Helpful tips on what to do when you get too high or turn green

Most cannabis users have had a situation where they thought, “I’m way too high”. This feeling can occur after ingesting a high-dose edible, smoking too many blunts, or ingesting too many dabs. Or maybe you are just new to cannabis and have mistakenly indulged in too much. There are several things you can do to reduce the effects. Here’s what to do when you’re too high.

How long does it take to get sober from weed?

How long it takes to sober up from using cannabis depends on the cannabis product you have consumed. If you’ve consumed concentrates, which are the most potent cannabis products, it can take about 2-3 hours to sober up. If you’ve just smoked a joint, it can usually take anywhere from 1-2 hours. After all, edibles tend to stay in your system longer and you can feel the effects for more than 5 hours. Remember, these are only estimates.

It also depends a lot on whether you are a regular cannabis user or just have the odd joint or two. Typically, people who use cannabis regularly have a higher tolerance than newbies, who may have little to no experience. Your body will be the main control factor when it comes to sobering up and this will vary significantly from person to person. We have excellent tips on what to do when you’re too high.

Symptoms of being too high

When you think you are too high, there are several common symptoms:

• Feeling overly anxious
• panic easily
• Feeling paranoid
• Be overly confused
• sweating too much
• Dry mouth
• Discomfort with people and the environment

Steps to Take When You Get High

If you find yourself suffering from these symptoms, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to reduce your high. Here is a list of the most common ways to lower your buzz.

1. Relax and create a safe space

The first step that you should take is to try to relax. Do some deep breathing exercises and if your surroundings make you anxious, try moving to another room. Grab your blanket, put on comfortable clothes and find out which room is more comfortable for you.

Also, try listening to relaxing music to help you relax. If you get sleepy, follow your instincts and take a nap. When you wake up you should see a noticeable difference in your height.

2. Use CBD

Like THC, CBD is another cannabinoid found in cannabis that interacts with various receptors in your brain. Studies have shown that CBD helps with anxiety and can make you tired. If you have something on hand, take a dose, and if you feel like you can sleep, definitely do it. Sleeping in is usually the best way to get off a bad trip.

3. Drink water and eat something

This advice may seem like a no-brainer, but you should fill your water bottle and drink at a steady pace. It’s best to eat something too. If you feel a little sick, at least try a small snack like crackers or toast. If you have an appetite, prepare a straightforward meal that does not involve a stove, as it can be dangerous in your state to use it while you are high.

4. Black pepper

A 2011 study found that caryophyllene, a compound found in peppercorns, increased the sedative effects of THC. This connection can help you calm down by fighting the paranoia and anxiety that come when you’re too high. Take a pepper container and sniff it (do not inhale) or chew two to three peppercorns. Neil Young claims this method works. Try it out for yourself and let us know in the comments if it helped at all.

5. Try a lemon

A study on limonene showed anti-anxiety properties. Some people make lemon peel tea by grinding it up and adding it to your tea. Apparently it’s pretty bitter. However, if you can handle the sour taste of raw lemon, take a bite out of it. Some people even claim that just sniffing the fruit can help. It is worth a try.

Photo by Elle Hughes

6. Eat pine nuts

While you may not have these in your kitchen, pine nuts are believed to have calming effects and help improve clarity. This ability is due to the pinene found in pine nuts. Pinene is also a naturally occurring terpene in cannabis that creates a pine-like aroma when smoked.

Note: If you have a nut allergy, do not try this method.

7. Distract yourself

There are several things you can do to distract yourself. If you don’t know what to do when you’re too high, try any of these things from our list:

• Read a book
• Whip out colored pencils and color in
• Play a video game
• Watch inspirational movies, shows, YouTube videos
• exercise
• Meditate
• Listen to podcasts
• listen to music
• Build a fortress
• Reorganize your desk
• Clean
• Try to help others with a task
• colour
• To dance
• Write
• swim
• Just get vegetables out
• Read this article on green living

8. Cuddle with a pet or friend

One of the most relaxing things to do is cuddle your fur baby, teddy bear, friend, or partner. Focus on how you feel. Try and send good vibes to whoever or whatever you are hugging. Try to relax, listen to a heartbeat, and focus on being satisfied.

9. Take a shower or a bath

Find your bubble bath gel and get ready for a luxurious bath. Try to focus on the present and allow yourself to feel the water and the relaxation of your muscles. If you’re too sleepy, try showering instead to be on the safe side. Use your loofah and give yourself a good scrub. You will likely come out of the shower more relaxed and cleaner.

10. Take a walk and get into nature

If you feel like going for a walk, take a friend with you. We don’t want you to wander into the forest alone. Use your five senses when exploring a neighborhood park, hiking trail, or even just your yard. Look for colored stones, smell flowers, and just enjoy the sights. You never know what you and your friend will find.

11. Talk to someone

One of the best ways to calm yourself down is to talk to a friend about it. Laugh at old jokes. Explain to them how you are feeling and they can offer you another way to reduce your high. Use your phone, tablet, or computer, go online and have a few chats with people on social media. You’ll feel better in no time.

12. Take some ibuprofen

One study found that ibuprofen may help reduce the effects of THC. Before doing this, consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are not experiencing any side effects. If you are taking other medications, ibuprofen may not be safe to take. If you know it’s okay, give it a try.

Know your limits

One of the most important things to do before using cannabis is to find out how well it is tolerated. If you are new to cannabis use, start with small dosages like 5 mg edibles or a few puffs of a joint. Wait to see how you react and if you feel like it is not affecting you, slowly increase your dose in increments.

Let us know in the comments if any of these remedies helped you and follow us @cannalifenet for cannabis-related content.