Certain relaxing practices and home remedies, like chewing black peppercorns, may help you get rid of a high.
Overindulged in some edibles? Smoked a strain that was way more potent than you expected? Maybe the dose took longer to kick in, and you have stuff to do.
No worries. There are things you can do to cut the buzz so that you come down faster.
We’ve rounded up some of the more popular strategies for coming down. Don’t hesitate to try another if one doesn’t seem to work. These aren’t an exact science, and reactions can vary from person to person.
This is easier said than done when you’ve overindulged. But a little rest and relaxation can help tame the buzz. And trust us: You’re not dying. Really.
Find a quiet place to sit or lie back and try to relax. Breathing exercises or listening to music can help you chill.
If you do decide to listen to music, consider something you know all the words to and sing along. This can help you stay grounded in the present moment.
Eventually, the buzz will fade to a feeling of relaxation or even drowsiness. Go with it and let yourself fall asleep. Even a quick catnap will do you good.
It seems counterintuitive, but according to Leafly, people use CBD to counteract the effects of too much THC.
Like THC, CBD is a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis. But unlike THC, which causes the high, CBD interacts with different receptors in your brain.
Researchers don’t know exactly how yet, but several studies have shown the benefits of CBD for different forms of anxiety.
Bonus: CBD helps some folks fall asleep. This can come in handy if you’re greening out.
No, this doesn’t mean knocking back a few brews. Stick to water and other nonalcoholic drinks.
Drinking water before, during, and after any kind of drug use is always a good approach. It can be particularly helpful when it comes to cannabis, which tends to leave you with a dry mouth.
It’s also an easy activity that gives you something to focus on.
A taste or whiff of black pepper may help combat the paranoia and anxiety that a major high can bring on.
Just grab a container of black pepper and sniff, being sure not to inhale it. You can also pop two or three whole peppercorns in your mouth and chew on them.
It sounds too good to be true, but there’s actually some
It increases the sedating effects of THC, which could calm you down.
Like peppercorn, lemons also contain compounds, such as limonene, that have a calming effect.
Eating some lemon or squeezing some lemon juice into your water will counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC and help you come down.
To get the most bang for your buck, zest the lemon peel into your water, or steep some lemon peel in hot water. The peel contains the highest concentration of limonene.
Pine nuts may counteract the effects of THC, according to some
Interestingly, pinene is also one of the terpenes found in cannabis that gives its smoke a pine-like aroma.
Skip this method if you have a tree nut allergy.
Shifting your focus to something other than your high can stop you from fixating on it, which only makes it seem even worse than it is.
The key to making this tip work is to keep it simple. Avoid potentially anxiety-inducing video games or horror films.
Not sure where to direct your attention? Here are a few ideas:
- Watch a show or YouTube video that’s interesting enough to keep your attention.
- Try mindful coloring.
- Read a book (if you’re one of those people who can read while stoned).
- Do a simple puzzle, such as a word search or a jigsaw puzzle.
- Find a simple organizational task, such as sorting your loose change or sorting your books by color.
Spending time with pets has loads of proven health benefits, including stress and anxiety relief.
Spending even just a few minutes with a pet can slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and increase feelings of happiness and relaxation.
No pet of your own? Pull up that dog or cat video you love.
Not eating enough before using pretty much any drug is usually bad news. Getting some food in you may help you feel a bit more yourself.
Some people swear by high fat or carb-heavy foods, though there’s no evidence to back this up. Your best bet is to go with whatever’s nearby and easy.
Go for a short walk, even if it’s for only 5 or 10 minutes.
Some light movement can help:
- distract you so you don’t fixate on your high
- lower your blood pressure
- relieve stress and anxiety
- improve your mood
- burn off some excess energy if you’re feeling jumpy
Your buddy can’t lower your blood THC levels, but hanging out with them could help calm you. The buddy system is also a good way to keep you from doing anything impulsive when you’re under the influence.
Call a trusted (and sober) friend and have them stay with you until you feel better.
If you’re wondering if you’re “too high,” odds are you’re feeling it more than usual. Other signs include:
- anxiety or paranoia
- disorientation or confusion
- rapid heartbeat
And if you’re asking yourself “Am I dying?” you’re definitely too high for your own comfort levels.
It usually peaks in the first 30 to 90 minutes and starts to taper off after that. You should feel noticeably better within 1 to 2 hours.
THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain. These receptors help regulate mood, memory, appetite, pain, and coordination. This leads to:
- euphoria
- difficulty with short-term memory
- increased appetite
- deep focus or distraction
- slowed reaction time
You can’t always predict how cannabis will hit you, especially if you’re new to it or using a new strain. If you find yourself higher than you expected, try not to freak out — it will pass.