The effects that users feel after consuming cannabis can be overwhelming if they consume too much. However, even an intensely strong cannabis high is not typically associated with hallucinations.
When consuming a heavy dose of THC, or a strain with a high level of THC – usually 30% or higher – a user might experience mild visual distortions, or sensitivity to sounds and colors. However, these effects are the not the same as experiencing hallucinations, and the effects are temporary.
That said, cannabis can sometimes trigger psychotic symptoms in users with a history of mental illness, and these symptoms can include delusions and hallucinations. This phenomenon is more likely to occur in heavy users, or after consuming a strain extremely high in THC. For users that have this history, or a history of substance abuse, they should be aware that triggering psychotic symptoms is a risk when consuming cannabis.
While the risks associated with consuming cannabis are generalized, it is very important that users keep in mind that everyone tolerates cannabis differently, and the plant can have widely varying effects on different users. The effects vary depending on the user’s tolerance level, their body chemistry, their experience with cannabis, their method of consumption, the strain, the dosage, and the frequency of use.
To minimize the risk of adverse effects, users – especially inexperienced ones – should always be conservative in their consumption habits until they know they can tolerate the dose. Going low and slow is the recommended method of consumption for new users, or for users trying products and strains that they may not be familiar with.
Additionally, if a user should experience any unexpected or unusual effects from consuming cannabis, they should seek medical attention or consult their healthcare professional as soon as possible, especially if they have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Sources: Leafly, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Department of Cannabis Control
