Too High? What to Do When You’ve Overconsumed

It happens. Maybe an edible hit harder than expected. Maybe you tried something new. Maybe you simply underestimated your tolerance. Whatever brought you here, the first thing to remember is:

Don’t panic.

Cannabis can sometimes make anxious thoughts feel much bigger than they actually are. Remind yourself that the effects are temporary and will gradually wear off. If you’re able to, get yourself somewhere cozy, familiar, and safe. Sit down, put on something comforting, lower the lights, and give yourself permission to ride it out.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed after consuming too much, here are a few things that may make the experience more manageable.

Get Comfortable and Hydrate

Start simple. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down and drink some water. Take small sips rather than chugging an entire bottle at once.

Cannabis can leave your mouth feeling dry, and staying hydrated can simply make you feel a little more comfortable while you wait for the intensity to pass. 

Try Lemon or Black Pepper

If you're at home, you may already have a couple of interesting options sitting in your kitchen. Lemons contain limonene, while black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene, two terpenes that are also commonly found in cannabis. There is some scientific interest in how terpenes and cannabinoids interact, but research has not established lemon juice or black pepper as proven treatments for being too high.

That said, black pepper and citrus have long been popular home remedies among cannabis consumers, and they're generally easy things to try. Add some fresh lemon to water, have a little lemon juice, or smell freshly cut citrus. With black pepper, smelling freshly cracked pepper or chewing a couple of peppercorns is plenty. No need to turn your kitchen into a spice challenge.

Have a Snack

Weed and the munchies have been friends for a long time.

If you've taken an edible, eating afterward won't literally “dilute” THC that's already been absorbed, but having something in your stomach may help you feel more grounded, especially if you haven't eaten recently. Reach for something familiar and easy. Crackers, toast, fruit, chips, or whatever your personal comfort snack happens to be can give you something else to focus on while you wait. Remember that edibles are particularly good at playing the long game. Effects can take a while to fully appear and can last for hours, so don't take more because you think the first dose isn't working yet.

Try Some Fresh Air

If you're feeling sluggish or restless, a little movement can sometimes help redirect your attention. Open a window, step into your backyard, or take a short walk somewhere safe and familiar. 

Give Your Brain Something Else to Do

Sometimes the best strategy is simply distraction.

Put on a familiar movie, listen to music, play an easy game, talk to a friend, or do something else that doesn't require much concentration. Slow, steady breathing can also help if you notice yourself getting anxious.

Some people also find minty gum or herbal tea comforting. Coffee may sound appealing if you're sleepy, but caffeine can increase jitteriness or anxiety for some people, so we'd skip it if your heart is already racing or you're feeling nervous.

It's Okay to Sleep

Feeling sleepy? That's okay too.

If you're in a safe place and otherwise feeling well, get comfortable and take a nap or head to bed. Just keep in mind that cannabis doesn't necessarily clock out when you do. Depending on how much you consumed, particularly with edibles, you may wake up still feeling some effects.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time get back to sober before driving or doing anything that requires you to be fully alert.

The Best Fix Is Prevention

Once you're feeling like yourself again, think about what might have caused the experience.

Maybe the edible dose was higher than you're used to. Maybe you didn't wait long enough before taking more. Maybe a new product was simply stronger than expected.

There's no prize for having the highest tolerance. Start low, give products plenty of time to take effect, and increase gradually. With edibles especially, patience is your friend.

And if you're unsure about potency or serving sizes, ask your budtender before you leave The Reef. Understanding what you're consuming and how much is one of the easiest ways to keep your next experience comfortably on this side of the atmosphere.