![](\"https:\/\/www.theblackvault.com\/images\/pdf.gif\")
DEA Bulletin BUL-089-14 – Cannabis Toxicity Death, March 2014<\/a> [4 Pages,\u00a01.1MB]<\/p>\nIn late October 2013, a 31-year-old British national woman reportedly died\u00a0as a result of cannabis toxicity.<\/p>\n
Although a recent review confirmed the coroner’s\u00a0findings. the exact cause of death remains unclear and several outside organizations\u00a0dispute claims that the woman’s death was caused by cannabis toxicity.<\/p>\n
Death from cannabis toxicity is highly unusual and this is only the second\u00a0documented case of this kind to occur in the United Kingdom (UK). In 2004, a 36-year-old man from Wales also is believed to have died as a result of cannabis toxicity.\u00a0While the woman’s official cause of death is disputed by several marijuana advocacy\u00a0groups and other medical experts, the coroner found no evidence of any serious\u00a0medical condition or natural cause of death and, therefore, concluded that cannabis\u00a0toxicity was the most likely cause.<\/p>\n
Although very few deaths have been attributed to cannabis toxicity,\u00a0marijuana has a wide range of toxic health effects and is potentially fatal, even when
\nused in small doses.<\/p>\n
For example, studies have shown that marijuana increases the\u00a0heart rate and blood pressure shortly after use, which can result in cardiac arrest,\u00a0stroke, and other acute pulmonary or cardiovascular reactions, especially in\u00a0individuals with pre-existing conditions.<\/p>\n
Although increasing cannabis consumption\u00a0and the introduction of more potent varieties of the drug could result in other health\u00a0issues, fatal overdoses will likely remain rare.<\/p>\n
A greater concern is that users will combine marijuana\u00a0with other substances and\/or drive a vehicle while under the influence of the drug.<\/p>\n
DEA Bulletin BUL-089-14 – Cannabis Toxicity Death, March 2014<\/a> [4 Pages,\u00a01.1MB]<\/p>\n