Stay Calm and Breathe
The first and most important step when you feel too high is to stay calm. Feelings of paranoia, anxiety, or unease can accompany the experience, but these are temporary and will pass. Take slow, deep breaths to help reduce any anxiety or panic. Focusing on your breathing can provide a calming effect, grounding you in the moment and helping to reduce racing thoughts.
How to do it:
- Inhale slowly through your nose for four seconds.
- Hold your breath for a couple of seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth for four to six seconds.
- Repeat for a few minutes or until you feel more relaxed.
Hydrate with Water
Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with an intense high. Drinking water can help flush out the THC in your system, although it won’t immediately eliminate the effects. It’s important to avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages, as they can increase dehydration or anxiety, making the experience worse.
Tip: Keep a bottle of water handy whenever you consume cannabis. It helps with dry mouth and can keep your body in balance.
Chew on Some Black Peppercorns
How to do it:
- Simply chew on a couple of peppercorns.
- If you don’t want to chew, try sniffing them for a similar effect.
Eat Something
Consuming food, particularly snacks that are rich in fats, can help lower the effects of being too high. THC is fat-soluble, meaning it binds to the fat in your body. Eating something high in fat may help absorb some of the THC in your system and lessen the intensity of the high.
Best foods to eat:
- Cheese
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Chocolate
- Yogurt
Even if it’s not high in fat, eating something can help distract you and make you feel more in control of your body.
Take a Walk or Get Some Fresh Air
Sometimes, changing your environment is all it takes to help you feel better. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stepping outside for fresh air can provide immediate relief. The change of scenery, coupled with a little light exercise like walking, can help clear your mind and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
How it helps:
- Walking promotes blood circulation and can help distribute the THC in your body more evenly.
- Fresh air can provide a mental reset and help with any feelings of claustrophobia or confinement.
Distract Yourself
When you’re too high, your mind can get stuck in a loop of worry or paranoia. One of the best ways to break free from this cycle is to distract yourself with a light, enjoyable activity. This could be listening to calming music, watching a familiar TV show, or doing something creative like drawing or coloring.
Ideas for distractions:
- Put on your favorite playlist with relaxing music.
- Watch a fun or comforting movie or show.
- Try a puzzle or play a simple game.
- Call or text a friend to have a light conversation.
Take a Cold Shower or Splash Your Face
A cold shower can be refreshing and invigorating, helping to bring you back to reality when you feel too high. The shock of cold water on your body can snap you out of the fog, resetting your nervous system. If a shower isn’t an option, even splashing cold water on your face can do the trick.
Why it works:
- Cold water stimulates your body’s natural responses, helping to reduce any sense of detachment.
- The physical sensation shifts your focus from your mental state to your body.
Try CBD
How to use CBD:
- Take a few drops of CBD oil sublingually (under your tongue) for quick absorption.
- Try a CBD-infused edible, but be mindful that this might take longer to kick in.
Rest and Wait It Out
Sometimes, the best remedy is simply to wait it out. Remember that being high, even if uncomfortable, is a temporary experience. Find a comfortable spot to lie down and rest. Close your eyes, and let time pass. Try to remind yourself that the effects will fade with time. The high will gradually reduce, and you’ll feel better in a few hours.
Tips:
- Create a peaceful, quiet space to relax.
- Listen to calming sounds or nature music to help you fall asleep or relax deeper.
Know When to Ask for Help
If you’re really struggling or feel like your high is out of control, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, especially someone more experienced with cannabis. Having someone to talk to and offer reassurance can make all the difference in calming down.
In more extreme cases, such as severe anxiety or if you’re worried about your health, don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional. While rare, it’s always better to be cautious if you feel like your body or mind isn’t responding well.
Getting too high can be a disorienting and unsettling experience, but with the right methods, you can regain control and feel better. From staying hydrated to changing your environment or using CBD, these simple steps can help sober you up quickly and effectively. The key is to remain calm, distract yourself, and give your body the time it needs to process the THC. As always, moderation is key when it comes to cannabis consumption, and understanding your limits can help prevent these experiences in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there’s no way to instantly sober up, but there are methods to help reduce the intensity and effects faster.
- Stay Calm: Anxiety or paranoia are common symptoms. Remind yourself that this is temporary and will pass.
- Hydrate: Drink water or juice to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist.
- Eat something: Having food in your stomach can help absorb some of the THC and ground you.
- Take a walk: Fresh air and light movement can help you feel more grounded.
- Peppercorns: Sniffing or chewing on black pepper can help ease anxiety.
- Lemon or citrus: Lemon juice or chewing on citrus peels may help counteract the high.
- CBD: CBD products may reduce the psychoactive effects of THC and promote relaxation.
- Take a nap: Sleeping it off can help your body process the THC and reduce its effects.
The high typically lasts 2-6 hours depending on the amount and method of consumption. However, it may take up to 24 hours for all effects to wear off completely.
- Caffeine and alcohol: These can intensify certain symptoms like anxiety or dehydration.
- Panic: Avoid overthinking or dwelling on the intensity of the high—it will pass.