Halloween’s here and there’s no better time to share some spooky stories—but not the typical ghost tales you’d expect. This time, we’re exploring the stories of THC gummies and edibles, CBD user errors, bad side effects, and dosing mistakes. These chilling experiences are real reminders of why it’s essential to understand your products and use them responsibly.
Whether you’re a seasoned hemp enthusiast or a curious beginner, read on to learn from these horror stories and ensure your own experiences are as enjoyable (and safe!) as possible.
1. The Night of the Extra Strength Surprise
On a crisp fall evening, 28-year-old Lily decided to wind down from her busy day with a pack of extra-strength Delta 8 THC gummies. In her eagerness to feel the effects, she didn’t think twice about taking a second gummy when she didn’t feel anything after 20 minutes. “It’ll just help me unwind faster,” she thought. But what started as a chill evening quickly turned into an eight-hour ordeal of pacing around her apartment, battling waves of intense paranoia, and hearing every creak and groan of her old building.
The next day, she realized her mistake: THC edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, and extra-strength products are, well… extra strong! She learned the hard way that when it comes to edibles, patience is a virtue.
Lesson Learned: Always start with a low dose and wait at least one to two hours before considering taking more. Overestimating the time-to-effect is one of the most common mistakes with edibles, especially extra-strength THC products.
2. The “CBD Only” Mishap
John, a 67-year-old retiree, suffered from joint pain and decided to give CBD a try after hearing about its benefits. But one evening, after accepting a “CBD gummy” from a friend, he soon found himself feeling out of sorts. His heartbeat quickened, his thoughts became a bit foggy, and he started re-experiencing vivid memories he hadn’t thought of in years. His family found him in a state of confusion, convinced he was in another time entirely.
It turned out that his friend had mistakenly handed him a piece of high-strength Delta 9 THC gummies instead of a CBD product. John learned a lesson he wouldn’t soon forget: always double-check what you’re consuming, even if it comes from a friend.
Lesson Learned: CBD and THC gummies can look similar but have drastically different effects. If you’re trying a new product, read the label carefully, especially if you’re looking for the non-psychoactive relief of CBD alone.
3. The Overdose Oops: Mixing and Matching Potencies
Nick, a college student, thought he’d struck gold when he bought both Delta 9 THC and CBD gummies, hearing that the two cannabinoids could complement each other. Eager to relax after a stressful week of exams, he popped one of each without checking the dosage. Within an hour, he started to feel nauseous, dizzy, and overwhelmingly anxious. He frantically paced around his dorm room, gulping down water as he tried to “ride it out.”
Unfamiliar with the varying effects of Delta 9 and CBD, Nick didn’t realize that combining different potencies could magnify each cannabinoid’s effects. His night, instead of being a relaxing escape, became a rollercoaster of chills, sweats, and dread.
Lesson Learned: Combining products can enhance effects, but always check the doses and start small. THC and CBD have unique interactions that can overwhelm even seasoned users if they’re not careful.
4. The Edible that Just Kept Going
After a workout, Cameron, a fitness enthusiast, thought a CBD edible would be the perfect way to soothe his sore muscles. Unfortunately, he accidentally picked up a THC-infused brownie. He had been told that edibles don’t last too long, so he figured eating the entire brownie wouldn’t hurt. But as the effects started kicking in, he realized he was in for a much longer night than he’d expected.
What Cameron didn’t know was that some THC edibles, especially high-potency ones, can last up to 12 hours, depending on your body and tolerance. As he lay on his couch feeling “stuck” in time, his plan for recovery turned into a long, sleepless night of distorted perceptions and endless mental loops.
Lesson Learned: Edibles have a wide range of onset times and effects that can last longer than expected. Always check the dose, especially with high-potency products, and don’t assume the effects will wear off quickly.
5. The Mystery Ingredient Incident
Stephanie, a 32-year-old mom juggling work and family, had been hearing about the calming effects of THC gummies. After a friend recommended an affordable online store, she ordered a pack that promised “premium relaxation at a budget price.” Eager to give herself a well-deserved break, Stephanie took a single gummy after putting her kids to bed. But soon after, her stomach started to churn, her mouth became unbearably dry, and she felt disoriented and feverish.
A quick online search led her to find horror stories about low-quality edibles. It turned out that the gummy she’d consumed was likely made with subpar ingredients and unregulated THC extracts. Instead of providing the calming effect she’d expected, the gummy’s questionable additives triggered nausea, dizziness, and a long, uncomfortable night. In the days following, she experienced a lingering headache and sensitivity to light, likely due to unregulated or poorly extracted THC and potentially harmful fillers.
Lesson Learned: Low-quality materials and unregulated products can contain unwanted additives and contaminants that may lead to uncomfortable or even harmful side effects. It’s crucial to buy from reputable brands that prioritize quality and safety testing, especially for hemp-derived THC and CBD products.
How to Avoid Low-Quality Products and Other Helpful Tips
- Check for Third-Party Lab Testing: Reputable brands like Galaxy Treats always provide test results from third-party laboratories verifying purity, potency, and safety of the ingredients. Always look for these certificates when purchasing.
- Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Deep discounts or untrustworthy online stores can sometimes be a red flag for low-quality or improperly manufactured products.
- Research the Brand: A quick search into a brand’s background can reveal its reputation, manufacturing practices, and commitment to quality. Prioritize brands with positive reviews and transparency about their ingredients.
With quality products and responsible use, you can avoid unpleasant experiences like Stephanie’s and have a safe, enjoyable journey with THC and CBD. And as these horror stories reveal, using THC and CBD products can come with unintended (and sometimes frightening) side effects if they’re misused. Here are some helpful tips to keep your experiences positive and prevent any unexpected scares:
- Read Labels Carefully: Check the THC and CBD content, strength, and serving size on all products. Even if you think you know what you’re taking, confirm the potency before consuming.
- Start Low, Go Slow: Edibles, in particular, take time to kick in. To avoid overwhelming experiences, always start with a lower dose than you think you need.
- Stay Informed About Product Types: CBD and THC products can look similar but have distinct effects. Double-check that you have the right product—especially if you’re new to either.
- Avoid Mixing Products without Guidance: Combining THC and CBD can amplify effects, and each user reacts differently. It’s best to avoid mixing products until you’re more familiar with how each one affects you individually.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart, and Enjoy the Benefits
These horror stories highlight the importance of responsible use, careful dosing, and quality selection when it comes to THC and CBD products. Whether you’re a new user or have experience with cannabinoids, each of these tales is a reminder to choose products that prioritize safety, transparency, and consistency.
The best way to avoid spooky surprises is to rely on brands that are committed to quality and user satisfaction. Here at Galaxy Treats, you’ll find a selection of carefully crafted, third-party lab-tested hemp-derived THC gummies, edibles, and other similar products that ensure peace of mind. With a reputation for excellence and hundreds of positive reviews, our products are designed to enhance relaxation and wellness without the scares.
Treat yourself to an experience you can trust—and leave the frights behind. Check out our full range of Delta 8 THC gummies, Delta 9 THC gummies, live resin disposables and vapes, and edibles to find a product that fits your lifestyle and needs.