How to Counteract Feeling “Too High”

Have you ever been too high? For most avid marijuana consumers, I’m sure at one point in time you’ve been there. Currently in California, cannabis is something that is pretty easily accessible, and in some instances, that can be a bad thing. If you’ve ever felt “too high” before, you know what I’m talking about. That one pot brownie you should have stopped eating halfway through, another hit from the blunt as it’s passed your way, or maybe it’s that last dab you took that put you a little too over the edge.

The chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what’s responsible for that “high” feeling when you consume marijuana. As the THC potency varies from plant to plant, the effects of the cannabis will also vary. For times when these effects get too intense, or you just need to sober up a bit, here is a list to keep in mind on effective ways to counteract being “too high.”

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Knowing Your Tolerance to Prevent Getting Too High — Know Your Limits – Photo by Jon Flobrant

• Be aware of your limitations

If marijuana is new to you, be aware, and take it slow. Vaping vs. ingesting will also result in very different reactions that which in some cases you may have never experienced before. So be conscientious about the THC content of the cannabis you consume and how you’re consuming it. As far as edibles, 5mg per serving is a safe start for beginners, smoking or vaping can be a bit easier to gauge, just take it one hit at a time!

• Do not panic. Breathe in, breathe out

Try not to panic. Even if you feel like you’re not totally in control, you have to keep your senses in order to try and keep it cool. Taking long, slow, deep breaths has been proven to have calming effects and reduce stress. THC has also been found to have beneficial properties in increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, and the brain’s use of it. So breathe. It’s highly unlikely that you will die from a marijuana overdose. Literally, it has never happened, so there’s no need to panic.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

It’s always best to keep water on hand. You will more than likely feel some dryness in your mouth, which can easily be alleviated with a big glass of ice cold water. Besides keeping you hydrated, this will also help your body in the process of flushing some of the effects out of your system. Gulping up on water is most ideal, but you can even go for juice or soda, though the more hydrating the better. Definitely, DO NOT drink alcohol if you’re “too high,” this will only worsen the effects, trust me. Alcohol has actually been shown to increase your THC levels, along with anxiety, and heart-rate, so put the cocktail down and grab a glass of water!

• When life gives you lemons…

The terpene limonene which can be found in the peel of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons (also found in most citrusy cannabis strains) is a very effective way of counteracting a marijuana high. You can eat an orange, throw some lemon wedges in your water or drink some freshly-squeezed lemon juice for a bit more of a kick.

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How to Come Down When You Get Too Stoned — Coming Down When You Get Too High – Photo by Dan Carlson

• Shake it off

If you want to sober up, exercise is one of the best ways. Release those endorphins and take your mind (and body) away from that high, even if physical activity is probably the last thing you want to do. It’s beneficial to get the blood pumping so get moving and shake it off with some exercise, or you can even just go for a walk.

• Don’t hit the snooze button

Sometimes, sleep is all you need. The discomfort you feel will pass, and falling asleep is a great way to relax and just recharge your body. Sometimes a quick catnap will do, but if your body wants to rest, then just sleep it off.

• Take a shower

Get in the shower, or bath, the running water is guaranteed to help you relax. For one, it will stop the room from spinning. On the other hand, the soothing sound and sensation of running water will do you well, and keep your mind off of the current situation.

Consuming marijuana can be amazing, but it’s a real bummer when you can’t enjoy your high. Hopefully, with these tips you will be able to avoid the negative side of being “too high” and can enjoy the endless benefits and properties of consuming cannabis.