“Oh shoot… I’m too high.”
Any person will tell you, there’s one cannabis-related experience no one enjoys. It’s that moment when you realize, “shoot… I’m way too high.”
Maybe that edible finally hit a few hours late, or you take one too many hits of that mystery joint. Or maybe you just simply overestimated your tolerance level. However it happens, the experience of a too-intense cannabis high can turn off even the most seasoned cannabis lover.
We’ve put together a list of our top 7 tips to counteract an overwhelming cannabis high. Read on for our fool-proof ways to come back down when you’re feeling way too high.
1. Don’t Panic
Step one. Do not panic. Realizing you’re too high can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to panic. When that moment hits, take a deep breath and remember that most symptoms of “greening out” (imbibing too much cannabis) will dissipate within a few minutes to a few hours, with no lasting effects beyond a little grogginess. This too shall pass, and in no time you’ll be feeling back to normal. Despite how freaked out you may feel, ingesting too much cannabis won’t kill you.*
2. Drink Some Water
Hydration is key! Make sure you have a nice cold beverage on hand to combat dry mouth and hydrate your body. Oh, and make sure that drink is non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic. Alcohol can actually increase THC blood concentrations, so stay away from the booze.*
3. Eat A Light Snack
Some people find that noshing on a light snack helps them feel a bit more grounded. Consider grazing on some fruits and nuts, or make yourself a little plate of cheese and crackers. As the old saying goes, good food keeps body and soul together. Next time you’re feeling too high, grab a snack and see if it’s easier to connect mind and body (or body and soul).*
4. Spice It Up
A simple cure to that cannabis-induced paranoia might be hiding in your kitchen cabinet. Many people (including Neil Young!) swear by black pepper to aid their come-down! Just sniff or chew on a few black peppercorns for some instantaneous relief.
5. Try CBD
Did you know that CBD can actually help undo your “scary high?” Even though CBD comes from the same plant as THC, CBD can’t get you high. Instead, CBD actually helps counteract the anxious, paranoid feelings of THC. CBD diminishes certain effects of THC (like the munchies, grogginess and the intense, buzzy high) while augmenting others. Think of CBD and the yin to THC’s yang.
6. Distract Yourself
Do something to take your mind off how you’re feeling. Take a walk to get your blood pumping. Just remember to stay in familiar surroundings. If you’re feeling woozy, skip the walk and stay on the couch instead. Put on your favorite TV show or movie. Run a hot batch and throw in a double dose of bath salts. Listen to your favorite album, or play a video game.
7. Sleep It Off
Sometimes the best thing to do is rest. Turn the lights down, brew some decaf sleepy-time tea, put on your coziest pajamas and hit the hay. It’s not always easy to shut your brain off. Even if you can’t sleep right away, just try closing your eyes, focusing on your breathing and letting your mind relax.
*The Apothecary LLC are not doctors and we do not provide medical advice. None of the information on this site, including information in any press release or blog post, constitutes legal or medical advice by us.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.
Jesse Richardson is the co-founder of The Brothers Apothecary. He's an avid tea drinker and the primary creator behind The Brothers' products. An undergraduate of UCLA for Political Science, Jesse currently studies Medicinal Plants at Cornell University and The International School of Herbal Arts & Sciences.