Gummies Danger: Side Effects of Edibles

Lots of the people who have tried marijuana have done so in the form of snacks like pot cookies or brownies. Since one of the effects of pot is an increased appetite, it’s only natural that the “ganja-preneurs” are marketing more marijuana edibles than ever before. From pot truffle oil to gummy bears, edibles are hot these days.

Unfortunately, the dangers of these drugs can be far worse than traditional marijuana.

Dangers of Weed Edibles

You’d be hard-pressed to find tragic overdose deaths caused solely by weed. Marijuana edibles, on the other hand, have been unquestionably linked to multiple negative outcomes.

Before diving headlong into this relatively new market, you need to understand what edibles are and what they aren’t. At the very least, you’ll want to be proactive by getting familiar with the dangers these confections pose.

And on that note, let’s look at five very real problems and/or outcomes caused by the use, quantity and sale of marijuana edibles.

• A Longer-Lasting High – Marijuana edibles produce a much longer-lasting and potent high than smoking, which can prove detrimental for novice users. Smoking pot produces a more immediate high that quickly dissipates, while edibles kick in after about an hour and the effects can last from six to 10 hours.
• Serious Side Effects – Taken in large doses, marijuana edibles can lead to anxiety attacks, paranoia and hallucinations. Several case reports involving kids who took edibles found that respiratory insufficiency can also be a major side effect in young children.
• They’ve Contributed to Tragedies – Marijuana edibles have played a major role in two recent cases. Oklahoma native Caleb Fowler, 23, shot himself earlier this month after eating five times the recommended dosage of edibles. And last year, Wyoming college student Levy Thamba Pongi jumped to his death after eating a marijuana cookie. A coroner ruled that “marijuana intoxication” played a major role in the tragedy.
• Lack of Safety in THC-Friendly States – Even in states where marijuana is legal, the lack of edible-specific regulations has caused public safety concerns. State officials in Colorado are now scrambling to create regulations regarding dosages of THC in the products, while more marijuana business owners are encouraging new users to “start low, go slow.”
• Working Their Way Into Schools – Perhaps because of the colorful packaging, even pre-teens are getting hold of edibles. Last April, a 10-year-old in Denver was busted for bringing edibles to school and three seventh-graders were hospitalized just one month earlier for eating pot-laced brownies at school.

In states where marijuana is legal, major restrictions have been placed on the sale, dosage and distribution of marijuana. It only makes sense that the same stipulations are now made for edibles in order to avoid more unnecessary health scares and potential tragedies.

Additional Reading: Now the Family Dog is Smoking Weed?

Marijuana Addiction Treatment

While seeking treatment for a marijuana addiction is uncommon, what is common is polysubstance misuse, or the misuse of marijuana and another addictive substance. For polysubstance use disorders in which marijuana addiction is a component, there are many different treatment options and programs to help individuals heal and live life in recovery.

Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer distinct approaches to address substance use disorders, including those involving marijuana and other substances.

• Inpatient Treatment – Inpatient treatment typically involves residing within a specialized facility for a designated period, often ranging from a few weeks to several months. These programs provide intensive, round-the-clock care and supervision, offering structured therapy sessions, medical support, and a supportive environment conducive to recovery. Inpatient treatment is beneficial for individuals requiring a high level of support to break free from substance dependence, particularly if they face significant withdrawal symptoms or have co-occurring mental health issues.
• Outpatient Treatment – Outpatient treatment programs offer flexibility by allowing individuals to reside at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions and support groups at the treatment center. Outpatient programs vary in intensity, ranging from several hours of therapy per week to more frequent sessions. They are ideal for individuals with less severe substance use disorders or those who have completed inpatient treatment and require ongoing support as they transition back into their daily lives.

How to Get Help For Marijuana Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with the misuse of marijuana, help is available and recovery is possible.

When seeking help for marijuana addiction, our rehab locator tool is a great resource. This search tool empowers you to pinpoint and explore treatment facilities tailored to your needs. Whether you’re searching by location, specific treatment programs, accepted insurances, or other crucial factors, our tool streamlines the search process.

You can also contact a caring admissions navigator with American Addiction Centers (AAC) for free at .

In addition, you can check your insurance coverage online now to determine whether your insurance provider will cover rehabilitation.

Insurance Coverage for Marijuana Rehabilitation

Find out if your insurance coverage includes Marijuana addiction rehab and treatment by visiting the links below:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Humana
• Aetna
• Kaiser Permanente
• Cigna
• Ambetter
• UnitedHealthcare

Levels of Care in Marijuana Addiction Treatment

• Inpatient Rehab Programs
• Outpatient Rehab Programs
• 3-Day, 5-Day and 7-Day Detox Programs
• Sober Living Housing
• Aftercare