Too high on weed? We’ve all had those moments: you’ve sparked up the perfect joint, nailed that impeccably timed dab, or indulged in a gourmet edible. Then, out of nowhere, those warm fuzzies start feeling more like prickles, your giggles turn into heavy breathing, and you’re left wondering, “Am I in another dimension?” Nope, you’ve just hit that point where you realize, “I’m greening out”.
Maybe that edible decided to take its sweet time kicking in, or you got a bit too ambitious showing off your bong skills to your buds. Perhaps you ventured into the world of concentrates without fully realizing their punch. Or hey, you could just be someone with a low tolerance (please don’t feel personally attacked by this btw).
However it happens, getting too high can sneak up on you in countless ways. And when it hits, it can leave even the most experienced stoners feeling wayyyyyy too uncomfortable. Luckily, cannabis won’t send you to the great beyond, and its effects usually wear off within a day. Here’s how to bounce back from the brink of greening out (or, being too high on weed).
How long does it take to come down after getting too high?
So, how long you’ll feel that “too high” or “greening out” sensation for depends on several factors: how you consumed the THC, how much you took, your tolerance, age and metabolism. Yeah, they all play a part in this game. Generally, the stronger the THC dosage (aka THC in milligrams), the longer the high lingers, though it might not necessarily hit you harder.
This being said, hitting the dab rip might keep you flying longer than just sparking up bowl, but the dose, the quality of what you’re smoking or dabbing, and how your body handles this hit all comes into play. And if you’re a regular smoker with a solid tolerance, you’ll probably come back down quicker than someone who only tokes up every now and then.
How do you come down from this?! Luckily, there are tricks to help you chill out and mellow down if you’re feeling too high, overwhelmed, or just not vibing with the intensity.
Symptoms:
When you’re too high on weed, trust us, you’ll know it. But if you’re not exactly sure where that line is, there are some dead giveaways to watch out for.:
– Anxious
– Nauseous
– Dizzy
– Panicky
– Paranoid
– Confused
– Sweating buckets
What happens when you get too high on weed?
Even if it feels like you’re about to hit the bottom of your coffin, take a deep breath – you’re still very much among the living. Just remember, that buzz you’re riding comes from THC, which hooks up with the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid systems.
Having THC flow through your system can bring on all sorts of feels – like chill vibes, sleepiness, the munchies, and euphoria. But with so many strains and THC products out there, it’s hard to pin down when you’ve gone overboard.
Tips on how to sober up:
1. Keep Calm
We know, basic, but true.
Most symptoms of “greening out” (aka being too high on weed) will fade away within minutes to hours, leaving you with nothing more than a touch of drowsiness and possibly an empty fridge. Just give it some time, and trust us, those feelings will eventually fade away.
2. Water and snacks
Water (and hydration as a whole) is key to getting back on track. Whether you’re all about H2O or you prefer a fruity juice, make sure you’ve got a nice, cold drink nearby (non-caffeinated is best). It’ll help you battle cottonmouth and give you something simple and familiar to focus on – just sipping and swallowing.
Now, when we say “hydrate,” we’re not talking about throwing brewskis. If you’re feeling the effects of your strain hitting you a little too hard, steer clear of alcohol. It can amp up the THC in your bloodstream.
So, does snacking after a smoke sesh help sober you up? Some people swear by it. Try snacking on some fruit, nuts, or cheese and see if it helps you feel more grounded.
3. Know your limits
If you can, plan your cannabis session based on what you know about your own tolerance levels. If you’ve learned that just a couple of puffs from a joint get your heart racing, or a 10mg gummy turns you into a couch potato, there’s no need to push yourself past that comfort zone. It might not save you if you’ve already gone overboard, but it can definitely help you dodge an uncomfortable situation the next time around.
Stick to smoking with pals you know and trust, and don’t feel like you have to keep up with their tolerance levels. Making new buddies is cool and all, but being surrounded by strangers when you’re too high on weed isn’t exactly a party – it’s more like a one-way ticket to anxiety express.
When it comes to edibles, take it slow. Start with a standard dose, say around 10mg (or even 5mg or 2mg if you’re feeling extra cautious), and then give it at least an hour or two before you even think about upping your dosage. Same deal with smoking – if you’re used to just taking a hit or two from your vape, don’t suddenly find yourself in a puff-puff-pass marathon for hours.
4. Keep calm and rest
Find a chill spot where you can kick back without a ton of distractions and just take it easy. Remember, this discomfort you’re feeling won’t last forever. Take some deep breaths – in through the nose, out through the mouth. Focus on the sound of your breath and give yourself a breather.
Sometimes, crashing out and catching some Z’s is the best way to ride out a mega-high, but shutting off your brain isn’t always a cakewalk. Once you’ve found your zen zone, lay down and let yourself unwind. If you start feeling sleepy, go ahead and let yourself recharge. And if sleep’s playing hard to get, just get comfy and hang tight until you’re ready to bounce back.
5. Take a shower (or bath)
While it might not be doable if you’re out and about or crashing at a buddy’s pad, if you’re home, consider hopping in the shower or soaking in a nice bath to help ease into the come-down from a greenout.
While there’s no official scientific study on the effects of showering when too high just yet, both personal stories and the science behind showers suggest that, yeah, it probably does take the edge off a little. Showers, in general, are great for chilling out the body and mind, and cold showers especially seem to do wonders for knocking back feelings of funkiness and giving your brain a boost, leaving you feeling more awake and centered.
6. Try to keep yourself distracted when too high:
All those activities that seem like a blast when you’re greening out can also be a lifesaver when you’re trying to touch back down to reality. Here are some ideas to keep your mind off being too high on weed:
– Watch your favorite cartoon or comfort show
– Crank up your favorite tunes
– Dive into a video game
– Snuggle up with your significant other
– Get artsy with some coloring – seriously, adult coloring books are all the rage (we know from personal experience)
– Treat yourself to something tasty
No matter what floats your boat, stick with something familiar that brings you good vibes. Hopefully, your brain will latch onto those positive feelings and remind you that you’re safe and sound. Just remember, it will all be okay, and you will be more prepared for the next time (we hope there is one)!