Although getting high is often the point of smoking cannabis or eating edibles, there’s such a thing as getting too high. For some, the experience is less of a chill, enjoyable ride and much more intense. While there haven’t been any cases of people overdosing on cannabis, smoking too much can lead to a pretty bad experience.
So, with that in mind, let’s discuss how to stop being high fast. While you can’t exactly remove all the cannabinoids from your system until they’re flushed out, you can mitigate their effects and return to some semblance of “normal.”
What Happens When You’re Too High?
Technically, you’ll know when you’re too high, but some of the most common symptoms can include the following:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Panic Attacks
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Excessive Sweating
Overall, the severity of these conditions will depend on factors like user biology, the method of consumption (i.e., smoking vs. edibles), the concentration of THC, and the strain itself. For example, cannabis Indica can help you relax, while cannabis Sativa makes you feel more energized. So, you might get too high from smoking the latter and not the former (or vice versa).
Tips to Stop Being High Fast
One thing to remember is that it’s hard to pinpoint which methods will work best for you. For example, you might be able to come down quickly after smoking, but it might take longer if you’ve ingested edibles. Also, other elements in your system (i.e., alcohol, prescription medication, etc.) can affect how easy it is to stop being high.
Nonetheless, here are the best ways to stop being high that work for most people. Feel free to mix and match strategies as necessary to get the results you want.
Drink Water and Eat Light Snacks
As a rule, drinking lots of water can help flush various toxins from your body. Also, smoking marijuana can give you a bad case of cotton mouth, so drinking fluids can help alleviate that. Water is best, but you can also drink other beverages with electrolytes and nutrients, like Pedialyte. This way, you can rehydrate and help your body feel better simultaneously.
You may also feel higher if you’re smoking or ingesting on an empty stomach. So, eating some light (i.e., relatively healthy) snacks can help counterbalance the effects. While you don’t want to stuff your face, grazing on fruits, vegetables, and non-salty or greasy foods can make you feel better.
Remember to Calm Down and Breathe Deeply
Telling someone to calm down when they’re having a bad experience usually does the opposite. However, it’s crucial to take deep breaths and try to slow your heart rate as much as possible. If necessary, go to a quiet place or a location in which you feel the most comfortable. You may also want to wrap yourself in a blanket or something similar to help you feel snug and safe.
Then, concentrate on your surroundings and your breathing. Try to clear your mind as much as possible so you don’t get overstimulated. Doing this can help you calm down a lot faster.
Watch Your Favorite Movies or TV Shows
The mind loves repetition and security, which is why nostalgia is such a powerful emotion. Since your mind already knows what to expect from familiar shows and movies, watching them can help you calm down and feel less high. Plus, if you’re watching something in a safe place while snuggling in a blanket and eating snacks, you can stop being high much faster than usual.
Use CBD
Cannabidiol is the second primary ingredient in cannabis, and it interacts with different receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). While researchers aren’t exactly clear on how CBD helps you recover from too much THC, the evidence is strong. So, taking some CBD supplements can help balance your biology so you don’t feel too high or overwhelmed. Plus, CBD works well as a sleep aid, so you might be able to get more rest and clear your mind.
Chew Black Peppercorns (The Ball Ones, Typically Used in a Pepper Grinder)
Again, the science behind this trick needs to be better understood, but many people swear by it. Because black peppercorns are so aromatic and have such a strong flavor, they can help you feel centered and grounded. Overall, the idea is that your mind is spiraling out of control, so bringing it back to reality with strong scents helps prevent the worst effects of getting too high.
