In the vast majority of instances, a cannabis buzz is a wonderful thing. But there are times when even the most experienced cannabis connoisseur will overindulge and end up emotionally uncomfortable, maybe even paranoid. Although such experiences will ultimately pass, they are no fun when you go through them. In this guide, the 710 Pipes online head shop team provides seven useful tips to help you step back from the edge of an uncomfortable high.
How to Calm the Effects of Excess THC
First Things First: Stay Calm
If you feel like you’ve crossed a line with your buzz, the first thing to do is stay calm. Remember: everything will be okay. No matter how intense your cannabis high is, it will not kill you and it will not last long. No one has ever died of a cannabis overdose. The key is to get through the first 20 minutes when the buzz is most intense. After that, things get easier.
Drink Water
Once you’ve calmed down, reach for some water. The colder, the better; it will reduce dry mouth and engage your senses, taking the focus off your altered state. Avoid alcohol, as it can complicate things by adding an alcohol buzz on top of your cannabis buzz.
BONUS TIP: Add Some Lemon
The citrus and acidity of lemon water can help cut through the fog of an intense high. Squeeze a few drops of a lemon (or a bottle of lemon juice) into a glass of cold water and sip it slowly.
Distract Yourself
An intense high can cause emotional distress. Distract yourself with something you enjoy, like your favorite music, a funny movie, or a video game. If there are few fun distractions, do something productive, like cleaning the bathroom or washing the dishes. Anything that takes your mind off your current predicament will help.
Chew Some Peppercorns
Chewing on black peppercorns can mitigate the worst feelings associated with an intense high. Most people who cook have these in their kitchen, so they should be easy to find. Pop a few in your mouth and start chewing. Eating raw peppercorns is good for you, with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to help detoxify your system.
Take a Walk
If you’re open to going outdoors, fresh air and a change of scenery could help clear your mind and reduce feelings of claustrophobia. Walking will pump your blood and deliver more oxygen to your brain, helping clear it out quicker than just lying around.
Find a Comfortable Space
Sometimes, just changing your environment can help. Find a quiet, comfortable space to relax without too much stimulation.
Take a Nap
Taking a nap may not work for everyone, as it requires relaxation and at least a little tiredness. If you’re not feeling nap vibes, try walking first to work off some anxiety, then lay down for a nap when you return. Alternatively, eat something first, then try to nap. Slow, deep breathing for a couple of minutes may also help you relax enough to get some shut-eye.
Eat Something
Eating can take the edge off your buzz. Even if you usually eat healthily, the priority here is to get some food in your stomach. You can return to healthy eating later.
With that said, some research suggests that the terpenes found in certain snacks could help to alleviate the worst symptoms of an overly intense high. If you’ve consumed too much cannabis, consider reaching for one of the following foods.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts contain pinene, a compound that can help reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. Pinene is a terpene known for its ability to enhance alertness and counteract the memory impairments caused by THC. Consuming pine nuts can help you feel more clear-headed and less overwhelmed by an intense high.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are rich in healthy fats and can help balance blood sugar levels, potentially easing some of the anxiety associated with a high. These nutrient-dense snacks provide a steady source of energy and omega-3 fatty acids, which could help to stabilize your mood and reduce feelings of unease.
Lemon or Citrus Fruits
D-Limonene – a terpene found in lemon and other citrus fruits – could help to counteract the effects of THC. Eating lemon slices or drinking lemon water can be particularly effective.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains compounds that can help stabilize mood and provide a calming effect. The flavonoids and theobromine present in dark chocolate can reduce anxiety and enhance overall mental well-being. Consuming a small amount of dark chocolate can help to reduce the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium and can help balance electrolytes, which may make you feel more grounded. The natural sugars in bananas provide a quick energy boost, helping to alleviate feelings of fatigue that can accompany a high. Additionally, bananas contain magnesium, which can aid in relaxing muscles and reducing anxiety.
Honey
A spoonful of honey can provide a quick burst of energy and help stabilize blood sugar levels. The natural sugars in honey are easily absorbed by the body, offering a rapid and sustained energy boost.
Avocado
The healthy fats in avocado can help absorb and metabolize THC more efficiently. These fats bind to THC molecules, aiding in their breakdown and reducing the intensity of the high. Additionally, avocados are rich in essential nutrients that can support overall well-being and help you feel more balanced.
Yogurt
A small bowl of yogurt can be soothing and provide probiotics, which may help settle your stomach if you’re feeling queasy.
Oatmeal
Eating oatmeal can help reduce the effects of THC due to its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels. Additionally, oatmeal contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber, which helps to regulate insulin response, further stabilizing blood sugar and potentially mitigating some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
Cheese and Crackers
The protein and fats in cheese combined with the carbohydrates in crackers can provide a balanced snack to help ground you.
These snacks can help you feel more grounded and may ease the effects of excess THC, allowing you to enjoy a more balanced and pleasant experience. If you don’t have any of these on hand, don’t worry – getting food into your stomach can help you take the edge off your buzz.
Ideas for Distracting Yourself
Finding effective distractions can be crucial when managing an overwhelming high. Here are some ideas to keep your mind occupied:
- Creative Activities: Drawing, painting, or even coloring in an adult coloring book can help redirect your focus.
- Physical Exercise: If you feel up to it, doing some light exercises like yoga or stretching can help reduce anxiety and burn off excess energy.
- Reading: Dive into a good book or read some light-hearted articles or comics online.
- Puzzles and Games: Engage your mind with puzzles, crosswords, or any game that requires concentration.
- Listen to a Podcast: Find a podcast that interests you and let yourself get absorbed in the conversation.
Ways to Avoid Overintoxication on Cannabis
Preventing overintoxication is the best approach to ensure your cannabis experience remains enjoyable. Here are some strategies to avoid getting too high:
- Know Your Limits: Everyone’s tolerance level is different. Start with small amounts and gradually increase if necessary. Keep track of how different strains and methods of consumption affect you.
- Pace Yourself: Avoid consuming too much too quickly. Take your time, especially with edibles, as they can take longer to kick in.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your cannabis use to stay hydrated and help mitigate dry mouth and other side effects.
- Eat Beforehand: Having a full stomach can help slow the absorption of THC, making the effects more manageable.
- Choose the Right Setting: Consume cannabis in a comfortable and familiar environment, preferably with people you trust. This can help you feel more secure and reduce the likelihood of anxiety or paranoia.
- Educate Yourself: Understand the different strains and their effects. Sativa strains can be more energizing and may cause anxiety in some people, while Indica strains tend to be more relaxing.
- Use a Grinder: Using a grinder ensures a more consistent grind, which can help you better control the amount of cannabis you use in each session.
- Mind Your Method: Different methods of consumption (smoking, vaping, edibles) can affect you differently. Start with methods you are comfortable with and understand how they impact you.
Compare the effects of edibles and smoking cannabis in our recent guide: Edibles vs. Smoking
By following these tips and being mindful of your consumption, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis while minimizing the risk of an uncomfortable high. Remember, the goal is to have a pleasant experience, so take it slow and listen to your body.
Visit the 710 Pipes Head Shop Today
Sometimes, the quest for a quality buzz can cross the line and become mentally and emotionally uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate the effects of an intense high. Follow the suggestions provided above, and in no time, you’ll relax and feel like your normal self.
For all your cannabis-related needs, be sure to visit us at the 710 Pipes pipe shop. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience.