If you’ve ever smoked cannabis or used a cannabis product, you may have experienced the feeling of being “too high.” This is why we strongly suggest only taking one edible to start and always following dosing guidelines on product packaging. This can be an uncomfortable and even scary experience, especially if it’s your first time or if you’re not used to the effects of cannabis, but don’t worry – there are ways to manage the feeling.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that being “too high” is not necessarily dangerous. While it can be uncomfortable and even cause anxiety, it’s usually not life-threatening! The effects of cannabis are temporary and will wear off eventually, so the best thing to do is to try to relax and remind yourself that it will pass. Too often, first-time users may panic and have themselves rushed to expensive hospitals when all they needed was to relax and let it pass. Check out the tips below to mellow out and enjoy the ride!
Here are some tips for dealing with the feeling of being “too high”:
- Stay calm. It’s natural to feel anxious or worried when you’re too high but try to remain as calm as possible. Panic can make the feeling worse, so take deep breaths and focus on relaxing your body and mind.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water can help to reduce the effects of cannabis and make you feel more comfortable. Keep a bottle of water nearby and take sips frequently.
- Eat something. Eating a snack can help to alleviate the feeling of being too high. Choose something that is high in carbohydrates and protein, such as crackers or a sandwich. This can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and make you feel better.
- Take a break from the cannabis. If you’re smoking cannabis, put the joint or pipe down for a while. If you’re using edibles, stop munching on them for a bit. This can help to reduce the effects and give your body a chance to recover.
- Find a comfortable place to relax. Being in a comfortable and familiar environment can help to make you feel better when you’re too high. Find a quiet, cozy spot where you can lie down and relax. This can help to calm your mind and ease anxiety.
- Talk to someone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it can be helpful to talk to someone about it. This could be a friend, family member, or even a counselor. Talking about your feelings can help to alleviate anxiety and make you feel more comfortable.
- Take a beat and wait it out. It may sound too easy, but simply waiting out the feelings you are experiencing may be all you need. There are 3 things you can do to help you feel more in control of the situation while you wait. First, take focus on an item in your visual field. Take note of the item and its features. Then, reach out around you and touch something nearby (maybe it’s a table, a couch, the floor even). The tactile sensation can help you to feel grounded and more in control of the situation. Take a deep breath through your nose. Try to catch a scent in the air and focus on it. Stimulating your olfactory senses can also help you in grounding yourself. Feel better? This technique works in many situations beyond just being “too high”. May it serve you well!
- Take a generous dose of CBD. If all else fails, it’s always good to have a high dosage CBD/CBDA Oil Tincture handy. CBD can counteract the intense psychoactive effects of THC, and a high dosage, fast-acting sublingual CBD tincture should help calm your high to a nice mellow.
- Smell some black pepper. It has been said in some circles that the scent of black peppercorns has some kind of effect on the nervous/endocannabinoid system which can help users come down from a cannabis high, especially in countering paranoia and anxiety. (Maybe waft the scent towards your face to avoid accidental snorting. Ouch!)
- Make some lemonade. Similar to the anecdotal reports about black peppercorn, some believe that the compound found in lemons, limonene, can have a calming effect and help to counteract some of the psychoactive effects to help users come down. Eating a lemon, squeezing some in your drinking water, or making some lemonade (the kind with real lemons) can potentially help you on your way!
In conclusion, the feeling of being “too high” can be uncomfortable, but it’s probably not dangerous. If you find yourself wondering what to do if you feel “too high”, remember: try to remain calm, stay hydrated, eat something, take a break from the cannabis, find a comfortable place to relax, talk to someone, and wait it out. These tips can help you to manage your high now and in the future!