Experiencing the overwhelming effects of being too high on cannabis can be uncomfortable and may deter even experienced users. Whether it’s due to delayed edible effects, excessive bong hits, potent concentrates, or low tolerance, this guide will help you recover from the intensity of greening out. While cannabis is not a dangerous substance and its effects will subside within a day, the following tips will assist you in navigating the experience and returning to a comfortable state.
What Happens if I Got Too High?
Experiencing an overwhelming high can be a distressing situation, but it’s important to remember that it’s temporary and not life-threatening. The effects of marijuana come from THC, which interacts with the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid systems, primarily in the brain. So, the intensity of the high is mostly a subjective experience.
It’s crucial to understand that consuming a lethal amount of THC is not possible, and THC does not affect the parts of the brain responsible for controlling breathing. While THC can induce feelings of relaxation, sleepiness, hunger, euphoria, and even clumsiness, the wide range of strains and products available makes it challenging to predict when a high becomes overwhelming.
In rare cases, individuals may experience cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which can cause nausea or dizziness. However, rest assured that these symptoms will subside. It’s essential to stay calm, remind yourself that it’s a temporary state, and allow the effects to naturally wear off.
Symptoms of Getting Too High
Identifying the symptoms of being overly high can be crucial in managing your cannabis consumption. While everyone’s tolerance and experience may vary, there are common indicators to watch out for. If you start experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you’ve gone past your comfort zone and should consider reducing your intake:
- Heightened anxiety
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Feelings of panic
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Excessive perspiration
Recognizing these signs can help you gauge your limits and make informed decisions about your cannabis use to ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
How Long Does it Usually Take to Sober Up From Weed?
How long it takes to sober up from weed depends on various factors such as consumption method, dosage, tolerance, age, and metabolic rate. The potency of the cannabis product plays a role in the duration of the high, with concentrates being the most potent, followed by flower and edibles.
While dabs may take longer to wear off compared to smoking a bowl, the dosage, quality of the product, and individual body chemistry also influence the experience. Regular cannabis users with higher tolerance levels tend to sober up faster than occasional consumers. Studies suggest that the “window of impairment” for cannabis ranges from three to 10 hours across different consumption methods, but for most people, it’s around four hours.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the average cannabis high peaks between 30 minutes and two hours. Lingering effects can be felt for some time afterward, and in certain cases, highs can last even longer. Fortunately, there are strategies to help calm down, come back to a sober state, and alleviate the discomfort or overwhelm caused by excessive cannabis consumption.
How Do I Sober Up?
Stay calm and don’t panic because everything will be okay. If you find yourself in a situation of consuming too much cannabis and experiencing symptoms of “greening out,” remember that most of these symptoms will subside within a short period, usually minutes to hours. The only lingering effects you might experience could be some grogginess and an empty fridge. Just give it some time, and you’ll start feeling better.
It’s crucial to note that despite any heightened anxiety or sweating you may feel, there have never been any reported deaths from cannabis overdose. So, even though it might be tempting to see it as a challenge, rest assured that excessive cannabis consumption won’t have fatal consequences.
Now, let’s explore some strategies to help you sober up. Hydration plays a key role, so make sure to drink water or juice to combat dry mouth and focus on the simple act of sipping and swallowing. However, avoid consuming alcoholic beverages as they can increase THC blood concentrations and intensify the effects.
Some people find that having a light snack can help them feel more grounded. Consider eating fruits, nuts, or cheese, as the terpenes found in these foods, which are also present in cannabis, may help mitigate the intensity of your high.
To prevent getting too high, it’s important to know your limits and consume within your tolerance level. Don’t feel pressured to match the consumption of others, especially if you’re with unfamiliar individuals. Take it slow, particularly with edibles, starting with a standard dose and waiting at least an hour before considering an increase.
If you’re experiencing paranoia or anxiety, you can try the black pepper trick. Sniff or chew on a few black peppercorns, as the terpenes present in black pepper may have grounding effects.
Find a calm and quiet place to rest, focusing on deep breathing. Remember that the discomfort you’re feeling will pass. If possible, taking a nap can be beneficial. Alternatively, going for a walk can provide a change of scenery and fresh air to help invigorate you.
Taking a shower or bath, if available, can also aid in relaxation while waiting for the effects to subside. Showers, especially cold ones, have a reputation for mellowing the high and promoting alertness and grounding.
Engaging in activities that distract your mind can be helpful. Consider watching a funny cartoon, listening to music, playing video games, conversing with supportive friends, snuggling with your significant other, or even trying coloring as a calming activity. Choose familiar activities that evoke positive emotions, reminding yourself that you are safe and well.
Remember, the most important thing is to stay calm and give yourself time to come back to a comfortable state. You’ll be back to normal before you know it.
How Do I Sober Up From Edibles?
When it comes to sobering up from edibles, it’s important to understand that the high can be quite different compared to smoking, vaping, or dabbing. Edibles are metabolized differently in the body, and their effects tend to last longer. This is because THC is processed by the liver during digestion, leading to an extended duration of its effects.
While not all the methods mentioned earlier may be as effective for edibles, there are still some strategies you can try. First and foremost, staying calm and composed is crucial. Hydration is important, so make sure to drink water. Distracting yourself with engaging activities can also be helpful.
In addition, eating a substantial meal can keep your metabolism active, which may assist in reducing the effects of edibles. Alternatively, you can consider consuming CBD edibles, as CBD has been reported to help mitigate the effects of THC. And if possible, taking a long nap or siesta can also aid in sobering up from edibles.
Remember that everyone’s response to edibles can vary, so it’s essential to find what works best for you personally.
Medical cannabis professional based in Phuket, Thailand.
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