Whether you consume cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, consuming products that contain THC will elicit effects such as pain reduction and feelings of euphoria. If you accidentally consume too much marijuana, however, you could find yourself experiencing adverse effects like nausea, paranoia, anxiety, and dizziness.
No one wants to experience a high that’s too intense, but it’s common in new users or those trying out a new product from their local weed dispensary. If you fall victim to consuming too much THC, here are a few ways to counteract the effects and feel better faster!
1) Exercise
If you live in a safe environment that won’t exacerbate any feelings of anxiety or paranoia, go for a walk or run around your neighborhood. Fresh air and exercise will help invigorate you and lower your blood pressure, reducing the effects of your high on the central nervous system. It can also distract you from fixating on your high or help you burn off excess energy if you’re feeling jumpy. Make sure you stay in your immediate area so you don’t get lost, and refrain from physical activity altogether if you’re feeling lightheaded.
2) Drink Cold Water for Hydration
Drinking water and staying sufficiently hydrated is one of the most effective ways to help manage a high that’s become too intense when consuming cannabis. If possible, drink ice water, as cold water increases your blood volume. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your body, slowing your heart rate. Keeping your blood circulating at a quicker pace will also help flush the THC out of your system more quickly.
Additionally, staying hydrated combats dry mouth, a common side effect of cannabis use, and helps alleviate the negative effects such as nausea, paranoia, anxiety, and dizziness.
3) Try CBD
Although it may sound counterintuitive to ingest more cannabis-derived products, it has actually been found that CBD products help counteract THC and bring down your high. CBD interacts with different receptors in the brain and can mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC, providing anti-anxiety effects that alleviate anxiety and paranoia caused by THC.
To achieve this, you can stop by your nearest cannabis dispensary and ask for a CBD tincture or CBD beverage. The CBD will block CB1 receptors in the brain and suppress the effects of THC quickly. For the fastest relief, ingest the CBD via vape or tincture.
4) The Black Pepper Trick
Eating or sniffing black peppercorns is another well-known trick for bringing down a high. Black pepper contains a terpene called beta-caryophyllene, also found in many cannabis strains. This terpene, in combination with marijuana’s tetrahydrocannabinol, increases the sedating effects of THC and can subdue feelings of paranoia. Chew two or three pieces of fresh black peppercorn or sniff a bowl of crushed peppercorns, being careful not to inhale any.
5) Try to Sleep It Off
If none of these other options are effective or possible for you to try, the best thing to do is sleep it off. Turn off the lights, brew some CBD-infused tea, and tuck into bed. Although you may find it difficult to sleep right away, try closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing. Resting for a few hours will allow you to awake sober and recharged.
6) Lemon Rind
Lemon is another natural remedy that can help you reduce the effects of THC. Lemons contain limonene, a compound known for its calming effects. Eating some lemon or squeezing lemon juice into your water can help counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC. For an even greater effect, zest the lemon peel into your water, as the peel contains the highest concentration of limonene.
7) Focus on Something Else
Shifting your focus to something other than your high can stop you from fixating on it, making it seem worse. Engage in simple activities such as watching a comforting TV show, listening to music, reading a book, or doing puzzles. These distractions can help keep your mind occupied and reduce feelings of anxiety.
8) Reach Out to a Friend
Talking to a friend can provide comfort and reassurance. If you have a trusted, sober friend available, give them a call and have them stay with you until you feel better. Their presence can help you remain calm and prevent you from engaging in risky behavior.
Additional Tips
- Consume a light snack: Eating a light snack, such as fruits or nuts, can help reduce the high. Pine nuts, in particular, are believed to have anxiety-reducing effects that may help counteract the THC high. Additionally, terpenes in food, which are also present in cannabis, can have a mitigating effect on highness.
- Breathe deeply: Practice deep breathing exercises to help calm your nervous system. The deep breaths allow your body to take in more oxygen and release tension, promoting relaxation.
- Stay calm: Remember that the high will pass. Engage in a familiar activity or listen to soothing music to help distract your mind.
- Find relaxation techniques: Explore different relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to help calm your mind and body.
Strike the Right Balance with Cornerstone Wellness
It can be tempting to visit your nearest cannabis dispensary and try whatever products look best, but this can ultimately leave you with negative experiences such as a too-intense high. Understanding the effects of the psychoactive compound THC is crucial in making informed decisions about cannabis use. Everyone’s body reacts to cannabis differently, so it’s important that you choose strains, doses, and product types that are most suitable to you.
Here at Cornerstone Wellness, we go above and beyond the typical weed dispensary experience. We offer a comprehensive one-on-one counseling approach in order to tailor recommendations to your unique endocannabinoid system and maximize your chances of success with our products.
As California’s first evidence-based medical dispensary, we believe in empowered wellness. To browse our carefully curated natural product offerings or experience our unparalleled customer service, give us a call today at (323) 259-8933 or stop by our Eagle Rock location.
FAQ
What should I do if I feel too high from too much THC?
If you feel too high, try drinking cold water, eating a light snack, or sniffing black pepper. Engaging in light exercise or practicing deep breathing can also help. If possible, find a safe and calm environment to relax in until the effects pass. While the intoxicating effects may seem uncomfortable, they are generally not dangerous and will eventually wear off.
However, if you experience more severe negative side effects, seek medical attention immediately. If you experience severe adverse side effects, it may be a sign of drug abuse, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
How long does a cannabis high last?
The duration of a cannabis high can vary based on multiple factors, including the strain, the method of consumption, and individual tolerance levels. Typically, the effects can last from 2 to 6 hours.
Can CBD really counteract THC?
Yes, CBD can help counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. It blocks CB1 receptors in the brain, which can help reduce the intensity of the high. CBD products like tinctures or vapes are often recommended for quick relief.
Is it safe to sleep while high?
Yes, sleeping is one of the safest ways to allow the effects of THC to pass. Find a comfortable and quiet place to rest, and focus on deep breathing to help you relax and fall asleep.
How can I prevent getting too high in the future?
To prevent getting too high in the future, start with a lower dose of cannabis and gradually increase as you become more familiar with your tolerance level. Choose strains and products known for their milder effects, and consult a knowledgeable dispensary professional if you have any concerns.
What are the signs and adverse effects of consuming too much cannabis?
Signs of consuming too much weed include anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, dizziness, dry mouth, and feeling overly intoxicated. If you experience these symptoms, follow the above tips to help mitigate the effects.