What to do right now
Stop vaping. Set the device down. Sit or lie on your side. Drink 8 to 12 ounces of water. If you feel dizzy, stay seated until the room stops spinning. Most THC vape effects peak 10 to 30 minutes after a puff and fade in 1 to 3 hours.
Detox After THC Vape: Timeline and What Helps
If you vomit, do not eat a large meal. Take small sips of water or a sports drink. If your blood sugar feels low, eat a few crackers or a piece of toast.
Get fresh air. Loosen tight clothing. Do not drive. Do not vape more to "level out."
how long do thc vape effects last
Call 911 or Poison Control if
- You have chest pain or pressure.
- You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath at rest.
- You vomit for more than 1 hour or cannot keep water down.
- You feel confused, faint, or cannot stay awake.
- Your heart races or pounds and does not slow.
- You have a seizure or lose consciousness.
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for advice. The call is free and open 24 hours.
Why a THC vape can make you sick
Vape oil delivers THC to the lungs. The dose hits faster than edibles. High-potency products like distillate can contain 80 to 90 percent THC. A single puff can be stronger than expected.
Common short-term effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, and a fast heartbeat. These are signs of too much THC. They often pass without treatment.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Repeated vomiting after long-term cannabis use may be cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS. Some people with CHS take hot showers for relief. CHS needs medical care. Stop cannabis use to stop the cycle.
EVALI and contaminants
EVALI is a lung injury tied to vaping. CDC found vitamin E acetate in lung fluid samples from EVALI patients in 2019. Vitamin E acetate is a thickener used in some illegal THC cartridges. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and vomiting. EVALI can be fatal.
What not to do
- Do not smoke or vape more.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not take stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks.
- Do not drive or operate tools.
If symptoms last
Most symptoms stop within 3 hours. Call a doctor if nausea, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat lasts longer than 6 hours. Call a doctor if you vomit more than 3 times in 24 hours.
Keep the vape cartridge or packaging. A doctor or Poison Control can use the label to check ingredients.