Cannabis is a wonderful plant that has helped people all over the world with physical ailments, mental struggles, and connection to spirituality – when utilized properly. And although no one has ever fatally overdosed from cannabis use, it’s certainly possible to overdo it, leaving the consumer wondering how to stop being high ASAP.
If you’ve ever taken on too much too quickly, try not to panic: there are a few different ways to sober up from weed quickly when you need to, or at least calm yourself down enough to remember that this too shall pass.
How Do I Know I’m Too High?
Any seasoned cannabis consumer has experienced that terrifying realization that they’re really high – way too high. And while this can be scary in the moment, it’s always temporary, and easy enough to remedy if you have the proper (and incredibly basic) tools.
But first – how does one know if they’ve gone too far with cannabis? This varies from person to person, depending on dosage, tolerance levels, set and setting, and more, but generally, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sweats
- Feelings of paranoia
- Panic attack
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Red/itchy/irritated eyes
- Confusion
- Reduced coordination
- Cottonmouth
None of these symptoms are fun to experience, and that feeling of “OMG, I’m way too high” may only exacerbate the symptoms and make them feel worse than they actually are.
Instead of allowing yourself to freak out even further, try to keep in mind that these feelings are only temporary – and there are a few actions you can take in order to reduce this anxious state of mind.
How to Come Down From a Weed High Fast
So you’ve had too much weed, and you’re desperately trying to figure out how to stop being high. Unfortunately, there’s no instant fix for sobering up from the plant completely, but there are a few measures you can take to speed up the process – or at least bring you out of the negative state you’re in.
1. Phone a Friend
One of the quickest ways to get out of your own head when you’re having a less than positive cannabis experience? Phone a friend to help bring you back to reality.
This will quickly help you come down from that paranoid high, reminding you that you’re just having a bad experience and will recover from it eventually.
And while talking to a stranger may only exacerbate the paranoid feelings, talking to someone you know, love, and trust might be just the thing you need to feel okay again.
2. Focus on a Media Distraction
Art is always enjoyed to the fullest after you’ve consumed cannabis: colors are brighter, music sounds better, and words and/or lyrics hit that much deeper.
If you’re trying to figure out how to sober up from weed – or at least how to stop being so high – it may be helpful to shift your focus to a form of art and/or media, like a movie, TV show, book, video game, or creating something of your own.
This might help you get your mind off your negative experience, get out of the paranoia you’re feeling inside your body, and fuel that energy to engage in something positive instead.
Conversely, it might be helpful to turn down any loud music.
3. Hydrate
When you’re trying to figure out how to come down from a high, sometimes all you need is a little water…or maybe a lot.
Hydrating will help you fight that cottonmouth you may be experiencing, and allows you to focus on a simple, instantly satisfying task at hand.
4. Balance with CBD
CBD has become incredibly popular with the cannabis crowd – especially for those who want to enjoy the benefits of the plant without experiencing an intense high. Research suggests that the cannabinoid may also be effective in counteracting THC-induced anxiety and/or paranoia.
This definitely depends on you, your body, and the terpene makeup of the THC and/or CBD in your system. However, many have experienced calming effects after taking CBD to counteract that unnerving feeling of too much THC.
If you consume cannabis regularly, it’s a good idea to always have some CBD on hand for those moments when you go one toke over the line.
5. Chew on Peppercorn or Lemon Slices
Sometimes, the best way to come down from an overly intense high is to distract your senses with something else. You may want to try chewing on some peppercorn or lemon slices – and here’s why.
As you probably know, cannabis contains various terpenes which result in different types of highs. Black pepper contains pinene and caryophyllene, which have both been recognized for their ability to tone down THC’s psychoactive effects.
Lemon slices may be a good option too, especially if you respond well to limonene. Lemons are ripe with limonene, a terpene that is known for relieving stress in consumers.
6. Meditate
Meditating or focusing on breathing exercises can also be really helpful when you’re having a negative experience with cannabis. Turning all of your attention to the most basic elements of the body can take you out of the paranoid state and remind you that this moment will pass.
It may also be helpful to try this step first and allow it to help you determine what you need to do next. Honing in on the present and really asking your body how it feels will inform what steps you need to take to feel better again.
7. Exercise
Another welcome distraction for a paranoid high is exercising. Sweating helps reduce the intense effects of too much THC, and will allow your body to focus on something other than how weird/uncomfortable you feel.
You may want to keep the exercise light, however. And avoid anything that could result in injury.
8. Shower
Sometimes, all it takes to sober up from weed fast is to engage your body's senses in a calming and familiar manner – like by taking a nice shower or bath.
Don't have time or access to do this? Just splash a little cold water on your face. This can help you calm down, decrease your likely-elevated heart rate, and bring you back to the present moment.
9. Wait it Out
If all else fails, you can always fall back on Plan Z: waiting it out. Again, while too much cannabis can certainly be an uncomfortable experience, it is always temporary.
Try to lay down, take deep, soothing breaths, and just wait for the moment to pass.
How Do I Prevent Getting Too High in the Future?
The above tools are useful for those uncomfortable moments, but the best way to handle an overwhelming cannabis episode is to do anything you can to prevent one from happening in the first place.
Almost every consumer under the sun has experienced a too-high moment with weed, but knowing yourself and your limit can help you inform when you should stop in the future.
Always make sure you’re consuming in a safe environment with people you trust, pay attention to your dosage, and start low and slow if you have any doubts at all.
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