What Should I Do If I Get Too High?

Consuming too much cannabis can transform a pleasant experience into an uncomfortable one. Whether you're a newcomer who misjudged your tolerance or a regular user who tried a particularly potent product, knowing what to do if you get too high is essential knowledge for any cannabis consumer. This guide offers practical strategies to help reduce overwhelming effects and return to a more comfortable state.

Recognizing When You're Too High: Common Symptoms

Before addressing solutions, it's important to recognize when cannabis consumption has exceeded your comfort zone. Common indicators include:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Paranoia or racing thoughts
• Extreme anxiety or panic
• Disorientation or confusion
• Nausea or dizziness
• Sensory overload

These symptoms, while potentially distressing, are temporary. According to research on cannabis overdose, these effects typically aren't medically dangerous but can certainly feel overwhelming in the moment.

Immediate Solutions to Reduce Cannabis Intensity

Hydration and Nourishment

Drinking water helps flush your system and may reduce dry mouth, a common side effect that can intensify discomfort. Light snacks, particularly those containing healthy fats, can help absorb some THC and potentially reduce its effects. Avoid alcohol completely, as mixing cannabis with alcohol can intensify both substances' effects.

Change Your Environment

Moving to a calmer, more comfortable space can significantly impact your experience. If indoors, open windows for fresh air. If in a crowded or stimulating environment, find a quieter space where you can relax without sensory overload.

Natural Remedies and Household Items That Help

Several common household items can help reduce the intensity of being too high:

Black Pepper

Black pepper contains terpenes that may counteract THC's effects. Sniffing or chewing on black peppercorns can provide quick relief for some users. This remedy is backed by the fact that pepper contains beta-caryophyllene, which interacts with the same cannabinoid receptors as THC.

Lemon and Citrus

Lemons and other citrus fruits contain limonene, a terpene that may help reduce THC's effects. Try squeezing lemon into water or tea, or simply smell the zest of a lemon peel.

CBD Products

If available, CBD can counterbalance THC's psychoactive effects. Understanding the difference between THC and CBD helps explain why CBD can moderate THC's intensity.

Mental Techniques for Managing Cannabis Anxiety

Your mental approach can significantly influence how you experience being too high:

Mindful Breathing

Deep breathing exercises can calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four. Repeat until you feel calmer.

Distraction Techniques

Engaging in a familiar, enjoyable activity can redirect your focus away from uncomfortable sensations. Consider watching a familiar show, listening to calming music, or talking with a trusted friend. Some users find that simple activities like sorting items or using tools like cannabis grinders for herb preparation can provide a tactile distraction that helps center their attention.

Positive Self-Talk

Remind yourself that no one has ever died from cannabis consumption alone and that the effects will pass. Understanding how long a cannabis high typically lasts can provide reassurance during uncomfortable moments.

Prevention Strategies: How to Avoid Getting Too High

The best way to handle being too high is to prevent it in the first place:

Start Low, Go Slow

Particularly for beginners, following dosage guidelines for beginners is crucial. Start with a minimal amount and wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more, especially with edibles which have delayed onset times.

Know Your Product

Understanding product potency is essential. Learn how to read cannabis labels to identify THC percentages and serving sizes. Products with balanced THC:CBD ratios may provide more manageable effects for sensitive individuals.

Consider Your Setting

Consume cannabis in comfortable, familiar environments, especially when trying new products or higher doses. Having trusted friends present can provide both practical assistance and emotional reassurance if needed.

Be Mindful of Tolerance Changes

Your tolerance can fluctuate based on frequency of use, consumption methods, and even personal factors like stress levels. Understanding how cannabis tolerance works can help you adjust your consumption accordingly.

Long-term Strategies for More Enjoyable Cannabis Experiences

For those who want to continue using cannabis while minimizing negative experiences, consider these approaches:

• Keep a consumption journal to track products, doses, and effects
• Experiment with different consumption methods (vaporizing may offer more control than smoking)
• Consider microdosing, which involves taking very small amounts for subtle effects
• Learn about different terpene profiles and how they might affect your experience
• Pay attention to strain types that work well for your body chemistry

Remember that individual responses to cannabis vary widely. What works for others may not work for you, and finding your optimal approach may require patience and experimentation. By developing awareness of your personal limits and responses, you can enjoy cannabis with greater confidence and comfort.