Had Too Much Cannabis? What to Do
Too much THC is unpleasant but usually passes. Here's how to recognize it, what helps, and when to call poison control or 911.
Tyler Lemieux
October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Taking more THC than you're comfortable with is common, especially with edibles. It can feel frightening, but for most adults it passes with time. Here's what it looks like, what helps, and when to get help.
What it can feel like
People describe a range of effects, often several at once:
- anxiety, paranoia or a sense of panic
- a racing or pounding heart
- dizziness or feeling faint
- nausea or vomiting
- confusion, or losing track of time
- feeling very sleepy
These usually fade as the THC wears off. That can take a few hours, and longer after edibles.
What helps
- Stop taking more. This sounds obvious, but with edibles the next piece is often already in hand.
- Find somewhere calm. Go somewhere quiet and familiar, and sit or lie down. Dim lights and less noise help.
- Remind yourself it's temporary. The feeling will pass.
- Sip water, and have a light snack if you can manage it.
- Have someone stay with you, especially if you're anxious or very sleepy.
- Don't add alcohol or other substances.
- Don't drive, and don't go anywhere near the water.
If someone is very drowsy, lay them on their side so they can't choke if they vomit, and keep checking on them.
Why it happens
The most common cause is edibles. They can take up to two hours to start working and four to reach full effect, so people take more before the first dose has kicked in. How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In? explains the timeline.
Other common causes:
- Strong products, such as concentrates or infused pre-rolls, especially for newer consumers
- Mixing with alcohol, which increases impairment
- A long break, which lowers your tolerance
Children and pets
Young children who eat cannabis can become seriously ill. If a child may have eaten cannabis, call the Ontario Poison Centre right away, or 911 if they are very drowsy, hard to wake or having trouble breathing. For pets, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital.
Prevention is the best fix: lock it up and keep edibles in their child-resistant packaging. How to Store Cannabis Safely shows how.
Next time
- Start low: 2.5 mg of THC or less for edibles, or 1–2 puffs of flower with 10% THC or less.
- Go slow: wait at least two hours before taking more of an edible.
- Check the label: compare THC and CBD before you buy. See THC vs. CBD.
