Effective Methods to Reduce Marijuana High

We’ve all been there: you’ve enjoyed a perfectly rolled joint, timed a dab just right, or savored an artisanal edible. But then, those enjoyable sensations take a turn—your laughter becomes heavy, and you start to wonder, “Am I too high?” No, you’re not dead; you’ve simply reached that moment of realization: “I’ve overdone it.”

Maybe that edible took longer to kick in than expected. Perhaps you held that bong hit a little too long to impress your friends. It could be your first experience with concentrates, catching you off guard with their potency. Or maybe you just have a low tolerance.

It can happen in numerous ways to sober up from being too high from weed, but when it does, the experience can be unsettling, enough to discourage even seasoned cannabis users. Thankfully, cannabis isn’t lethal, and its effects usually fade within a day. Here’s how to dial it back from the brink of greening out.

Duration of Marijuana High: When Does It Wear Off?

How to get less high? How long it takes to return to a sober state after consuming weed varies based on several factors: the method of consumption, dosage, and individual characteristics such as tolerance, age, and metabolism. Typically, the stronger the cannabis product (measured by THC percentage or milligrams), the longer the high persists, although intensity may not necessarily correlate. Concentrates, like dabs, are the most potent, followed by flower and edibles.

Thus, sobering up from dabs might take longer compared to smoking a bowl, but various factors like dosage, product quality, and personal biology influence the experience. Notably, regular cannabis users with higher tolerance levels tend to sober up faster than occasional consumers. Recent studies suggest a “window of impairment” lasting between three to ten hours across consumption methods, but for most individuals, it’s around four hours.

Typically, a cannabis high peaks between 30 minutes to two hours, with residual effects lasting beyond that, occasionally extending the duration. Fortunately, there are strategies to alleviate feeling excessively high, overwhelmed, or uncomfortable from excessive cannabis use.

Spotting Signs of Excessive Use

How to get rid of a high? Determining when you’ve overdone it with smoking can sometimes be glaringly obvious. Yet, if you’re unsure about setting boundaries, there are clear signals to heed. While enjoying yourself is great, it’s wise to consider scaling back if you notice:

• Feelings of nervousness
• Queasiness
• Lightheadedness
• Panic
• Heightened paranoia
• Confusion
• Excessive perspiration

Understanding the Ramifications of Going Overboard

Even in moments of overwhelming sensation, it’s crucial to remember that you’re still very much alive. The intoxicating effects of marijuana are chiefly driven by THC, which interacts with the CB1 receptors primarily located in our brains as part of the endocannabinoid system. Essentially, it’s predominantly a mental journey! Consuming excessive THC isn’t lethal, nor does it impact the brain regions responsible for regulating breathing.

THC’s presence in our bodies can induce feelings of calmness, sleepiness, increased appetite, euphoria, and clumsiness. Nevertheless, the vast array of strains and products available makes it challenging to anticipate when a high might become too potent. In rare cases, such as those experiencing cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, individuals may encounter sensations of nausea or lightheadedness. Thankfully, these effects typically diminish with time.

Quick Tips to Get Sober from Marijuana

How to stop being high? Here are some tips for quickly sobering up from the effects of cannabis:

Stay Calm

Remember the timeless advice from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: DON’T PANIC. Remind yourself that you’re okay, and everything will be fine.

Most symptoms of consuming too much cannabis, known as “greening out,” will fade away within minutes to hours, leaving you with nothing more than some grogginess and perhaps an empty fridge. Just give it some time, and these sensations will pass.

It’s important to note that despite any anxiety you may feel or how sweaty you get, there have been no reported deaths from cannabis overdose in history. So, rest assured that you won’t suffer any serious consequences from excessive consumption.

Choose Water and Light Snacks

To echo Derek Zoolander’s insight, hydration is key to sobering up. Whether you prefer water or juice, having a cold drink on hand, preferably without caffeine, can combat dry mouth and allow you to focus on the simple act of drinking.

It’s important to note that when we say “hydrate,” we mean avoiding alcoholic beverages. If you’re feeling the effects of cannabis too strongly, it’s best to avoid alcohol, as it can increase THC levels in your bloodstream.

Curious if eating after smoking weed can help you feel more alert? Some people find that snacking on light foods like fruits, nuts, or cheese helps them feel more grounded. Research also suggests that terpenes found in both food and cannabis might help moderate the high.

Know Your Limits Before Using

If possible, adjust your cannabis consumption to your own tolerance level. If you know that just a few puffs from a joint make you anxious, or a small amount of an edible makes you feel overwhelmed, don’t push yourself beyond your comfort zone. While this might not immediately alleviate discomfort if you’re already feeling overwhelmed, it can prevent future discomfort.

Consume with trusted friends with whom you’ve smoked before, and don’t feel pressured to match their tolerance levels. While making new friends is great, being around strangers when you’re feeling disoriented isn’t ideal.

Take it slow, especially with edibles. Start with a standard dose, such as 10 mg (or even 5 mg as a precaution), and wait at least an hour, if not two, before considering increasing your dose. The same caution applies to inhalation methods; if you’re accustomed to taking just one hit, don’t participate in a smoking session where you’ll be continuously puffing for an extended period.

Utilizing Black Pepper for Marijuana Relief

In situations where excessive cannabis use leads to feelings of paranoia and anxiety, a common household ingredient may provide relief: black pepper. Endorsed by figures like Neil Young, this remedy involves either sniffing or chewing on a few peppercorns for rapid alleviation. While lacking scientific validation, the presence of similar terpenes in black pepper and various cannabis strains hints at its potential calming effects.

Embracing Serenity and Rest

During periods of intense discomfort, seek refuge in a tranquil, minimally stimulating environment where you can unwind and engage in deep breathing exercises. Remind yourself that the discomfort is temporary, and focus on inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth to establish a steady breathing pattern. Allow yourself to recline and relax, possibly taking a brief nap if drowsiness ensues. If sleep proves elusive, find solace until you feel prepared to resume normal activities.

Taking a Leisurely Stroll for Mental Refreshment

When struggling to quiet the mind, consider changing scenery and exposing yourself to fresh air to revitalize your spirits. Ensure you remain in familiar surroundings and have a companion to prevent disorientation or anxiety-induced wandering. However, if feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness arise, it’s best to opt for reclining rather than walking.

Showering or Bathing

Though it may not always be feasible when away from home or visiting friends, consider taking a soothing shower or bath if you’re at home and feeling the effects of excessive marijuana consumption. While there isn’t scientific research specifically on showering’s impact on being high, anecdotal evidence and the recognized benefits of showers suggest that it can likely help soothe your high. Showers are known to relax both the mind and body, with cold showers potentially alleviating symptoms of depression and enhancing alertness.

Finding Distractions

Engaging in enjoyable activities while high can effectively divert your attention as you come down. Suggestions include watching humorous cartoons, listening to beloved music, playing video games, conversing with friends, cuddling with your partner, exploring calming hobbies like coloring, indulging in tasty snacks, or completing errands with supervision. Opt for activities that evoke positive emotions to help your mind feel safe and at ease.

Recovering from Edibles

How to stop feeling high? Edibles produce distinct effects from smoking, vaping, or dabbing due to differences in how the body metabolizes them. Their effects last longer as THC undergoes liver metabolism during digestion. Not all methods for sobering up from smoking marijuana may be effective for edibles. However, staying composed, staying hydrated, distracting yourself, eating a substantial meal to maintain metabolism, consuming CBD edibles to counteract the effects, or taking a nap can be useful strategies.

Managing Delta-8 Effects

The advent of hemp-derived delta-8 THC has expanded options for marijuana consumption, alongside the risk of overindulgence. Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 is less potent per milligram, earning it the nickname “diet weed” for its milder effects. While experiences with delta-8 vary, some find it enjoyable with activities like listening to music or engaging in creative endeavors, making it easier to handle and less likely to result in overwhelming effects.

Additional Strategies to Alleviate a Marijuana High

• Bonus tip #1: Experiment with CBD to offset excessive THC intake. CBD, known for its anxiety-relieving properties, can mitigate the effects of THC by modulating receptor signaling. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t bind strongly to the brain’s CB1 receptors, providing a balancing effect that can lessen the intensity of the high.
• Bonus tip #2: Harness the power of lemons to help sober up. The citrusy aroma and taste of lemon, containing the terpene limonene, may aid in reducing anxiety. Simply inhale the scent of a freshly sliced lemon or consume lemon juice to potentially counteract the overwhelming effects of being too high.
• Bonus tip #3: Consider taking ibuprofen to counter some THC effects. Research suggests that ibuprofen may help mitigate certain symptoms associated with THC consumption. If accessible, ingest a safe dosage of ibuprofen with water and food to ease the discomfort of a cannabis high.

If none of the above methods prove effective and you’re experiencing significant discomfort, seeking medical assistance is a viable option. Regardless of legal status, healthcare professionals prioritize your well-being and can provide support for cannabis-induced anxiety. Remember, they’re focused on your health and won’t take legal action against you for seeking help.

Hopefully, these suggestions offer relief and help alleviate the intensity of your cannabis high. (As a last resort, you could humorously consider Snoop Dogg’s advice and “put your face in mayonnaise.”)