Cannabis intoxication: recognise symptoms & act correctly

If too much THC is involved, the fun can quickly be over. Cannabis intoxication can trigger severe symptoms - from panic attacks and a racing heart to disorientation and vomiting. It becomes particularly dangerous when dogs get hold of something, as their bodies can hardly break down THC. But how do you recognise intoxication? How long does it last? And what should you do in an emergency? Here you can find out everything you need to know - compact, easy to understand and without scaremongering. 🚑

What is cannabis intoxication?

Sounds gross at first, doesn't it? "Intoxication" conjures up images of an emergency room, stomach pumping and dramatic music from a bad medical drama. But don't worry - in most cases, cannabis intoxication is unpleasant but not life-threatening. Nevertheless, it can be quite severe, especially for dogs 🐶 who can't handle THC at all.

The thing is: cannabis is getting stronger and stronger, edible products (edibles) are widely available, and not everyone knows exactly how much their body can actually tolerate. It's particularly dangerous if someone is too impatient - edibles often take an hour or more to take effect. And while you're still thinking "Huh, nothing's happening 🤔", you pop the next dose - bad mistake!

The whole thing is even more fatal with pets. A dog doesn't realise that the brownie on the table isn't meant for him. And while we humans can at least break down THC (albeit slowly), it's a different story for four-legged friends. Their bodies are simply not prepared for it - and that can be really dangerous.

So, what exactly happens in the body? And how do you recognise that it's not just a harmless intoxication, but a real poisoning? Let's take a closer look. 👀

🚨 Cannabis intoxication symptoms: How to recognise them

Okay, now it's getting serious - how do you actually recognise that someone (or a dog 🐶) is not just "too high", but really intoxicated? The symptoms can be quite severe and vary depending on the species.

In humans, cannabis intoxication can feel like the worst horror trip: racing heart, panic attacks, dizziness - some seriously think they're going to die. (Spoiler: They usually don't. But it feels damn unpleasant.)

Dogs are even more precarious. They have no idea what's happening to them and their bodies can't break down THC as easily as ours. This leads to symptoms that can be really scary for a dog owner.

🆘 Typical symptoms of cannabis intoxication

If your dog suddenly looks like he's intoxicated - staggering, disorientated, with huge pupils and drooling - then it's very likely that he's taken THC. And then it's time to act fast! 🚑 But before we get to "What to do?", let's take a look at why dogs are actually so bad with cannabis. 👇

🐶 Can dogs break down THC? Nope - and that's exactly the problem

Imagine you have a nasty hangover after a night of drinking. Your body is working flat out to break down the alcohol and after a few hours (or a greasy breakfast) you start to feel better. Now imagine if your body couldn't break down the alcohol properly - and you were trapped in this miserable state for days. This is exactly what happens to dogs with THC.

The dog's body is simply not made for cannabis. While we humans have enzymes that gradually break down THC, this happens at a snail's pace in dogs. The stuff stays in the body much longer, accumulates in fatty tissue and can easily cause problems for 24 hours or even longer. And the stupid thing about it? The four-legged friends have no idea what is happening to them. They suddenly feel dizzy, their heart races, their legs no longer obey - exactly what a human experiences on a bad trip. The only difference is that we know: "Okay, it'll pass." A dog? He probably thinks he's going to die.

Even nastier: Dogs are damn curious and not exactly picky when it comes to food. Whether it's a brownie, hash biscuit or a dropped crumb from the last Joint - it's simply a tasty snack for the dog. And then? Zack, a full-blown binge. And because dogs instinctively hide away when they're in a bad way, you suddenly find your otherwise lively buddy trembling somewhere under the sofa or lying in their basket with huge pupils, completely out of it.

In short: dogs and THC - not a good idea. But how long does this horror trip actually last? And when does it get really dangerous? ⏳

⏳ Cannabis intoxication duration: how long does the horror trip last?

Imagine you've had way too much - whether it's because of a Joint that's too strong or because you were impatient with the edibles. Time suddenly feels like chewing gum, your heart is pounding and you wonder if it will ever stop. That's exactly how someone with cannabis intoxication feels - only it can take a hell of a long time, depending on the dose and form of consumption.

It's even worse with dogs. Their bodies break down THC so slowly that they can be completely out of it for up to 48 hours (!). And depending on whether they've only had a little bit or a whole brownie, it can take even longer.

The duration depends on several factors:

• Mode of consumption: Smoked cannabis works faster, but also wears off faster (usually 6-12 hours). Edibles take longer, but can last 24+ hours
.
• Dose: The more THC, the longer the haunt lasts.
• Body weight & metabolism: Smaller people (and especially dogs) take much longer to break down the stuff.
• Individual sensitivity: Some people and animals react more strongly to THC than others
.
• Treatment: The quicker you react (e.g. by vomiting in dogs or getting medical help), the shorter the intoxication can be.

For humans, everything is back to normal after a day at the latest - even if the body may still feel mushy afterwards. Dogs, however, can be severely affected for two days, especially if they have eaten a lot. And here comes the point where you have to ask yourself: Wait or act? Find out what you can do now. 🚑

🚑 Cannabis poisoning - what to do? First aid for humans and dogs

Okay, take a deep breath. If you or someone else (be it a friend or your dog 🐶) has become intoxicated with cannabis, there are two important rules: Panic won't help, but neither will doing nothing. Depending on the situation, you can do a few things yourself - or you should get professional help as soon as possible.

1️⃣ First aid for humans

If you (or someone around you) have had too much and your heart is racing, your head is going round and round or panic is setting in - don't worry, it will pass. But there are a few things that will help you get through it more comfortably:

• Keep calm 😌 - Sounds easier than it is, but keep telling yourself: It's only temporary. No one has ever died from a THC overdose.
• Drink water 💧 - Helps with dry mouth and can improve your well-being.
• Fresh air or cool environment 🍃 - If you are hot or uncomfortable, a walk or an open window can work wonders.
• Seek distraction 📺 - Music, a series or simply talking to someone can make the time pass more quickly.
• Sleep if possible 💤 - The body works best when you just let it do its thing.

But: If the person is in extreme panic, can hardly move or feels like they can no longer breathe properly, it is better not to leave them alone - if in doubt, call for medical help. 🚨

2️⃣ First aid for dogs

This is where it gets more serious, because a dog can't just chill and wait. If you even suspect that your four-legged friend has caught THC, you should:

The most important thing: Don't wait and hope it will pass. While humans can sit out a cannabis poisoning, it can quickly become critical for dogs. So it's better to go to the vet once too often than once too little. 🚑

🛑 How to avoid cannabis poisoning

Now that it is clear how unpleasant (and in the case of dogs, dangerous) cannabis intoxication can be, the most important question is: How best to prevent it?

The good news: it's pretty simple. The bad news: too many people still underestimate how quickly something can happen - especially when pets or inexperienced consumers are involved.