A weed high is great, but as with other drugs too much THC can be bad (that’s what “too much” means!) It can make a person feel worse, not better, if too much cannabis is taken, whatever the consumption method. At some point you are likely to overdo it and wonder how to sober up from weed.
The Symptoms of Being Too High
There are a few common adverse reactions that can occur when too much cannabis has been taken. These can range from feeling dizzy and lightheaded to becoming disoriented and confused. Other physical effects may include dry mouth, red eyes, or feeling unusually sluggish or tired. On a psychological level, an individual may feel anxious or paranoid as well as have difficulty concentrating due to a foggy brain. Even if someone is sobering up from the effects of THC, they may still suffer from unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vomiting. In more extreme cases, some users may experience the ‘greening out’ effect which involves an intense feeling of being overwhelmed with fear and dread and can even cause panic attacks.
Breathing – Does Holding in Smoke Get You Higher?
When we talk about smoking marijuana, we generally talk about the different means of ingestion, different cannabis preparations, different strains, and different paraphernalia. But there is another, less discussed facet of the smoking experience – the inhaling. The breathing. Does…
Weed Hangover
Even if you don’t experience any of these symptoms you might still regret smoking too much weed during an evening smoke session when you wake up the next day. A weed hangover is the unpleasant experience of still feeling the effects of marijuana after it has worn off, but without the pleasant weed high. It can include physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea as well as psychological effects such as difficulty concentrating and anxiety which may last up to two hours or more. You may feel like falling asleep or that your brain is wrapped in cotton wool and operating at about half its normal speed. This is very unpleasant and can be inconvenient if you have things to do. The intensity of these symptoms varies from person to person but typically last for several hours or even up to a day.
To mitigate the effects of unpleasantly intense marijuana high, it is important to remember that time is in your favor and the unpleasant feelings will eventually pass if there is no further marijuana use – you will naturally become unhigh in time. It can also be helpful to drink fresh water as dehydration can intensify many of the side effects mentioned above. If you smoke too much marijuana and finds yourself in this situation then you should try to remain calm by splashing cold water on your face, taking deep breaths, and engaging in activities such as listening to calming music (I like Neil Young) or watching something funny on television. Additionally, talking with friends who are sober can help take your mind off how you are feeling even if just temporarily. Finally, it’s never a bad idea to get some fresh air so consider going for a walk or doing another activity outdoors if possible.
Keep reading to learn how to get unhigh!
But first…
Why Am I So High?
Too much THC! Everyone’s body processes THC differently, meaning that some people may be more sensitive to its effects than others. Additionally, certain cannabis strains can produce stronger effects than others due to their higher concentrations of THC. This means that the same strain smoked by two different individuals can result in vastly different experiences depending on the individual’s body and tolerance level. As one continues to smoke cannabis over time, their tolerance for it will naturally increase and they may find themselves needing a stronger strain to achieve the desired effect.
If you are new to smoking weed or are smoking a new strain for the first time it’s a good idea to take it slow until you learn about its potency, what your tolerances are, and how much is too much for you. You should also be aware of how taking other substances can interact with consuming cannabis. After some bad experiences I personally never drink alcohol and smoke at the same time!
What Can I Do?
Drink Some Fresh Water
Smoking marijuana can make you feel dehydrated, and this is a common side effect that many cannabis users experience. Nobody likes the feeling of oral dryness (or “cottonmouth”) and dehydration can amplify the effects of THC, making it more difficult to sober up from its effects. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to counteract dehydration when smoking marijuana. One of the most effective is drinking plenty of cold water before and after smoking to keep your body hydrated.
Take a Shower or Bath
Taking a warm shower or a nice warm bath can be especially helpful when sobering up from cannabis use due to its ability to relax tense muscles and provide comfort in difficult situations. If you can stand it, a cold shower can be even better!
Eat a Few Black Peppercorns or Lemon Slices
Eating, drinking or smelling terpenes that improve alertness or reduce anxiety, such as pinene and caryophyllene, can reduce the undesirable psychoactive effects of THC. These can be found in food like black pepper or lemons. Additionally, lemons contain the anti-inflammatory terpene limonene. You can drink lemon juice or just chew on the rind of any citrus fruit! Yum, lemon rind…
Take Some Supplements
Activated charcoal and milk thistle extract can help sober you up when you have taken too much weed. The chemicals in these supplements reduce the amount of THC in your body, which helps make the effects of being too high go away faster. Taking a high-quality multivitamin or B vitamin complex may also be beneficial in sobering up.
Take Some Ibuprofen
Many popular anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, are said to reduce the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Ibuprofen is a good, over-the-counter treatment that can counteract the sedative effects of cannabis and reduce cognitive impairment. As with any drug (including cannabis!) care should be taken to not take too much.
Take a Deep Breath and Get Comfortable
If all the warm showers, acid fruits, drinking water, and other forms of treatment suggested above haven’t done the trick, sometimes the best way to get unhigh from smoking too much marijuana is to meditate and relax within a comfortable and familiar setting. During a stressful response you may feel your blood pumping and a pounding sensation in the heart. Do some deep breathing exercises, or just take a few slow, deep breaths. Remembering that it will all work out well will also help you. Stay calm, don’t panic, and center yourself in your immediate surroundings. Listen to your favorite music. And maybe just go to a quiet place and fall asleep!
And finally…
Don’t Worry!
The effects of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, are usually mild and short-lived, with most users feeling relaxed and happy while sobering up within a few hours. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana use is not physically addictive and there is no scientific evidence to suggest it can cause long-term damage to the body or lead to any mental health issues. Medical marijuana has even been found to have therapeutic benefits for people with many different ailments such as chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, cancer and more. That being said, it’s still important for users new to cannabis to take it slow until you figure out what works best for you and your body’s tolerance level. Smoking weed is relatively safe if done in moderation and everyone should find their own comfortable level of consumption.
