What Happens If I Eat 500 mg of Edibles?: A Comprehensive Guide

Research indicates that for many, consuming a 500 mg edible can produce effects lasting up to 12 hours or more, making it an extremely potent dose. If you are wondering what happens if I eat 500 mg of edibles?, understand that this level of THC is highly likely to cause an overwhelming, and potentially distressing, experience for all but the most experienced users.

Quick Summary

Consuming a 500 mg edible is an exceptionally high dose that can induce intense psychoactive and physical effects, lasting for many hours. The experience can include severe anxiety, paranoia, and rapid heart rate, potentially leading to an emergency room visit for even seasoned users.

Key Points

• Extreme Potency: A 500 mg edible is an extremely high dose, unsafe for novices and likely overwhelming for most experienced users.

• Prolonged Effects: The high from 500 mg can last between 6 and 12 hours, with residual effects potentially extending up to 24 hours.

• Severe Psychological Symptoms: Expect significant anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and potentially psychosis or hallucinations at this dosage.

• Intense Physical Reactions: High doses can cause a rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and impaired coordination.

• Emergency Protocol: If experiencing severe distress or concerning physical symptoms, seek medical attention immediately; for milder cases, focus on hydration, calmness, and rest.

Understanding the Pharmacokinetics of Edibles

When THC is ingested in an edible, it takes a different, longer route through the body compared to smoking or vaping. The THC travels to the stomach and then to the liver, where it is metabolized into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This process is responsible for the delayed onset and the significantly more powerful and prolonged effects of edibles. While inhaled cannabis effects typically peak within minutes and last for a couple of hours, edible effects can take 30 to 90 minutes to begin and reach their peak several hours later.

Why 500 mg is an Extremely High Dose

For most people, a starting dose of THC in an edible is between 2.5 mg and 5 mg. A dose of 500 mg is anywhere from 100 to 200 times this recommended starting amount. The risk of negative side effects associated with overconsumption—such as nausea, extreme paranoia, and anxiety—increases exponentially with dosages above 100 mg, even for consumers with high tolerances. In a recreational context, consuming 500 mg is an unnecessary and risky level of intoxication.

Immediate Physiological and Psychological Effects

Ingesting a 500 mg edible is a taxing experience for the body and mind. The resulting THC overdose, or "greening out," is not fatal but can be incredibly unpleasant and, in some cases, terrifying.

Psychological Effects

• Extreme Anxiety and Paranoia: Feelings of intense panic, fear, and paranoia are among the most common and distressing symptoms. Users may feel that something is seriously wrong or that they are in danger.
• Hallucinations and Delusions: High doses can trigger more severe psychological symptoms, including seeing or hearing things that are not there, and holding irrational beliefs.
• Time Distortion: The subjective experience of time can be dramatically altered, with minutes feeling like hours, which can heighten anxiety and feelings of being "stuck".
• Psychomotor Agitation: Some individuals may experience restlessness, agitation, and a sense of unease that makes it difficult to relax.

Physical Effects

• Cardiovascular Stress: THC causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be significant at high doses and is particularly risky for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Severe Nausea and Vomiting: A common symptom of consuming too much THC, which can contribute to overall distress.
• Impaired Coordination and Cognitive Function: You can expect significant difficulties with motor skills, balance, speech, and concentration. Basic cognitive functions like memory and decision-making will be severely impaired.
• Dizziness and Lethargy: A combination of postural hypotension and sedative effects can cause extreme dizziness and lead to an overwhelming feeling of lethargy or exhaustion.

The Duration of a 500 mg Edible Experience

While the onset is slow, the duration is exceptionally long. Expect the following phases:

• Initial Onset: 30–90 minutes after ingestion.
• Peak Effects: 2–4 hours after onset, this is when the experience will be at its most intense.
• Extended Plateau and Gradual Decline: The strongest effects may last 6–12 hours, with residual feelings potentially lasting up to 24 hours. The extremely high dose means your body will take a much longer time to metabolize and clear the THC, leading to an extended, intense, and often overwhelming experience.

What to Do During an Edible Overconsumption Event

If you or someone else has consumed a 500 mg edible and is experiencing overwhelming effects, it is crucial to remain calm and take supportive measures.

• Stay Calm and Reassure: Reassure the individual that the feeling will pass and that no fatal overdose is likely. A calm presence can help mitigate panic.
• Seek Safe Space: Move to a quiet, familiar, and comfortable environment away from loud noises or bright lights.
• Hydrate: Drink water, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can exacerbate anxiety and heart rate issues.
• Distraction: Engage in a relaxing activity, like listening to soothing music, watching a familiar movie, or taking a warm shower.
• Call for Help: If symptoms are severe, such as intense paranoia, chest pain, or uncontrollable vomiting, seek immediate medical attention. Be honest with medical professionals about the dosage consumed.

Dosage Comparison Table

Dose Range	Type	Typical Effects	Recommended For	Notes
1-5 mg THC	Micro/Beginner Dose	Mild relaxation, subtle mood enhancement, increased focus.	First-timers, sensitive individuals, or those microdosing.	A very low-risk starting point to gauge sensitivity.
10-15 mg THC	Moderate Dose	Stronger relief, noticeable euphoria, altered perception.	Occasional or standard recreational users.	Can still be intoxicating for less experienced users.
30-100 mg THC	High Dose	Intense euphoria, significant psychoactive effects, sedation.	Experienced, high-tolerance users or medical patients with specific needs.	Effects may be overwhelming for most.
100-500 mg THC	Very High Dose	Intensely impaired coordination and perception; significant risk of anxiety, paranoia, nausea.	Only for extremely high-tolerance users or specific medical conditions.	Risk of negative side effects is high.
500 mg+ THC	Ultra-High Dose	Profound psychoactive and physical effects; high risk of severe adverse reactions and hospitalization.	Not recommended for any recreational use.	Considered a dangerously high dose, even for seasoned users.

Conclusion: A Gamble with Extremely High Stakes

Eating 500 mg of edibles is not a shortcut to a more intense or enjoyable high; it is a recipe for a potentially terrifying and medically concerning experience. The sheer potency and prolonged duration of a dose this high mean that even very experienced users are taking a major gamble with their physical and mental well-being. The best and safest approach to consuming edibles is to "start low and go slow," beginning with a small, manageable dose and waiting for its full effects before considering more. In the case of overconsumption, focusing on staying calm, hydrated, and in a safe environment is key, but don't hesitate to seek emergency medical care if symptoms become severe. Given the extreme risks involved, a 500 mg edible should be avoided for recreational purposes entirely. For more information on cannabis and mental health, consult reliable sources like the CDC or NIDA, which highlight the risks associated with high doses, especially in vulnerable populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first symptoms of an edible overdose?

Initial symptoms often include a faster-than-normal heart rate, anxiety, and a sense of paranoia, which can begin within 30 to 90 minutes.

How long does a 500 mg edible high last?

The peak effects of a 500 mg edible typically last for several hours (6-12 hours), with some residual effects possibly lingering for up to a full day.

Can you die from a THC overdose?

While a fatal overdose from THC alone is extremely rare, it can lead to very uncomfortable and dangerous situations, including impaired judgment that could result in accidental injury.

What should I do if a friend has a bad reaction to a 500 mg edible?

Reassure them that the effects are temporary, move them to a calm, quiet place, and provide water. If their symptoms include severe panic, hallucinations, or chest pain, seek immediate medical help.

How does ingesting THC differ from smoking it?

Ingested THC is metabolized by the liver into a more potent compound (11-hydroxy-THC), leading to a slower onset but much stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoking.

Are 500 mg edibles safe for experienced users?

Even for experienced users, 500 mg is considered a very high dose with an increased risk of unpleasant side effects like anxiety and nausea. Caution and a very high tolerance are required.

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that can occur with heavy, long-term cannabis use and causes severe, cyclical episodes of nausea and vomiting.

Does a 500 mg edible show up on a drug test?

Yes, a high dose like 500 mg will result in a positive drug test. THC metabolites can be detectable in urine for up to 30 days or more, depending on usage frequency and metabolism.