allow time for the products to take effect before taking more. While cannabis products that are smoked or vaped usually take effect in a matter of minutes, edible products and drinks can take up to two hours to take full effect. Once THC is ingested, its effects can take many hours to wear off.
Treat cannabis products like you would other medications. Store them safely and out of reach of children and pets, such as inside a locked cabinet, medicine box, or safe. Keep products in child-resistant containers or packaging.
Talk to family, friends, and caregivers. Ask anyone whose home your children visit to store THC edibles and other drugs safely, securely, out of sight and out of reach.
THC analogues (synthetic or semi-synthetic hemp or cannabis derivatives) should be avoided because they are often created with dangerous chemicals. Delta-9 THC (whether hemp-derived or not) is the safest and most well-researched version of THC. Analogues to avoid include: Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, or any other analogue of THC such as THC-P, THC-O, etc.
Warning Signs of THC Poisoning
NOTE: No amount of non-medically prescribed THC is safe for children to consume. If a child consumes any amount of THC not medically certified for them, call a medical professional or the Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222. In children, THC poisoning can be especially dangerous and cause additional problems with breathing, walking, or sitting up. Anyone can experience THC poisoning, but children are more susceptible based on their size and weight.
The signs of THC poisoning are similar to the typical effects of THC, but they are more severe and can lead to unintentional injury, such as a motor vehicle crash or a fall.
Symptoms of THC poisoning may also include:
Extreme confusion or anxiety
Paranoia or panic
Fast heart rate or increased blood pressure
Delusions or hallucinations
Severe nausea or vomiting
Proper Disposal of THC Products
Unconsumed THC edibles should be ground and mixed with other waste material, like coffee grounds, potting soil, or kitty litter so it can't be mistakenly consumed by others, including children. The waste mixture should be in a taped and sealed container, like an empty yogurt cup, and thrown in the trash.
Opened or unconsumed THC beverages should be poured into an absorbent material, such as potting soil, used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or paper towels, and placed in the trash. Small quantities of beverages, such as less than a full can, may be poured down the sink.
Never discard edibles in their original packaging, or partially consumed beverages in their containers, anywhere a child or anyone else could find them and consume them.
When possible, recycle empty cannabis packages.
NOTE: The information displayed on this page is reproduced from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website for the convenience of our users. Real Deal Med + Rec is not the original author of this content and makes no claims about its accuracy or currency.
Please refer to the MDH website at the link below for the most up-to-date information.
Last Updated: January 16, 2025
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