We’ve all been there… That one pot brownie you should have stopped eating halfway through, another hit from the blunt as it’s passed your way, or maybe it’s that last dab you took that put you a little too over the edge. Cannabis products are becoming more accessible, but with the variety on the market, some are also becoming more potent. So even a seasoned stoner can sometimes get caught by surprise!
The chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what’s responsible for that “high” feeling. As the THC potency varies from plant to plant, the effects of the cannabis will also vary. Other cannabinoids, terpenes, the cultivar and how it was grown, and even things like consumption methods and what you’ve had to eat that day can all play a role in how consuming marijuana can make you feel. And especially with edibles, which may take an hour or more for the effects to fully manifest, the high can creep up on you.
As you embark on your cannabis adventures, it helps to know what you can do if you reach the point of feeling like your high is getting out of control. We hope having this information and being prepared will help to ease any anxiety that comes along with exploration. Here are some tips for deescalating your high from Polly Trotsky.
Be Aware of Your Limitations
If marijuana is new to you, be aware, and take it slow. Vaping, smoking, eating or drinking cannabis products all provide different experiences and have different onset times. And while a long-term cannabis enthusiast has built up a tolerance, someone new to it will need to “start low and go slow” because everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different. For edibles, 5mg per serving is usually a safe start for beginners, or even 2.5mg. With smoking or vaping, just take it one hit at a time, and allow some time to settle in between puffs.
Pay attention to the products and strains that make you anxious and which ones help you get the relief you’re seeking. Keeping a cannabis journal and tracking your highs can help a lot with this. Some folks avoid sativas because their energizing effects can be a bit too much, but there’s a lot more than sativa, hybrid or indica that goes into cannabis effects. Everyone is different, so write down what works for you and what doesn’t, so that the next time you come in we can help steer you towards products that you’ll love.
Remember to Breathe
Try not to panic. Even if you feel like you’re not totally in control, focusing on your breath can help center you and bring you back down to earth. Taking long, slow, deep breaths has been proven to have calming effects and reduce stress. THC has also been found to have beneficial properties in increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, and the brain’s use of it. So breathe. It’s highly unlikely that you will die from a marjuana overdose. Literally, it has never happened, so there’s no need to panic.
Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
It’s always best to keep a water bottle handy. You will more than likely feel some dryness in your mouth especially if you’re smoking, which can easily be alleviated with a big glass of cold water. Besides keeping you hydrated, this will also help your body in the process of flushing some of the effects out of your system. Cotton mouth is real, and another sip of that weed drink is not the way to make it better!
Avoid Crossfading
Despite what some say, alcohol and cannabis do not mix well. Alcohol has actually been shown to increase your THC levels, along with anxiety, and heart-rate, so put the cocktail down and grab a glass of water! Being too high plus being tipsy is a one-way ticket to spinsville and it’s never fun.
When Life Gives You Lemons
The terpene limonene which can be found in the peel of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons (also in most citrusy cannabis strains) is a very effective way of counteracting a marijuana high. You can eat an orange, throw some lemon wedges in your water or take a whiff of some citrus aromatherapy.
Shake It Off
If you want to sober up, exercise is one of the best ways. Release those endorphins and distract your mind and body from the high with some movement. It’s beneficial to get the blood pumping so get moving and shake it off with some exercise, or even a leisurely walk along the Headlands.
Try Taking a Snooze
Sometimes, sleep is all you need. The discomfort you feel will pass, and falling asleep is a great way to relax and just recharge your body. Sometimes a quick catnap will do, but if your body wants to rest, then just sleep it off.
Take A Shower
Get in the shower or bath, the running water is guaranteed to help you relax. Immersing yourself in comforting warm water can help slow down your racing heart, distract you from the high you’re feeling, and soothe your stress.
Keep Harm Reduction Tools on Hand
If none of the above seems to ease your overbearing high, there are a few things that you can keep on hand to help bring you down. Chewing on fresh peppercorns has been known to help alleviate the anxiety associated with overdoing it on THC. Some say that taking CBD can help moderate the high since both CBD and THC can bind to the same receptors. And there are products like Undoo Relief that can help bring down a high when taken with a big glass of water. It’s a good idea to have these on hand when you need them.
Consuming marijuana can be amazing, but it’s a real bummer when you can’t enjoy your high.
Hopefully, with these tips you will be able to avoid the negatives and instead enjoy the endless benefits of consuming cannabis.
