How to cope with a bad marijuana high

Bad highs can be terrible. Flashbacks to previous experiences can even make people afraid to try THC again. The intensity of these episodes can vary, but most leave you with an anxious mess even when you know they are temporary and not life-threatening. It’s something you want to avoid, but here are tips on how to deal with a bad marijuana high.

Although no one has died from a marijuana overdose, some people have experienced panic attacks, which is worrying, especially now that our healthcare system is overloaded with more important things.

Bad highs are a mixture of many symptoms, but some of the most common include rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, and anxiety. They’re also more likely to occur when you’re in a bad situation, such as when you’re an anxious person in the midst of a pandemic.

The good news is that there are things you can do to lessen your symptoms, even when you’re alone and in quarantine. You should always keep in mind that what you are experiencing is an expression of anxiety and that it will subside even if you have consumed a high dose of a super potent edible.

Here are some tactics that can help you feel better:

talk to a friend

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Talking to a friend or partner, whether in person or over the phone or video, can be very helpful. Try to reach out to someone calm and not panicking. That way, he can help you keep your cool and remind you that any bad feelings you’re feeling are temporary. When you’re quarantined with someone, holding hands or hugging them can also be beneficial as the physical feeling makes you feel good and helps you keep your feet on the ground.

Play with a pet

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Pets are calming, adorable, and interactive—the perfect distraction from a bad high. Spend lots of time playing and cuddling with them, whether that’s playing fetch with your dog or bothering your cat with a flashlight.

Do something distracting

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RELATED: Moms are using marijuana more than ever because of the pandemic

Put something on the TV, preferably something fun and happy that you’ve seen before, so as not to get scared. You can also put on relaxing music or start putting together a jigsaw puzzle. All of these activities are calming and give your brain something to put its energy into without requiring a lot of attention.

Be careful

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. When trying new methods of consuming marijuana, start with low doses, even if they are not that intimidating or if you are experienced with the drug. If you’re feeling stressed or upset, giving up marijuana altogether may be your best option, as your mood has a big impact on your high.