Recently, at a social gathering full of middle-aged individuals, an amusing yet concerning trend was brought to light. More and more people are sharing their adventures — or rather, misadventures — with THC gummy bears. It seems nearly everyone has a tale of how they tried one to help with sleep, only to end up in the ER or dialing 911 in panic.
For those of us who dabbled with marijuana in our younger years, the comparison is startling. Today’s strains are far stronger than what we had access to back in the day. Taking a hit now can feel similar to the effects of dropping acid in the ’70s. It might sound exaggerated, but given the potency, this analogy doesn’t feel too far off.
A friend of mine shared her own experience. She had taken a gummy while on vacation, hoping to relax and stave off seasickness. Instead, she was hit with an overwhelming sensation, struggling to stay engaged in conversations and feeling as though she was having a stroke. “I had a two-minute delayed response to everything, so I just went to bed and slept for 10 hours,” she said.
Another person recounted his own misadventure. During Dry January, he declined alcohol and instead tried a THC-infused seltzer at his country club. As the night went on, he didn’t realize how high he was until he stopped at a green light on his drive home. His wife, bewildered, asked what he was doing. “I have no idea,” he replied.
As marijuana becomes more readily available, especially in states where it’s legalized, more middle-aged adults are turning to it. However, this has led to a surge in calls to poison control centers, with many reporting side effects like hallucinations, fainting, or worse.
I had my own cannabis episode seven years ago in California, where I was undergoing breast cancer treatment. Back then, it wasn’t as simple to obtain, so my husband and I went on a bit of a quest. We eventually found ourselves at a dispensary and later at a “church” of cannabis ministries in search of something to ease my chemo-induced nausea and anxiety.
The man at the dispensary recommended Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) for cancer patients. But what he failed to mention was just how strong it was — the recommended starting dose was only half a grain of rice. That night, at our hotel, we decided to try it. My husband tested it first, but feeling no immediate effects, he added more. Naturally, I followed suit.
What followed was a whirlwind of paranoia and discomfort. The world felt surreal, like a cartoon. I tried to sleep, but the walls seemed to be breathing. My husband, in his own panic, asked Siri, “Can you overdose on Ricky Simpson oil?” Siri, of course, offered no help.
The next day, I was still a mess, mentally and physically drained, and in no state to handle my chemotherapy session. In my foggy state, I accidentally ate someone else’s lunch at the cancer center. When confronted by the rightful owner, all I could do was mutter nonsensical apologies and blame Rick Simpson.
While studies show cannabis can relieve stress, pain, and nausea, today’s products are a far cry from what was available decades ago. THC levels have increased significantly, with modern strains being much more potent than the “Cheech and Chong” era of marijuana. What used to take an entire joint to achieve now only takes a couple of hits or a small gummy bear.
So, for those considering trying edibles or smoking, the key is awareness. Know your state’s laws, ensure the product you’re purchasing is safe and certified, and be cautious with dosages. There’s a wide variety available today, and many products even list the exact THC content per serving. You can always start small and work your way up if needed.
In conclusion, while cannabis may have its benefits, it’s crucial to be well-informed and take it slow. My own experience with weed gummy bears has left me hesitant to try again. I’ve found other ways to manage my anxiety, and while marijuana might work for others, I’ve decided it’s not for me anymore. But, to each their own — just be sure to skip the Ricky Simpson oil.
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