Cannabis is widely celebrated for its relaxing and euphoric effects, but sometimes, the high can feel too overwhelming, leaving users searching for quick ways to sober up. Whether you’re a new user or someone who consumed more than intended, understanding how to reduce the effects of THC can be a lifesaver. Knowing how to get unhigh fast is particularly useful when the experience becomes uncomfortable or interferes with daily activities.
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, interacts with your brain’s receptors, causing the high. While there’s no instant cure, several remedies can help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and lessen the intensity of the effects. These remedies range from drinking water and consuming specific snacks to using CBD or practicing grounding techniques. On the other hand, there are also myths that don’t actually work and can waste your time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through effective ways to bring yourself back to baseline, explain the science behind these remedies, and debunk common misconceptions. By the end, you’ll have a reliable toolkit for managing an overpowering high, ensuring a more comfortable and informed cannabis experience.
Understanding the Cannabis High: Why Does It Happen?
To understand how to get unhigh, it’s essential to first grasp why it happens. The psychoactive effects of cannabis are caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary compound in cannabis that binds to receptors in the brain’s endocannabinoid system. This interaction triggers feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or, in some cases, anxiety or paranoia.
The intensity of a high depends on factors like the strain, THC concentration, dosage, and individual tolerance levels. For new or occasional users, consuming a high-THC product or ingesting an edible can lead to overwhelming effects, as edibles take longer to metabolize and often produce a stronger high.
Once THC enters your system, it can take hours for your body to naturally metabolize it. This process explains why there’s no instant “off switch” for sobering up. However, there are strategies to counteract the effects of THC by addressing its impact on the brain and body. Remedies like hydration, calming activities, and CBD can help restore balance.
Understanding the science behind a high not only helps you manage the effects but also equips you with the knowledge to avoid consuming more than intended in the future. By being proactive and informed, you can better control your cannabis experience.
Hydration is Key: Drink Water or Lemon Juice
One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat an overwhelming high is to stay hydrated. THC can sometimes cause dry mouth (commonly known as cottonmouth), which can add to the discomfort of being too high. Drinking water helps alleviate this symptom and aids in flushing the system, allowing your body to metabolize THC more efficiently. For an added boost, consider sipping on lemon water. Lemons are rich in limonene, a terpene that has calming and anxiety-reducing properties. The refreshing citrus can help ground you and counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. Simply squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water, and you’ll have a soothing beverage that doubles as a natural remedy.
Another excellent option is herbal tea, particularly chamomile or peppermint tea, both of which have relaxing effects. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, as caffeine can heighten feelings of anxiety, potentially worsening the situation. Staying hydrated not only helps with physical symptoms like dry mouth and fatigue but also contributes to an overall sense of calmness. By focusing on hydration, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to process THC more effectively, helping you feel more in control.
Snacks That Help: Black Pepper and CBD Edibles
Certain foods can be surprisingly effective in mitigating the effects of THC. Black pepper is one of the best-known natural remedies for calming an overpowering high. The secret lies in beta-caryophyllene, a terpene found in black pepper that interacts with the same endocannabinoid receptors as THC. Simply sniffing or chewing on a few black peppercorns can help reduce feelings of anxiety or paranoia, providing almost instant relief.
Another highly effective remedy is CBD, the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis. CBD acts as a natural counterbalance to THC by reducing its psychoactive effects and promoting relaxation. Consuming CBD in the form of tinctures, gummies, or edibles can help you regain a sense of control and calmness.
Other snack options include light, healthy foods like fruits and nuts, which provide essential nutrients and energy to help stabilize your mood. Foods high in fat, such as avocados, can also help as THC is fat-soluble, and consuming fats may help your body metabolize THC more efficiently.
Breathing and Grounding Techniques to Calm the Mind
When the mental effects of being too high feel overwhelming, focusing on your breath and grounding techniques can work wonders. Cannabis can sometimes trigger anxiety or racing thoughts, but controlled breathing helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, signaling your body to relax.
Start with deep belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing:
- Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
- Breathe in deeply through your nose for four seconds, allowing your belly to expand.
- Hold your breath for four seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds.
- Repeat for several minutes.
This method can slow your heart rate and reduce feelings of panic. Pair it with grounding techniques, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method, which engages your senses:
- Identify 5 things you can see.
- Identify 4 things you can touch.
- Identify 3 things you can hear.
- Identify 2 things you can smell.
- Identify 1 thing you can taste.
These practices help redirect your focus away from the high and back to your immediate surroundings. By centering your thoughts, you can regain a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
Taking a Cold Shower: A Quick Reset for the System
A cold shower can be a surprisingly effective way to “snap out” of an intense high. The sudden drop in temperature activates your body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing circulation and helping you feel more alert. This method works particularly well when you’re feeling sluggish, disoriented, or overwhelmed by the effects of THC.
Cold water not only jolts your system but also helps soothe physical discomforts like dizziness or nausea. If a full cold shower feels too intense, even splashing cold water on your face or running your wrists under cold water can provide relief. The cooling sensation acts as a reset for your body and mind, grounding you in the present moment. For added relaxation, try a contrast shower—alternate between cold and warm water to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation. By incorporating this physical reset into your routine, you’ll feel refreshed and more in control of your experience.
Conclusion
Experiencing an overwhelming cannabis high can be uncomfortable, but knowing how to manage it can make all the difference. Remedies like staying hydrated, using CBD, practicing breathing techniques, and even taking a cold shower can help reduce the intensity of THC’s effects and restore your balance. Understanding why the high occurs and having reliable tools to counteract it ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable cannabis experience in the future.
While myths about sobering up from cannabis abound, sticking to proven remedies is key. By focusing on hydration, grounding exercises, and calming snacks like black pepper or lemon water, you can navigate the discomfort and regain control. The next time you or someone else feels too high, these simple strategies will come to the rescue, helping you feel more centered and at ease.
