May
Marijuana
How to Come Down From a Cannabis High
Every cannabis user will have a story to tell about a time they were “greening out,” meaning they had taken too much cannabis. Even the most experienced user can (and likely will) take too much or try something that is too strong for them.
The vast majority of cannabis users enjoy partaking because of the effects weed offers them. Depending on the strain, cannabis can help them relax, provide an energy boost, and even keep the mind focused on the task at hand.
Although most effects from cannabis are pleasant (as long as you choose the right strain), taking too much or something that is too potent can create some adverse side effects such as:
- Feelings of paranoia or anxiety
- Feelings of panic
- Becoming confused
- Excessive sweating
Luckily, if you find you have taken something too strong or too much of a product and need to come down quickly, there are some tricks you can try to help bring you down.
What Makes You High?
Cannabis flowers are made up of different compounds. These compounds dictate the effects a bud offers, its flavour, its aroma, and even the way a flower looks. Of these different compounds, we only know a decent amount about the two most prominent: THC and CBD.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most prominent compound in most plants. It is the compound responsible for getting people high. Typically, the higher the amount of THC in a plant or cannabis product, the more potent the high will be.
How Long Will I Stay High?
How long the effects of your chosen cannabis product last depends on a few different factors, including:
- Consumption method
- Dosage you take
- THC level
- User tolerance
- User weight
The consumption method, or the way you ingest your cannabis, is perhaps one of the biggest factors in determining how long the effects will last. For example, smoking cannabis will have effects that last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
On the other hand, cannabis edibles offer long-lasting effects. Although they may take 30 minutes to kick in, the results will last anywhere from six to eight hours, with peak effects within the first few hours.
Everybody is different, so exactly how long your high will last depends on you. But remember, it will not last forever.
Tips to Come Down From a Cannabis High
So, you’ve taken too much and need to come down quickly. Or, perhaps you have some unexpected business come up, and you need to sober up fast. Here are some tricks you can try to help you come down from a cannabis high.
- Relax. The most important thing you can do is remain calm. Remind yourself these effects are temporary, and you’ll feel back to normal soon. To help yourself relax, lie down in a quiet, comfortable space and turn on some relaxing and familiar music.
- Take a nap. As you relax, you may find yourself drifting off to sleep. This is good. Sleeping off the effects is one of the most effective ways to come down from a high. However, it may not be the best option if you have places to go, which is why you needed to come down in the first place.
- Drink water. One of the most common side effects of cannabis use is dry mouth. Keeping an ice-cold glass of water nearby can help combat this, and the act of doing something as familiar as taking a drink gives your mind something else to focus on and can help you feel more in control.
- Grab some black pepper. This one may sound a little odd, but many cannabis users swear by this trick. You can sniff or chew on a black peppercorn to find near-immediate relief from your symptoms. This is due to the presence of beta-caryophyllene. This particular terpene works to prevent THC from latching on to receptors, thus reducing its effects.
- Distract yourself. Take a walk (if you feel well enough to), watch a favourite light-hearted sitcom, do a puzzle, or even bring out a colouring book. Doing a simple activity will give your mind something else to focus on instead of the effects you are experiencing.
- Take some CBD. CBD is known for helping relieve anxiety and for its ability to temper the effects of THC. That’s why plants with a good CBD to THC ratio offer such balanced effects. You can pop a quick CBD gummy or CBD cookie to help relieve the strong effects you are experiencing from too much THC.
A Note on Dosing
Although you can take steps to come down from greening out, the best way to prevent this is by monitoring your intake. Know your limits and how much you can comfortably ingest.
If you are trying out a new cannabis strain or product, start with a low dose. Then, give it time to take effect. If you aren’t yet feeling the desired effects, you can then take more or slightly increase your dosage for next time.
A common saying in the cannabis world when it comes to dosing is “start low and go slow.” This is a good mantra to have when trying cannabis for the first time or exploring new products and consumption methods.
Too High: A Summary
Most people find cannabis to provide enjoyable effects. However, taking too much can lead to a less-than-ideal experience. You may start to feel paranoid, sweaty, and even anxious. Thankfully, there are a few tricks you can use to come down from your high faster.
From taking a nap to drinking a glass of water, the name of the game is relaxation and distraction. Giving your mind something else to focus on and remaining calm are the most important things when you need to come down from a high quickly.
Remember to start low and go slow when trying cannabis for the first time or trying a new product to ensure you have the best experience possible.
