10/3/2014 Marijuana intoxication: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000952.htm

Marijuana intoxication
Marijuana ("pot") intoxication is the euphoria, relaxation, and sometimes undesirable side effects that can occur
when people use marijuana.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. The drug is usually smoked, but is
sometimes eaten.

Symptoms
The intoxicating effects of marijuana include relaxation, sleepiness, and mild euphoria (getting high).

Smoking marijuana leads to fast and predictable signs and symptoms. Eating marijuana can cause slower, and
sometimes less predictable effects.

Marijuana can cause undesirable side effects, which increase with higher doses. These side effects include:

Decreased short-term memory

Dry mouth
Impaired perception and motor skills
Red eyes

More serious side effects include panic, paranoia, or acute psychosis, which may be more common with new
users or in those who already have a psychiatric disease.

The amount and effect of these side effects varies from person to person, as well as with the amount of marijuana
used.

Marijuana is often cut with hallucinogens and other, more dangerous drugs that have more serious side effects
than marijuana. These side effects may include:

Sudden high blood pressure with headache

Chest pain and heart rhythm disturbances
Extreme hyperactivity and physical violence
Heart attack
Seizures
Stroke
Sudden collapse (cardiac arrest)

Treatment
Treatment and care involves:

Preventing injury
Reassuring those who have panic reactions due to the drug

Sedatives called benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) may be given. Children who
have more serious symptoms or those with serious side effects may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.
Treatment may include heart and brain monitoring.

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10/3/2014 Marijuana intoxication: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Outlook (Prognosis)
Uncomplicated marijuana intoxication rarely needs medical advice or treatment. Occasionally, serious symptoms
occur. However, these symptoms are rare and usually associated with other drugs or compounds mixed in with
marijuana.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If someone who has been using marijuana develops any of the symptoms of intoxication, has trouble breathing, or
cannot be awakened, call 911 or your local emergency number. If the person has stopped breathing or has no
pulse, begin CPR and continue it until help arrives.

Alternative Names
Cannabis intoxication; Intoxication - marijuana (cannabis); Pot; Mary Jane; Weed; Grass; Cannabis

References
Binh LT, Clark RF, Williams SR. Hallucinogens. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's
Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009:chap 154.

Update Date: 1/30/2013

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, St. Luke's / Roosevelt Hospital Center, NY, NY, and Pegasus Emergency Group
(Meadowlands and Hunterdon Medical Centers), NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also
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