Too Much THC or Accidental Exposure? When to Get Help

If someone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call 911 immediately. These are emergency warning signs in Poison Control’s first-aid guidance. Do not delay the call to finish reading.

If you think someone has taken too much THC or accidentally swallowed a cannabis product, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222. You do not need to know the exact amount before asking for help. This guide is for adults and caregivers in New York and elsewhere in the United States.

Call about a suspected exposure, even before symptoms

A missing edible, an opened package, or an unexpected reaction can leave you unsure what happened. The federal Poison Help service advises calling right away rather than waiting for signs of poisoning. Explain what you know and what remains uncertain. A specialist can assess the situation and advise on the next step.

For a possible exposure involving a child, make that clear at the beginning of the call. Do not use an adult’s past experience with cannabis to judge a child’s risk. If emergency signs are present, call 911.

What can too much THC look like?

The CDC lists extreme confusion, panic, paranoia, a rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and severe nausea or vomiting among signs of an excessive reaction. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause. Tell the professional about alcohol, medicines, or any other substances that may also be involved.

Edibles can have delayed and unpredictable effects. Feeling little at first does not establish that an exposure is harmless. The CDC’s poisoning guidance explains why this delay can lead people to consume more than intended.

Have these details ready if available

• The person’s age, approximate weight and relevant health conditions.
• The original package, including the product name and label.
• What may have been taken, approximately how much, and when.
• Current symptoms and anything already done in response.
• Your location and access to emergency care.

This checklist follows Poison Help’s call-preparation guidance. An estimate should be described as an estimate. Do not lose time searching for a receipt or completing every item.

While arranging professional help

Do not drive while impaired. New York’s Office of Cannabis Management recommends avoiding additional substances and having a trusted person available after overconsumption. A sober companion can make the call and communicate changes, but companionship does not replace medical assessment. Follow the instructions from the responding professional.

After the immediate situation is handled

Review how the exposure happened. Keep cannabis in its original packaging, locked away from children and pets, and separate from ordinary food. Share the emergency number with other caregivers. These precautions reflect New York’s consumer safety guidance.

General educational information, not a diagnosis or individual treatment plan. Sources checked September 5, 2026. For suspected poisoning call 1-800-222-1222; for an emergency call 911.