Summary
As we have seen in the last few blogs, (OTOTL 1, OTOTL 2, OTOTL 3) there are many things to consider when trying to tame the THC level once its presence seems to be just too much. Like most natural ingredients, the response to THC is on a gradient, effecting different people to different levels. This gradient also changes inside a person periodically. There can be several factors, including:
- Tolerance that has been built up over time
- Other ‘entourage’ constituents inside the cannabis
- Accompanying ingredients in one’s diet, supplements and additives around the time of consumption
- A multitude of other things including mood, social interaction and environment in which a person consumes the cannabis
There is also a gradient of effects from mild mood disturbance to full fledge overdose, including some of the symptoms of couch lock, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, significant anxiety or paranoia. Symptoms can vary quite a bit and change over time and with each incident. At first glance it would seem to be the best idea to formulate a protocol that is specific for each person’s needs. This of course isn’t often practical, as there is a small window of treatment time and a strong probability that the person will try not to back themselves into that same corner again.
On the other hand, it is best to have the protocol on hand for the possible need STAT (short turnaround time). Of course, it is best to only consume amounts and cultivars/strains with the right ratio of phytocannabinoids and terpenes for each individual. But this doesn’t always fit into real world experiences. I will list a range of ideas for protocols for the varying situations.
Mild Psychological Fluctuations
This is the case where people sometimes find themselves going down the emotional/mental track of thinking too much with echoes of anxiety and paranoia. This is the most common category for negative reaction to cannabis. Prevention of course is the best cure of all. Often, just finding the cultivar or strain that is best suited to the individual is all that is needed here. The simplest is to have a high CBD to THC ratio. Some feel that 100% CBD is the best, but it doesn’t always have the same level of therapeutic effect, with very little to no recreational function. Often a 50% mixture of each is all that is needed, but many of my clients need a 6:1 or even a 30:1 CBD to THC level for this to work. The profiles of the other phytocannabinoids and terpenes can also be significant. In the past blogs I have listed the various terpenes and phytocannabinoids that could add to this protocol. As you might remember high pinene, limonene, myrcene and caryophyllene could help. As far as complimentary phytocannabinoids; THCV, CBG, CBC and CBCV could also be beneficial. You will not likely find a strain or a blend that satisfies all of these. Strains that I have found to be good here are: Temple Spice, Charlette’s Web and AC/DC.
If the symptoms are present after smoking the cannabis, consider smoking a high or exclusive CBD product that will most often even out the emotions. Here the black pepper corns (2 – 6) chewed on and breathing deeply before swallowing is often effective. Yes, it does work as an distraction; but remember their high pinene, myrcene and caryophyllene have also been found functional here. Even though the black pepper doesn’t always work, it has been good for substantially more than 50% of the people trying it. Chewing on 70% or higher cocoa chocolate and holding it in your mouth for a few minutes has shown to be beneficial. Also, the same can be said for pine nuts, and lemon. By consuming Reishi mushroom as a solid extract in either a hot beverage or smoothie has also had significant effect.
If ingested via an edible, all of the above is applicable, but adding the cold or iced lemon water will also slow down absorption to a degree by slowing down digestion.
Strong physical and Psychological Symptoms, but No Neuro-motor issues like couch lock
If after smoking, all of the above can be used, but in larger doses. Start with a 30:1 CBD to THC ratio smoke if possible, but consuming intranasal, sub-lingual, or orally can help over time. If possible, add a bit of dried calamus root with the smoked cannabis. If it is necessary to consume the cannabis for medical reasons, it is good to consume Reishi, Cordyceps and Lion’s mane concentrated mushrooms on a regular basis (1/4 tsp of the mixture daily). These mushrooms will help to down regulate a lot of the stress and some of the mild physical symptoms. Other botanicals that can also be consumed on a regular basis are: Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Passion Flower and Hops. By having these in your system on a on going basis, the whole system is more relaxed.
If the cannabis is an edible, smoking the high CBD and calamus has one of the fastest benefits, as it will help down regulate the THC activation and some neural transmission within a few minutes lasting up to 4 hours. This is well over the window of the uncomfortable symptoms, but if the edible was consumed in more than one dose, this protocol might need to be repeated every 2 – 4 hours until the person is over the problem. If smoking is not an option, intranasal is excellent. Next comes sublingual use. If the only option is as an edible, the lag period is 30 to 90 minutes, but still that is better than waiting through 3 – 9 hours of suffering. When used as an edible, all dosage should be doubled or tripled. It is useful to remember at this point, there has never been a lethal overdose of cannabis. A hybrid of these method is often used.
If the symptoms include ataxia (cough lock), the terpenes myrcene and caryophyllene are not recommended, as the system has already gone into a semi-auto shut down mode, so it is not time to sedate it more. All of the above can be used especially the medicinal mushrooms concentrates, but double or even four times as high levels (1/2 to full teaspoon every 30 minutes). Some cayenne pepper can also be useful instead of the black pepper, but this time swallowed. If cyclic vomiting has set in, any edible cannot help. Thus smoking, intranasal or sub-lingual are your best options.
This will wrap up our look at cannabis overdosing, but certainly add comments and questions if you need more discussion.