WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE TOO HIGH? ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SOBER UP FROM CANNABIS

Just a few puffs or maybe one little bite more, you said.

Before you know it, you find yourself curled up on the couch, dealing with one of the strongest highs you’ve ever had.

Some people can tolerate the experience, but if you’re one of those who can’t, then this is for you. We’ve listed some of the best tips for sobering up and how to make things more comfortable.

8 TIPS TO BRING DOWN YOUR HIGH

Here are the most popular ways of reducing your high and why they help, but later we’ll cover how to make sure your environment is safe and why you get so high in the first place.

Cannabis has many cannabinoids like CBD and THC. These bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which modulates many physiological functions. These include pain, emotions, moods, sleep, appetite, memory, learning, focus, concentration, motor and sensory functions, fear, anxiety, stress, etc.

THC binds strongly to CB1 and can overstimulate it, making you feel more anxious, stressed out, and paranoid.

If you find yourself in this situation, here are some things you can do to reverse it, or at least make it manageable.

1. DON’T PANIC

The more you concentrate on these negative feelings, the more you’ll be feeding into them and worsening your experience, so don’t panic.

If you’re afraid of overdosing and it’s contributing to your panic attack, then know that you won’t overdose on cannabis. There aren’t enough cannabinoid receptors in the brain center that controls our breathing and heartbeat. High THC doses won’t affect your breathing capabilities.

2. RELAX, REST, OR SLEEP

Have you ever wondered why you developed a couch lock or felt so sleepy and deeply relaxed after consuming THC? It’s because of the CB1 receptor as well. It promotes sleep and relaxes the muscles.

This effect may also occur because of myrcene, a terpene known for its sedating and relaxing effects.

If the couch lock is becoming too unpleasant for you, just relax, give in to the sensation, and rest. Better yet, sleep it off. When you wake up, the effects will have worn off.

3. SHIFT YOUR FOCUS

Shifting your focus also helps get your mind out of your unpleasant high. You can take a quick walk around your backyard, do some light household chores, or maybe even watch a movie.

You should not do activities that require quick thinking, judgment, and reflexes like driving since marijuana impairs these functions.

4. USE CBD

Using CBD also helps dampen some of THC’s mind-altering effects.

CBD doesn’t bind well to the CB1 receptor, so it won’t get you high. However, CBD can dock on another area in the receptor (not its active site) and change its form or shape. This makes it harder for more THC to bind to the receptor and cause their overstimulation.

CBD also dampens the effects of THC on the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. It also eases the psychotic symptoms induced by high THC levels.

You can place a few CBD drops under your tongue or vape CBD oil. These methods produce fast effects, and you could feel a bit better in just under 15 minutes.

5. TRY AROMATHERAPY

Or use terpenes if you have them on hand. Many have calming effects when inhaled, but you could try eating foods high in them, too.

LIMONENE

Limonene (abundant in lemons) produces an anti-stress effect that can help calm your mind.

You can also try plain lemons. Just squeeze a couple of lemons into a glass of water and drink. You can also cut a lemon in half and suck on its juices. Not only is it refreshing, but it might help you relax.

CARYOPHYLLENE

Caryophyllene is a popular terpene known for its relaxing effects.

Black pepper is high in caryophyllene, so you can also try munching on black peppers. Just pop a few kernels in your mouth and chew. It probably takes some getting used to, but it might relieve some of the uglier side effects of THC.

Rosemary, oregano, and cloves also have caryophyllene, so get creative in the kitchen or be brave and munch on them plain.

PINENE

Ever walked through the woods and felt immediately relaxed? There’s a reason for that. Pinene can impact your mood, so take a walk if you have woods nearby (not by yourself, please). Otherwise, find some pine needles or use pinene to take a fake breath of fresh air (hint: it’ll take more than one breath).

Just remember, essential oils and terpenes are potent and can be dangerous. Be careful when using them, especially for inhalation or ingestion.

6. KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED

Common side effects of THC also include dry mouth and dry eyes. According to research, it decreases the production of saliva and tears.

These unpleasant sensations can be pretty uncomfortable and contribute to your worsening anxiety and stress. To relieve these sensations, you should keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic drinks since weed and alcohol don’t mix well together; in fact, alcohol can increase the THC levels in your blood.

7. GRAB A LIGHT SNACK

Eating light snacks addresses three things:

• It takes your mind off of your high.
• It prevents edibles from hitting you too hard.
• It satisfies your craving for food.

There are no significant differences between smoking weed on an empty stomach and smoking weed on a full stomach.

However, the effects of cannabis will hit you hard and fast if you consume edibles on an empty stomach. Experts believe that an empty stomach absorbs cannabis more quickly, so its effects can come on strong and hard.

High THC levels can also induce munchies when it activates the CB1 receptor. This doesn’t cause any discomfort, but what you eat might. So instead of snacking on fatty and salty food, you can stock up on healthy fruits and vegetables for when the munchies hit.

8. ALERT A FRIEND

These methods only help relieve THC’s side effects, but how long its potent effects last depend on your metabolism and how much THC you’ve had.

If the effects are getting worse, then alert a friend. Sometimes having a sober person around can ease your mind, but they’re also available if you need further help.

HOW DO YOU GET TOO HIGH?

How does this happen? How did you get so stoned that easily?

THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, binds very well to the CB1 receptors in the brain. This receptor is predominantly found in the central nervous system, including the brain center that controls pleasure, reinforcement, and reward. This center also plays a key role in developing addictive behaviors.

THC’s activation of the CB1 receptor produces the mind-altering, intoxicating, and pleasurable effects of cannabis. However, overstimulation of these receptors may also result in unpleasant side effects such as:

• Increased stress and anxiety levels
• Panic attacks
• Extreme confusion
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
• Motor incoordination
• Impaired reflexes
• Memory problems
• Poor judgment
• Difficulty holding conversations
• Changes in blood pressure
• Fast heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy
• Powerful couch lock

Overstimulation occurs when you consume a very high amount of THC, but it can also be because your body isn’t used to THC — a small amount can easily trigger unpleasant side effects.

The experience may be unpleasant and even scary for some. The best thing to do is to avoid getting too high and make sure you use marijuana safely.

5 TIPS TO STAY SAFE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE NEW TO WEED

Weed can be fun, but getting too stoned can take the pleasure out of the whole experience. If you’re new to weed, there are ways you can prepare yourself to avoid THC’s side effects.

1. SMOKE WEED WITH TRUSTED FRIENDS

The side effects of THC can be pretty disconcerting, so surround yourself with friends you can trust and make sure you’re in a safe and comfortable place.

Your trusted friends will take care of you if something bad happens.

2. KNOW THE STRAIN AND ITS EXPECTED EFFECTS

Knowing what type of cannabis strain you’re using also helps. Reading reviews about the strain gives you an idea of its expected effects. You can even choose a strain based on your desired effects.

3. BE EXTRA CAREFUL WITH EDIBLES & CONCENTRATES

Edibles and concentrates are potent; a small amount can go a long way, so be careful when using these types.

Concentrates hit hard and fast (under 15 minutes) since the cannabinoids are quickly absorbed by the cells and directly join the blood circulation.

On the other hand, the effects of edibles take some time (30 minutes to more than an hour and a half) to kick in. The cannabinoids go through the digestive system and the liver first before joining the circulation.

4. START LOW, GO SLOW

Smoking weed isn’t like smoking cigarettes, where you can take successive puffs. You have to wait a while and assess your reaction before taking another hit.

Many beginners new to edibles also make the mistake of taking another bite soon after the first one, thinking that the edible wasn’t potent enough. When the effects finally kick in, they’re left reeling from the impact of potent THC levels.

If you’re new to weed, start with a low dose and go slowly, or it will ruin the whole experience for you.

5. KNOW YOUR LIMIT

Don’t feel pressured by the people around you. If you think you’re getting too stoned, then stop. Know your limits, especially if you’re surrounded by strangers.

FINAL THOUGHTS — SOBER UP FROM THE HIGH SAFELY

Getting too stoned may be uncomfortable for a while, but you’ll soon come down from your high once the effects of THC wear off. If you find it unbearable, then follow the tips we’ve mentioned above. These are safe ways to help you cope with THC’s negative side effects.

Have you tried some of these methods? Which ones are the most effective for you? Let us know in the comment section.

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