While it’s impossible to fatally overdose cannabis, getting high can be uncomfortable for even veteran users. However, if you’ve gone a little overboard with your cannabis consumption, there are a few things you can do to evaporate the bad high so you can feel normal again. Here are ten ways to sober up from being high.
1. Balance out the THC with CBD
Using another cannabinoid from the cannabis plant might seem counterintuitive, but Cannabidiol (CBD) can help decrease the mind-altering effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Research has shown that CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant with the ability to dampen THC-induced anxiety and paranoia. It binds on the same receptors like THC but in an opposite way that counteracts it, thus balancing out the psychotic symptoms. Place a few CBD drops under your tongue or vape CBD oil, and you should be able to snap out of the high for under 15 minutes.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking water is good for your health, but when you’re stoned, it can help you calm. Dry mouth is one of the common symptoms of THC-induced high. This is usually because the cannabinoid binds on receptors that interrupt the transmission of messages from the nervous system. As a result, there is a drastic drop in the production of saliva. So if you’re feeling high, consider taking more water as this won’t just help you stay hydrated but help you focus on the simple process of sipping and swallowing – a nifty trick if your thoughts are spinning. It’s highly recommended to avoid coffee and alcohol.
3. Grab a light snack
Some people find relief from eating a snack as it helps them feel calm. Eating snacks does two things that may help you feel grounded in your body. First, it takes your mind off the high, which helps decrease the overwhelming effects. Second, consuming weed on an empty stomach can make the effects a little more intense, so grabbing a light snack can help stop the effects from kicking in hard and strong. If you want to get unhigh faster, consider adding some black pepper to the food and drinking water with lemon rings added to it.
4. Chew on some black peppercorns
A commonly used tactic for combating the psychotic effects of cannabis is to munch on some black peppercorns. Research has shown that this ingredient used to spice up food can help tone down your high. Black pepper contains terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, which is thought to possess anxiety-reducing benefits, and alpha-pinene that improves memory retention and increases mental clarity. So when next you’re feeling high, munching on some black peppercorns can help provide near-instant calming effects.
5. Distract yourself
Sometimes, distracting yourself by doing something else can help get your mind out of your unpleasant high. Simply waiting for the effects of the high to wear off might make you focus on symptoms, and this might aggravate the situation. You need to find a way to shift your focus off the high, and there are many types of distractions you can try, including listening to music, chatting with a friend, playing a video game, watching a favorite show or movie, playing an instrument, etc.
6. Get comfortable and do some breathing exercises
If you’re having racy thoughts and you fear that you’re about to get into panic mode, taking a few deep breaths can calm you down. Among other things, deep breathing increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, decreases blood pressure and heart rate, and quietens thoughts. Start by finding a comfortable, quiet place where you can lie down and try to take deep breaths of air. Repeat again and again until you find some relief.
7. Try aromatherapy
Along with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, weed contains a variety of aromatic oils known as terpenes. There are different types of them, and they contribute to increasing your high or dampening it. Terpenes also exist in other plants, and sniffing or chewing them can help induce calming effects.
An excellent example of calming terpenes is limonene, which is abundantly found in lemons. While drinking lemonade might help a bit, sniffing or chewing a rind of lemon can help hasten the process of calming your mind.
Pipene is another stress-relaxing terpene found in many coniferous trees, especially pine. It’s the reason you feel relaxed walking through the woods. If there’s no one to walk with you through the woods, find some pine needles or use pinene to take a fake breath of fresh air. You might need to take more than one breath to notice the effects.
There’s also caryophyllene, which you can find in Rosemary, oregano, cloves, and black pepper. You can have the option of getting creative in the kitchen or being brave and munch on them plain.
8. Take a shower or bath
If you’re in the comfort of your home, taking a shower or bath can help you sober up. The soothing sensation of warm water on your body can help shock you back to reality and get you relaxed. You may even enjoy it by playing some music and using aromatic bath products. If you’re having racy thoughts or on the edge of having a panic attack, having a cold shower might be beneficial.
9. Do cardio exercises
Exercise is one of the fastest ways to get back on track and wake up your body. Doing some exercise releases endorphins, which are known to relax the body, calm racing thoughts, and elevate the mood. The more exercises you do, the more your blood pumps, and that, in turn, helps to metabolize THC faster.
10. Sleep
Taking a long rest or nap is one of the most effective ways to evaporate a bad high. Sleep allows your body to rest and recover, which is just what you need in this situation. Try to get at least 30 minutes of sleep so you can feel sober when you wake up.
Wrap-up
Depending on your situation, one of the many tips above should help you get unhigh but if none of the tips work above, consider alerting a friend. Sometimes, having a sober friend around can ease your mind while you wait for the effects of the high to wear off.