Sometimes, effects of cannabis (marijuana) may be more than you’ve bargained for. If you’re experiencing a ‘bad high’ after using your dry herb vaporizer or smoking cannabis (even medical marijuana, if you’re a patient), you might want to sober up quickly, especially if your symptoms include cannabis-induced anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and similar.
In this post, we’ll go through several tips that might help speed up your come down, and help with any nasty symptoms.
The one thing you need remember, though – breathe! Your cannabis high – good or bad – is usually relatively short-lasting and will end without any major consequences in majority of cases.
- Severe marijuana high – so called ‘green out’ – happens when you consume too much THC – the main psychoactive cannabinoid in weed. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of this cannabis intoxication now – anxiety, nausea, rapid heartbeat, paranoia – don’t panic! Remember, NO ONE EVER died from smoking marijuana!
- Effects of a weed high – be it from flower, cannabis edibles, or other cannabis products – typically last between 30 minutes and 3 hours (sometimes longer, especially if we’re talking edibles or a really potent cannabis sativa strain). How long your cannabis high will last depends on many things – your typical weed consumption habit, the dose of psychoactive cannabinoid (THC) you’ve ingested, your general cannabis tolerance, and is your metabolism fast or slow (how fast your body breaks down cannabis).
- Most come-down-quickly-from-a-high remedies are actually self-care actions designed to improve your comfort. The best prevention for a bad high is to avoid a possible weed overdose by monitoring your intake – start with a low dose, know your smoking habit and how it affects you, avoid high potency strains, and avoid alcohol when smoking weed.
Let’s jump into some things that can help you get ‘unhigh’ on those occasions you’re greening out.
How to Sober Up Fast From Weed
Best Prevention is Preparation
Habitual cannabis users know that it’s all down to the dose. A high dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will usually result in greening out. The symptoms of cannabis intoxication include:
- rapid heartrate
- dry mouth
- confusion
- nausea
In severe cases, you can also experience cannabis-induced paranoia and anxiety (because weed amplifies emotions), as well as hallucinations.
If at any point after smoking weed you feel any of these symptoms, stop. Do NOT smoke/consume any more! Stop smoking right now, seriously!
Take a note of how much you’ve taken, what strains of cannabis you’ve consumed, and everything else of note – your environment, how much you’ve had to eat, how fast was your cannabis consumption, and your surroundings.
All of these data points – especially weed strain, potency, and dose – will help you avoid repeating the experience in the future. Once you know your marijuana tolerance level, it will be much easier to stick to a safe dose and avoid a bad trip next time you smoke weed.
PIECE OF CRUCIAL ADVICE: If you’re not familiar with the effects of cannabis strain you have, make sure to double-check it on a website like Weedmaps or Leafly – you’ll find common negative effects there, as well as experiences from other users.
Stop Panicking. Take a Breath. Reassess
Sometimes, stoned people just go full bananas when they get too high.
If you’re one of those worriers, you’re checking your pulse constantly. You’re always looking at the watch trying to figure out why those minutes are taking their sweet time. You’re in your head about every little thing, blowing everything out of proportion.
Stop.
Breathe.
Reassure yourself.
You’re gonna be fine.
There is not a single reported case of fatal cannabis overdose. Not a single one. No one ever died from it. Ever. You won’t, either. There’s no need to panic because the high will pass. Maybe in ten minutes. Maybe in an hour. But it will pass.
Distract Yourself
The more you obsess over the high, the longer it’s going to drag on. So, take a page out of the chill master’s handbook and distract yourself with something you actually enjoy that will help sobering up process:
- Get lost in a good book: Even if you’re rereading the same page over and over, the familiarity can be comforting.
- Turn up the tunes: Put on your favorite playlist, but maybe keep the volume at a reasonable level, eh? We don’t need any more stimulation.
- Cartoon therapy: Scooby-Doo, anyone? Seriously, there’s something about those goofy hijinks that just melts the stress away.
- Call a friend: (More on this in a bit.)
- Color your cares away: Adult coloring books aren’t just for hipsters. They’re a surprisingly therapeutic way to chill out.
- Binge-watch your favorite show: Friends, Dexter, HIMYM… whatever floats your boat and brings a smile to your face.
The goal is to get your brain out of panic mode and into a “hey, this feels familiar, I can relax now” state. Let the good vibes of your favorite things wash over you and hopefully speed up the sobering-up process.
Drink Plenty of Water (& DON’T Drink Alcohol)
Seriously, guzzle water like it’s your job. And hey, maybe splash a little on your face while you’re at it. That refreshing feeling might just shock your brain back to reality and help you sober up from cannabis. Forget herbal flushes – drinking plenty of water is the only natural remedy worth something here.
Here’s the deal: drinking plenty of water is a double whammy of awesome when you’re greening out:
First, it gives your frazzled brain a simple task to focus on and gets rid of that dry mouth feeling.
And remember, we’re talking about good old H2O here, not beer. As tempting as a cold one might sound, it’s gonna mess with you. If you need to add something to your water, make it a splash of lemon – the terpene lemonine has been shown to have anxiety relieving properties.
Whatever you do, avoid drinking hard alcohol when you’re experiencing a bad cannabis trip. Alcohol fast becaomes your worst enemy because it actually can’t help with the sobering proces – it significantly increases THC levels in the bloodstream.
Call a Close Friend & Talk It Out
Look, sometimes when you’re under the effects of cannabis, you’ll have a lot of shitty stuff going through your head.
If you’re alone, the best thing that you can do is call a sober friend you love and trust — someone who’s been there and can help reassure you that everything will turn out fine. [So, in most cases, NOT YOUR MOM!]
What you talk about is not important… though you might want to steer the conversation clear of any paranoid or anxiety-inducing thoughts you might be having.
So if you’re really crushed under a load of a juicy high, phone up a friend. Take up space for half an hour and just shoot the breeze. You’ll get your mind off your weed high, and you’ll have someone on the other end who’ll stop you from doing anything (too) stupid.
Use CBD to Mitigate Your High
Hold up, I’m not suggesting you roll another joint with a mellow Indica. No, no, my friend. We’re talking about pure, THC-free CBD here – the chill cousin of the cannabis family.
Science tells us that CBD messes with some of the same receptors in your brain that THC does. But instead of cranking up the party, CBD is more like the designated driver, keeping things under control. It can help with those gnarly side effects like couch-lock, paranoia, racing heart, and the whole “everyone’s staring at me” vibe.
And the best part? CBD won’t get you high. Nope, not even a little bit. Worst case scenario, you’ll feel slightly less blasted, which can make the whole green-out experience seem less intense. And hey, when you’re not hyper-focused on how high you are, time tends to fly by a bit faster.
So, if you’ve got some CBD oil or gummies handy, consider it your secret weapon for taming the green monster. A few drops might be all you need to bring those chill vibes back.
Take a Hike (The Chill Kind, Not the Everest Kind)
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to shake off those icky green-out vibes. Lace up your sneakers and take a stroll somewhere familiar and soothing – bonus points if it’s a nature trail where you can soak up some calming greenery. Personally, I find this most helpful whenever I have to
But be smart about it. If you’re feeling tongue-tied and anxious, skip the crowded sidewalks. The last thing you need is to bump into your boss or your grandma and blurt out, “Dude, I’m so freakin’ high right now.” Trust me, that’s a conversation you don’t want to have.
Stick to familiar territory, like your backyard, a nearby park, or a quiet street. And don’t get too adventurous – getting lost while you’re high is a recipe for a whole new level of freakout.
Catch Some Z’s If You Can
Okay, I know this one sounds like a no-brainer, but hear me out. Sleeping it off is the holy grail of greening-out recovery. Seriously, if you can manage to drift off to dreamland, you’re gonna have a much easier time.
But, let’s be real, when your mind is racing like a hamster on a caffeine high, catching Z’s can feel impossible. Personally, I’ve never been able to pull it off. My brain’s like a pinball machine on overdrive when I’m high.
But hey, some people have the magical ability to hit the hay and wake up feeling refreshed and clear-headed. Maybe you’re one of those lucky ducks!
So, if you can manage it, find a comfy spot (preferably indoors, away from prying eyes), wrap yourself in your favorite blankie, and just breathe. If you can drift off, you’ll likely wake up feeling like a new person – maybe a little groggy, but definitely not high.
Ibuprofen: The Unlikely Green-Out Antidote?
Alright, alright, I know what you’re thinking. “Ibuprofen? But I’m a natural remedies kind of person!” Trust me, I get it. But sometimes, desperate times call for slightly less natural measures.
Now, before you toss your organic kombucha at me, hear me out. There’s some actual science behind this. Studies suggest that ibuprofen might mess with the way THC interacts with your brain, potentially taking the edge off your high. It’s all about synapses, neurons, and that scientific mumbo-jumbo. But the bottom line is, it seems to work, even if we don’t fully understand why.
And hey, since most of us have a bottle of ibuprofen stashed away somewhere, it’s not like you have to sell your soul (or your vape collection) to try it. So, if you’re really struggling to come down, popping a pill might be worth a shot.
Just remember, moderation is key, and always consult your doctor if you have any concerns. But hey, if it can help you ditch the green-out blues, it might just be your new best friend.
Calling 911 Is An Option, Too
Alright, let’s get real for a second. If you’re seriously freaking out, like heart-pounding, can’t-breathe, convinced-you’re-dying kind of freaking out, then by all means, call for help.
The medics won’t judge you, they’re there to help. And even if it turns out you just had a bit too much of the good stuff, at least you’ll have peace of mind.
That’s the part that can help, too – reassuring you that you’ll get through it all.
But marijuana afffects everyone differently and if you feel completely out of control – you’ve taken high doses and you’re in the throes of cannabis-fueled paranoia after smoking a potent weed strain – there’s NO SHAME in asking for help!
When ‘High’ is Just ‘Too High’ – Symptoms of Green Out
It’s easy to recognize when you’ve consumed too much cannabis, or the cannabis you’ve consumed is too potent and not what you’re used to. Here are some common symptoms to keep in mind.
- heightened negative emotions – anxiety, paranoia, and panic
- rapid and shallow breathing you can’t control
- increased heartrate
- Stomach problems and nausea
- Inability to focus
- Delusions, halucinations, and feeling like you’re losing your mind
It’s important to recognize these symptoms and be able to connect them to cannabis use. If they only appear when you consume potent cannabis strains, and go away when you get unhigh, be aware of that and monitor your intake to minimize the occurance of these symptoms.
How to Come Down from Weed – Conclusion
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. All the tricks I shared – napping, jogging, chugging water, even popping ibuprofen – they might help a bit, especially if you’re feeling the full force of a weed overload. And for us seasoned tokers, that can mean a whole mess of unpleasantness: anxiety attacks, paranoia, dry mouth, the works.
But here’s the honest truth: greening out is mostly a waiting game. You overdid it, and now you’ve gotta ride it out. It’s like getting a bad sunburn – there’s no instant cure, just gotta let it heal.
So, the most important advice I can give you? Don’t panic. You’re not gonna croak, you’re just experiencing a temporary detour from reality. Distract yourself, chill out, and before you know it, you’ll be back to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Unhigh
1. Q: I’m feeling overwhelmed and anxious after consuming cannabis. What can I do to calm down?
A: First, find a safe and comfortable space where you can relax. Deep breathing exercises can help manage anxiety. Remind yourself that the feeling is temporary and will pass. Distracting yourself with a calming activity like listening to music or watching a familiar movie can also help.
2. Q: I consumed too much cannabis and now I feel dizzy and lightheaded. What should I do?
A: Lie down in a comfortable position and stay hydrated by sipping water or a non-caffeinated beverage. Avoid bright lights and loud noises, as these can worsen the feeling. If you feel nauseous, try some simple snacks like crackers or toast.
3. Q: I need to be more alert soon, but I’m still feeling the effects of cannabis. How can I sober up faster?
A: Unfortunately, there’s no magic trick to instantly sober up from cannabis. Time is the best remedy. However, you can try splashing cold water on your face, drinking strong coffee, or taking a brisk walk to help you feel more alert.
4. Q: Are there any foods or drinks that can help counteract the effects of cannabis?
A: While there’s no scientific evidence to support specific foods or drinks “canceling out” cannabis, staying hydrated is crucial. Some people find that black peppercorns or lemon juice can help alleviate anxiety or paranoia.
5. Q: Can CBD help counteract the effects of THC?
A: Some people find that CBD can help lessen the psychoactive effects of THC, particularly anxiety or paranoia. However, more research is needed to fully understand the interaction between CBD and THC.
6. Q: How long will it take for the effects of cannabis to wear off completely?
A: This varies depending on factors like the amount consumed, the individual’s tolerance, and the method of consumption. Generally, the effects of inhaled cannabis can last for 1-3 hours, while edibles can last for several hours or even longer.