As much as we all love to dance with Miss Mary Jane, it’s definitely not fun when you accidentally overdo it.
Whether you’ve just remembered that you need to run to the grocery store or you’re suddenly uncomfortably aware of your own heartbeat, there may be times when you want to lessen the effects of your recent cannabis session.
So how to come down from a high that’s too high?
Though no method is guaranteed to work for everyone, there are a few tricks you can try to get you back down to a comfortable level.
Remember these tips next time you find yourself in the grip of a high that’s a little too hard to handle.
#1) First of All, Don’t Panic
It’s easier said than done, but you’ll be able to stay much more in control of a scary situation if you can remember not to panic.
Keep in mind that, despite what anti-cannabis propagandists may tell you, no one has ever died from cannabis overconsumption.
Unless you’ve consumed about 30,000 joints in the last fifteen minutes, you’re not in any mortal danger from overdosing.
“Greening out,” as the experience is called in the cannabis community, is unquestionably unpleasant but generally only lasts a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Maybe several hours if you’ve taken too much of an edible.
Struggling to maintain a level head?
Try performing some simple breathing exercises. Deep breathing will give you a healthy dose of oxygen and can slow your heart rate in times of stress.
Even spending just a single minute focused entirely on your breathing can bring you out of the depths of panic and paranoia.
#2) Drink Lots of Water
Water is a remedy to so many of life’s ailments, and the effect of overdoing it on cannabis is no exception.
It won’t bring you completely back to a state of sobriety but chugging a glass of water can start to take the edge off an overwhelming high.
Water is a powerful de-toxicant and being properly hydrated can go a long way in preventing a bad high.
To bring your comedown drink to the next level, add some lemon wedges with the rind still on.
Citrus peels are known to contain a terpene called limonene, which can augment the effects of THC.
Don’t throw back too much H2O at once, though.
Drinking too much water in a short timespan can cause a condition called hyponatremia, a lack of electrolytes caused by overhydration.
This will leave you with nasty symptoms like nausea, headaches, confusion, fatigue, and irritability – not what you’re looking for when you’re already fighting an overwhelming high.
#3) Grab Some Black Pepper
It’s not just an old wives’ tale. Black pepper really will help to counteract the effects of too much cannabis.
Cannabis enthusiasts have used peppercorns for years as a way to get a handle on an overly strong high.
Believe it or not, pepper has the ability to reduce a number of mental health symptoms, including anxiety.
When combined with THC, the terpene beta-caryophyllene in black peppercorns have a noticeable calming effect.
Give it a taste or a sniff to regain control and start coming back down to earth.
If you are super high, just be careful not to accidentally inhale any peppercorns while sniffing.
If you don’t have a peppercorn on hand to pop in your mouth, whip up a peppery snack.
Peppered tomato slices or popcorn with parmesan and black pepper can manage both your munchies and your stress level.
#4) Get Some Exercise
If you can manage to move around without feeling lightheaded, try going for a walk to get your heart rate pumping.
You’ll sober up more quickly, and the fresh air will feel amazing in your lungs.
When you exercise, your body produces endorphins to block pain and stress transmitters, including the alarms that go off in your brain when you get too high.
You’ll have time to breathe and get a hold of your situation before your symptoms start to spike again. Plus, the change of scenery might help reduce your anxiety.
Another benefit of using exercise to come down quickly is that you’ll be distracted from your discomfort while you do it.
If you’re able to peel yourself off the couch, go for a walk or do some jumping jacks, it will make a difference. Just don’t forget to drink plenty of water!
And if you do go for a walk, watch out for cars and maybe bring a friend.
#5) Take a Pill
For those wondering how to stop being high, you may find this interesting:
A 2013 study showed evidence that popping an ibuprofen can bring down the intoxicating effects of cannabis while still allowing for the physiological benefits.
That’s great news for medical patients who don’t enjoy the high, as well as a casual user who may have accidentally eaten too much of a brownie.
Ibuprofen will help to reduce sluggishness and bring back your lost motivation.
It may even restore your normal memory function and mental ability.
It’s a great way to quell an overactive high that you likely already have stashed in your medicine cabinet.
Just go light on ibuprofen or any other products containing acetaminophen if you want to avoid liver damage.
#6) Opt For Some CBD
It may seem counterproductive to fight the effects of a cannabinoid with another cannabinoid, but a dose of CBD oil might just do the trick.
CBD and THC are like the yin and yang of the cannabis plant.
Where THC can send you into the deep cognitive stimulation that cannabis is known for, CBD offers a soothing comfort more than a high.
If THC is like floating on a cloud, CBD is like being wrapped in a warm blanket.
CBD is effective in bringing down a THC high because the two work together in a synergistic way.
#7) Take a Nap
Of all the ways on how to come down from a high that’s too strong, this one may help you best.
Lay down for a nap of about 30 minutes to reduce your buzz without ruining your productivity for the day.
A quick catnap is a great hack to reset your inner equilibrium – give it a try the next time you find yourself struggling after taking one too many bong rips.
Getting a little too baked can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re not a seasoned cannabis consumer.
Keep these tricks up your sleeve, and you won’t find yourself steamrolled by a too-intense high.
And if things do get uncomfortable, this is just your body’s way of telling you to use less cannabis next time.
Even one or two puffs can go a long way toward bringing you therapeutic relief and with smaller doses you wouldn’t have to worry about how to stop being high.
It’s helpful to understand that cannabis is a biphasic substance, meaning if you take too much it will have opposite the intended effects.
