'Seizures,' 'Psychotic Episodes': MDH Warns Of Street THC Products

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Health is alerting the public to beware of consuming illegal cannabinoid products containing doses of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) well above the state legal limit.

THC is the major active ingredient in marijuana. The legal limit for THC products in Minnesota is 5 mg per serving and 50 mg per package for edibles.

But illegal, high-dose THC products may contain hundreds of milligrams of THC per serving and thousands of milligrams of THC per package, far above the legal limit, health officials warn.

"These products are produced by a variety of manufacturers and if consumed may lead to adverse health effects, such as becoming unresponsive, seizures, or psychotic episodes," MDH said in a statement.

Recent inspections of retailers selling THC products found illegal high-dose products in 39 percent of establishments, according to officials.

When found, inspectors require establishments to destroy the products. The state could fine the retailer up to $10,000 per incident.

Advice for consumers

Anyone who has purchased an illegal high-dose THC product is advised to not consume it and file a complaint with MDH.

According to the MDH, consumption of high-dose THC products can lead to severe adverse health effects, including:

• Unresponsiveness.
• Extreme anxiety or panic attacks.
• Psychotic episodes (hallucinations, delusions, or a loss of personal identity).
• An increase in heart rate, chest pain, or heart attack.
• Sudden high blood pressure with headache.
• Uncontrollable shaking or seizures.
• Decreased judgment, perception, and coordination can lead to injuries.
• Consumers are advised to contact their healthcare provider if they become ill or begin suffering symptoms of THC overdose after consuming a high-dose cannabinoid product.

Learn more here.