We’ve all been there: you took one too many hits, ate an extra gummy, or that edible finally kicked in way harder than expected. Now your couch feels like a spaceship, and you’re wondering how to get back to planet Earth. Don’t panic! While you might feel uncomfortably high right now, we’ve got practical tips to help you sober up and ride out the experience safely.
Why Do You Get Too High?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that creates that characteristic high. When you consume marijuana, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain, affecting everything from your mood to your perception of time. You might get too high because edibles hit harder than expected, today’s cannabis has higher THC concentrations, you have low tolerance, or you consumed too much too quickly.
Here’s the good news: No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose. According to the DEA, no deaths from cannabis overdose have been reported.
How long does it last? Effects from smoking cannabis typically fade within 2-3 hours, while cannabis edibles can last 4-8 hours or longer. The key thing to remember? This feeling will subside.
8 Ways to Sober Up From Cannabis
1. Stay Calm and Breathe
Your heart might be racing, but breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system. Try the 4-4-4 technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds. This simple breathing exercise can help reduce anxiety and lower your heart rate.
2. Hydrate with Water
Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects. Drinking water can help you feel more normal and flush your system. Sip slowly, and try cold lemon water; the citrus can help you feel more alert.
3. Try Black Pepper or Pine Nuts
Black pepper contains the terpene beta-caryophyllene, which interacts with the same receptors as THC. Smelling or chewing black peppercorns can help calm your high. Pine nuts contain pinene, which may help restore mental clarity. Toast them lightly to activate their beneficial compounds.
4. Take a Cold Shower
A cold shower can help you “reset” both physically and mentally. If a full shower feels like too much, splash cold water on your face. The temperature change can stop the spiral of anxiety and help calm you down.
5. Distract Yourself
Get out of your own head with calming activities: watch your favorite comedy, play with a pet, listen to music, or take a gentle walk with a friend. Avoid anything too stimulating—this isn’t the time for psychological thrillers.
6. Use CBD to Balance THC
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that can help moderate the effects of THC. If you have CBD oil or high-CBD cannabis strains on hand, they might help you sober up faster. Just make sure your CBD product doesn’t also contain high THC levels!
7. Get Moving Gently
Light exercise can help metabolize THC faster. Try a slow walk, gentle stretching, or dancing to your favorite song. Don’t overdo it. The goal is gentle movement to get back into your body.
8. Find a Comfortable Spot and Rest
Sometimes the best option is to lie down in a safe, comfortable environment and let the high pass. Dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket, and remind yourself that this will fade within a few hours.
What NOT to Do When You're Too High
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what helps when you want to get unhigh:
- Don’t drink alcohol: Alcohol can intensify the effects of cannabis and make you feel even worse
- Avoid caffeine: It might seem like a good idea to “wake up,” but caffeine can increase anxiety and make your heart race faster
- Avoid mangoes: They contain myrcene, a terpene that can actually make your high stronger and last longer
- Don’t drive or operate machinery: Your reaction times and judgment are impaired. Stay put until you’re completely sober
- Skip the catastrophizing: You’re not going to die, and this isn’t permanent. Remind yourself that the effects of cannabis will pass
How to Prevent Getting Too High
Start Low, Go Slow: The golden rule. With edibles, start with 5-10mg THC and wait at least two hours before taking more.
Know Your Cannabis Strains: Different marijuana strains have different effects. Talk to the budtenders at your local Ascend dispensary to find cannabis products that match your tolerance.
Watch THC Concentration: Higher THC doesn’t always mean better—just more potent. If you’re prone to getting too high, opt for lower-THC options or high-CBD cannabis strains.
Be Mindful with Edibles: Cannabis edibles are metabolized differently, creating stronger, longer-lasting psychoactive effects. Always start small and be patient.
Pro Tip
Using cannabis in a comfortable, familiar place with people you trust makes all the difference.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most people can ride out an uncomfortable cannabis high at home, there are situations where you should consult a healthcare provider:
- You’ve mixed marijuana with other substances (alcohol, prescription medications, etc.)
- You have a heart or respiratory condition and are experiencing chest pain or breathing difficulties
- You’re vomiting severely and can’t keep water down
- You have a bad reaction that includes hallucinations or paranoia that doesn’t improve
Remember: Healthcare providers are there to help, not judge. Cannabis-related ER visits can happen, and medical professionals won’t report you for seeking help.
You're Gonna Be Okay
Getting too high from weed isn’t fun, but it’s temporary. Whether you accidentally overdid it with edibles or smoked too much cannabis at once, these techniques can help you sober up more comfortably. The most important thing is to stay calm, hydrate, and remind yourself that no one ever died from consuming too much marijuana.
The next time you consume cannabis, apply what you learned from this experience. Start with smaller amounts, choose your cannabis products carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions at the dispensary. Our budtenders are always happy to help you find the right products for your needs and tolerance level.
Ready to Explore Cannabis Responsibly?
Stop by your nearest Ascend Cannabis location to browse our carefully curated selection of cannabis products. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you find strains, edibles, and marijuana products that match your experience level and preferences. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a connoisseur, we’re here to ensure you have a positive, safe experience every time.
Shop in-store or order online for pickup, and remember, when in doubt, start low and go slow!
