Narcan is a lifesaving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, but it won’t work on a cannabis overdose. Narcan is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses the overdose. Since cannabis is not an opioid, Narcan has no effect on an “overdose” of cannabis.
What is Narcan?
If you don’t know what this is, you are blessed. The U.S. has a pretty serious opioid crisis. Narcan is an FDA-approved drug known as naloxone hydrochloride, used to reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Narcan works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the effects of the drug and reversing an opioid overdose. It is typically given as an injection or nasal spray and can be administered by first responders, family, and friends of those at risk for an opioid overdose. Narcan is credited with saving thousands of lives and has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growing opioid crisis.
What is a cannabis “overdose”?
Cannabis overdoses are a concern as more states legalize cannabis. Although cannabis overdoses are not lethal, they can still cause significant discomfort, confusion, and anxiety. Cannabis overdoses are a result of consuming too much THC, the psychoactive component of the plant. While opiods can lead to life-threatening overdoses due to respiratory depression, cannabis overdoses typically do not lead to respiratory depression and are therefore less dangerous. Symptoms of a cannabis overdose include confusion, disorientation, increased heart rate, panic attacks, and paranoia. It is important to note that there is no universal overdose threshold, as it depends on individual tolerance levels. Symptoms of overdosing frequently include nausea, anxiety, fatigue, disorientation, and paranoia. There is also the possibility of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) which is characterized by intense nausea and vomiting.
Why won’t Narcan work on cannabis overdoses?
Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is an FDA-approved drug that is used to reverse opioid overdose. It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and reversing the effects of an overdose. However, since cannabis does not contain opioids, Narcan is not effective for treating cannabis overdoses. The lack of opioid receptors in the brain means that Narcan does not work on cannabis overdoses.
It’s important to note that even though cannabis is not a traditional opiod, it can still cause an overdose when used in high doses. Symptoms of a cannabis overdose include rapid heart rate, paranoia, hallucinations, extreme anxiety, and disorientation. The problem is that while these symptoms may be similar to those of an opioid overdose, they cannot be treated with Narcan.
The lack of an effective treatment option for cannabis overdoses highlights the need for more research and development into treatments for this type of overdose. Currently, there is no FDA-approved drug to treat cannabis overdoses. Some potential solutions include the development of non-opioid medications that target the brain receptors affected by cannabis use or the development of cannabis-based medications.
Overall, Narcan cannot be used to treat cannabis overdoses due to the lack of opioid receptors in the brain. While there are potential solutions in the works, more research needs to be done before an effective treatment can be developed.
What effect does Narcan have on someone who doesn’t need it?
Narcan won’t have any effect on someone who doesn’t need it (someone who does not have opioids in their body). So it’s safe to give someone Narcan if you think they may have overdosed on opioids but aren’t sure. But this will leave the individual with dryness in the nose, stuffy nose, pain in the muscles or bones, and a headache.
What are some possible solutions?
Try hydrating with lemon juice in water to help offset THC’s drying effects and neutralize terpenes. Black Peppercorn chewing will alleviate terpene-related pain.
The greatest tactics are to keep the individual hydrated, comfortable, and reassured if you don’t have any of these things.
Keep it weird,
