Substance Safety Guide

Cannabis and THC Products

Comprehensive health and safety information to promote informed decision-making and harm reduction

Cannabis & THC Products

Comprehensive Substance Reference & Harm Reduction Guide

Cannabis & THC Products

GUIDE-WIDE SAFETY NOTICE: This guide is for recognition, harm-reduction, and emergency-reference purposes. Appearance alone cannot reliably identify a substance. Counterfeit pills, powders, vapes, edibles, and street mixtures may contain unexpected drugs. Do not taste, smell closely, burn, or handle an unknown substance to identify it. If poisoning is possible, contact Poison Control (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or 911 for severe symptoms.

4. Cannabis & THC Products

Substance Appearance, Route & Intoxication Physical Side Effects Severe Toxicity / Overdose & Response
Cannabis Flower / Marijuana Dried green/brown plant material. Smoked or vaporized. Red eyes, altered time perception, impaired coordination, increased appetite, anxiety/euphoria. Red/dry eyes, dry mouth, increased heart rate, dizziness, impaired coordination. Overdose: Extreme confusion, panic, paranoia, hallucinations, fast heart rate, severe vomiting. Response: Calm environment. Poison Control for concern; 911 for severe confusion, seizures, or breathing problems.
THC Concentrates (Wax, Shatter, Oils) Sticky waxes, amber sheets, oils. Vaporized or dabbed. Intense intoxication, anxiety, tachycardia. Dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, dizziness, coughing/airway irritation, nausea. Overdose: Severe panic, hallucinations, vomiting, loss of consciousness. Response: Calm setting, monitor. Poison Control or 911 for severe/worsening symptoms.
THC Vape Cartridges Small cartridges or disposables. Inhaled aerosol. Rapid intoxication, coughing, dizziness, anxiety. Dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, increased heart rate, cough, throat irritation. Overdose: Severe intoxication, chest pain or shortness of breath (possible lung injury/EVALI). Response: Stop exposure, fresh air. 911 for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse.
THC Edibles / Beverages Gummies, baked goods, drinks. Oral. Delayed and prolonged effects; impaired coordination, anxiety. Dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, increased heart rate, impaired coordination, nausea. Overdose: Extreme confusion, panic, hallucinations, severe vomiting, inability to walk. Response: Do not induce vomiting. Poison Control for excessive ingestion; 911 for severe symptoms.