Tips for Rapidly Reducing Your Cannabis High

Cannabis overconsumption is something all users, even seasoned cannabis enthusiasts, experience where they are uncomfortably high and looking for quick relief from the cannabis effects. Whether someone over consumed because of misjudging the milligram dosage of an edible, dabbing a potent concentrate, or trying an unfamiliar strain, cannabis highs can cause anxiety and embarrassment. Here are a few effective ways to rapidly reduce cannabis highs safely and effectively.

Hydration and Nutrition Strategies

First and foremost, drinking water helps relieve dry mouth and may help dilute the concentration of cannabinoids in the bloodstream. Drinking cold water offers some sensorial grounding and may reduce nausea associated with overconsumption. Do not consume alcohol, which may intensify a cannabis high, as well as create dangerous interactions.

Eating light snacks can help stabilize blood sugar levels that may increase anxiety, or discomfort. Do not eat a heavy meal because it may increase nausea or discomfort, and maybe even digestive discomfort, during a high.

Deep breathing exercises may provide the fastest initial relief if cannabis effects become overwhelming.

Natural Remedies and Supplements

Black peppercorns contain caryophyllene, a type of terpene that may function to mitigate THC’s psychoactive effects. Chewing 2-3 whole black peppercorns or inhaling their aroma may provide relief within 15-30 minutes, for most people.

CBD may help balance excessive THC effects through its antagonistic behaviour with THC at the cannabinoid receptors in the tissue. Taking CBD — be it certain oils, gummies, or capsules — may help reduce anxiety, paranoia, and other possibly uncomfortable symptoms associated with the effects of THC. Having a CBD product on hand may be wise if you are someone who frequently uses high-THC cannabis.

In addition, lemon contains limonene terpenes that might also provide calming effects along with THC-induced anxiety.

Physical Activity and Movement

Engaging in light physical activity can potentially increase the speed of THC metabolism in the body while providing a distraction from the uncomfortable sensations associated with cannabis overconsumption.

Taking a cool shower, or splashing cold water onto your face provides immediate sensory relief and may even facilitate a reset of the current mental state.

Environmental and Mental Strategies

Distracting oneself through simple, light, repetitive activities, such as watching familiar programming on the television, relaxing through music, arts and crafts, yoga or other passive hobbies, can help to pass the time while knowing the cannabis effects will generally diminish naturally over time.

Mental reminders that cannabis effects are temporary, and will naturally pass, can provide significant psychological support. Cannabis highs have definitive endpoints in durations comparable to traditional drugs; inhalation methods of cannabis have specific durations of effects lasting between 1-3 hours, while edibles can last 4-8 hours. So, keeping this timeline will help provide perspective on the uncomfortable periods.

When to Seek Help

The vast majority of cannabis over-consumption cases come to natural completion without needing the assistance of health care professionals, but they may be the only solution at certain points of severity. Seek medical attention if you experience sustained vomiting, and symptoms of aggressive dehydration, persistent chest pain or heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and any thoughts of self-harm.

Of course, prevention is the best strategy for avoiding uncomfortable highs. Start with small doses of THC, wait as long as you feel necessary before consuming additional cannabis, and do not mix cannabis with alcohol or other substances. Your understanding of your tolerance, and the proper products will likely help you in avoiding a repeat-overconsumption incident.