Suppress an Uncomfortable Cannabis High
You know that moment your subconscious is like, "Dude. I'm way too high."? You're seeing sounds and hearing colors. You're smelling things that aren't even there. Your thoughts sound like a Bose system in your skull.
You get it! It's not always that dramatic, but it can be so uncomfortable if you over-do it.
Maybe you're a low-tolerance consumer. Maybe you're trying concentrates and the potency caught you off guard. Or an edible kicks in a few hours late. There are all kinds of reasons an uncomfortable high can sneak up on you.
Here's our first bit of advice: DO NOT PANIC. YOU ARE FINE - EVERYTHING IS OKAY.
Most of us have experienced the uneasiness that comes along with this experience. Doesn't make you a "wuss" of any sort.
If you have obtained your MMJ card and are worried about the likelihood of getting to this point, this could deem very beneficial for you! Especially if you have never partaken, or if it has been years since you jumped on the cannabis express.
Here's what to do, homie:
1. Know your limits.
If you can, try to prepare for your cannabis session according to your tolerance level. Okay, this tip won’t help you once you’re already over the edge, but it can help you avoid an uncomfortable situation next time.Consume with friends you know and are comfortable with, and don’t feel pressured to consume more than you can handle. It’s all well and good to make new friends, but being surrounded by strangers when you can’t feel your face is unpleasant at best and anxiety-ridden at worst.
Take it slow, especially when consuming edibles. We recommend trying a standard dose of 10 mg (or even 5 mg if you really want to ease into the experience) and waiting at least an hour, if not two, before increasing your edibles dosage. The same goes for inhalation methods – if you’re used to occasionally taking one hit off your personal vaporizer, we don’t advise sitting in a smoking circle puffing and passing for an hour.
2. HYDRATE YO SELF.
Water, water, water–don’t forget to hydrate! Whether you prefer water or juice, make sure you have a nice, cold beverage on hand (preferably non-caffeinated). This will help you combat dry mouth and allow you to focus on a simple and familiar act – sipping and swallowing.
Keep in mind that by “hydrate,” we don’t mean “knock back a few alcoholic beverages.” If you’re feeling the effects of your strain a little too aggressively, stay away from alcohol as it can increase THC blood concentrations.
Some people find that a light snack helps them feel a little more grounded. Consider grazing on some fruits, nuts, or cheese, and see if it’s a little easier to connect mind and body.
3. Black Pepper! - Who'da thought?
If you find yourself combating paranoia and anxiety, a simple household ingredient found in kitchens and restaurants everywhere can come to your rescue: black pepper. Many swear by the black pepper trick, even Neil Young! Just sniff or chew on a few black peppercorns and it should provide almost instantaneous relief.
4.Stay Calm & Rest
Find a calm, quiet place where you can rest and breathe deeply. Remember, the intense discomfort you’re feeling will pass. Take deep full breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on the sound of your breath and just rest a while.
Sometimes sleeping it off can be the best alternative to stopping a strong high, but it’s not always easy to turn your brain off. Once you’ve found a quiet area, lay down and let yourself relax. If drowsiness and sleep are quick to onset, take a little nap to rejuvenate yourself. Should you be unable to fall asleep, just get comfortable until you feel strong enough to spring back up.
5. Walk it Out
If you can’t turn your brain off, sometimes a change of scenery and some fresh air to get your blood pumping will help invigorate you. Just remember to stay close to your immediate surroundings–we don’t want you wandering off and getting lost while you’re feeling anxious and paranoid! And refrain from taking a walk if you’re feeling too woozy or light-headed to stand; instead, we recommend going back to option #4 and laying down for a while.
6. Shower or a long soak
While it’s not always feasible if you’re out and about or at a friend’s house, if you’re at home, try taking a nice shower or bath as a really pleasant option to help you relax.
7. Find a Distraction
All of the activities that seem so entertaining and fun while high are also a great way to distract yourself while you try to come back down to Earth. Some suggestions include:
- Watch a funny cartoon
- Listen to your favorite album
- Play a fun video game
- Talk to your friends (who are hopefully right by your side, reassuring you)
- Snuggle with your significant other
- Try coloring as a calming activity (seriously, adult coloring books are becoming all the rage lately)
- Eat something delicious
Whatever distractions you prefer, make sure it’s a familiar activity that gives you warm fuzzy emotions. Your brain will hopefully zone in on the positive feelings and give you a gentle reminder that you are safe and just fine.
8. And of course, try some CBD oil.
CBD has a nice way of counteracting any overwhelming psychological effects that THC might bring in excess. CBD has nearly zero psychological side effects and can tone down the mind vs body phenomenon that sometimes takes place when you've encountered a high much too intense for your liking.
While I know not every remedy aforementioned is going to completely reverse side effects of a THC overload, this is the best advice we could muster. You are bound to, at the very least, ease yourself of paranoia and uneasiness by giving a few of these a fair shot!
Xoxo,
Emerald's Triangle LLC.
sources: leafly.com
