Posted on January 22, 2022 by Munchies

Every true stoner knows there are a few rites of passage every weed smoker must go through: getting caught smoking by your parents, smoking out of weird things like apples and aluminum cans, dropping all your weed on the carpet while crying on your hands and knees trying to pick up every little nug, and, of course, accidentally getting waaaaay too high.

Look, it happens to the best of us. Weed nowadays can be really strong! Every stoner we know has at some point accidentally bitten off way more than they could chew and eaten too many edibles or taken a just-too-big dab or bong rip that has sent them on a rocket ship straight to the moon while their shoes stay stuck on Earth.

And when that happens, sometimes it can be a little scary. Super strong THC (delta-9 in particular) has been known to occasionally trigger anxiety symptoms in some people, creating an uncomfortable cannabis experience. These feelings of anxiety can intensify during a powerful high, which can prompt you to figure out how to make your high go away.

Key Takeaways

  • Getting high is one of the goals of consuming cannabis, but it can also be overwhelming and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that can affect how intense a high is and know what to do if it gets too overwhelming. 
  • CBD may help reduce the intensity of a high by counteracting the effects of THC and reducing anxiety and physical symptoms associated with being too high. 
  • Several factors can impact how someone responds to cannabis, including genetics, metabolism, dosage, tolerance, age, body type, and environment. 
  • Caffeine won’t undo the effects of THC. In fact, it may intensify them. So instead of reaching for coffee or an energy drink to come down from a high, try CBD instead.

What Does it Feel Like to Be High?

  • Euphoric: One of the most sought-after aspects of being high is the intense feeling of euphoria. This overwhelming sense of joy and happiness spreads over the body like a warm blanket, often leading individuals to forget about their everyday stresses and worries.
  • Relaxed: The calming effect of certain highs can bring a person deep into a state of relaxation. Muscles loosen, tensions start to fade away, and one feels the world slowing down around them.
  • Amused: Laughter is undoubtedly contagious, and for those experiencing a high, the feeling of being easily amused or finding humor in unexpected places can be an intimate way of connecting with those around them.
  • Giggly: The infectious giggles accompanying many highs can be both endearing and uncontrollable. This unabashed, childlike laughter often breaks down barriers and creates a shared sense of fun and enjoyment between friends, acquaintances, and even strangers as you play the best weed games or enjoy a night out.
  • Creative: From musicians to painters, being high is often credited with unlocking a rich fountain of creativity. Some individuals describe a newfound sense of clarity and inspiration that allows them to view the world from a fresh perspective. Putting creativity into action is one of the best things to do while high.
  • Hungry: The notorious “munchies” are all too familiar for those who have experienced this insatiable hunger. Food tastes better than ever, as heightened senses elevate the experience of eating to a whole new level.
  • More sensitive to light, color, sound, touch, taste, and smell: A world of enhanced perception opens up for those navigating the high. Sensory experiences become incredibly vivid and intense, with colors, scents, and tastes taking on a new depth of richness and intensity.
  • Anxiety: For some, the journey into a cannabis-induced high begins with a feeling of anxiety. They may feel nervous or tense, their bodies tingling with anticipation. But as they continue to ascend, these feelings often evolve from heightened apprehension to curiosity and a burgeoning sense of adventure.
  • Confusion: The initial disorientation of being high can be both enthralling and disconcerting. The mind attempts to process an unfamiliar reality, struggling to make sense of its newfound perceptions. And yet, amid the confusion lies the potential for profound mental clarity and deep self-discovery.
  • Delusions and hallucinations: Some individuals may experience distorted perceptions and visions while under the influence. These distortions can be unnerving or enthralling, depending on the person and their mindset. They may feel as if they are seeing the world through a new lens, awakening to hidden connections and truths that lie beyond the edges of normal consciousness.
  • High blood pressure: As the heart races, it experiences a rush of adrenaline that can propel the individual into a state of alertness and sensory awareness. They may find themselves perceiving smells, tastes, and textures with a newfound intensity.
  • Nausea and vomiting: For some, the body may rebel against the intrusion of intoxicants, leading to feelings of nausea or even bouts of vomiting. These sensations can detract from the overall experience but may also prompt introspection on the nature of feeling ill and the interconnectedness of mind and body.
  • Panic: The intensity of a high can sometimes become overwhelming, leading to a feeling of panic for some individuals. This can manifest in a desperate desire to regain control and ground oneself in the familiar world left behind.
  • Paranoia: Paranoia can be one of the more challenging aspects of being high. The individual might be beset by suspicion and mistrust, even of those around them. This darker side of the experience is a sobering reminder that, without the proper mindset and guidance, the journey can become a desperate and hopeless trek into the shadows.
  • Psychosis: In rare cases, altered states of consciousness might lead to a temporary break from reality, resulting in psychosis. Consequently, understanding the risks and knowing one’s limits is integral to a successful and safe journey into this enigmatic realm.
  • Racing heartbeat: One of the hallmarks of being high is a sense of invigoration and an increased sense of vitality. This can manifest as a racing heartbeat, which, in turn, can serve as a reminder of the powerful connection between the heart and the mind.

How Do I Know if I’m Too High?

It’s essential to first look at how cannabis—THC especially—is supposed to affect us before making the judgment on whether you’re too high or not. When you ingest THC, it engages with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. The THC then reacts with the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) that lie within both the nervous and immune systems (respectively) to create different physical and mental effects. These effects can include:

  • Elevated or euphoric moods
  • Increased hunger
  • Sleepiness (most prevalent in Indica strains)
  • Elevated energy (most prevalent in Sativa strains)
  • Relief from pain and/or inflammation
  • Relaxed body and/or muscles

Although THC is capable of many beautiful things, sometimes THC can be strong enough to push you in the opposite direction, that’ll leave you thinking, “How to get unstoned.” Some signs and symptoms of being too high include:

  • Feelings of increased anxiety
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Feelings of depersonalization
  • Increased body temperature or sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Extreme couchlock
  • Extreme brain fog or confusion

Technically, there is no official diagnosis for being too high nor an official threshold of how much cannabis will make a person too high. These things are going to depend very heavily on a variety of individual external factors, including tolerance, age, height, weight, and overall health.

You also don’t have to show all of the above symptoms to be considered too high––you are too high as soon as you stop having fun being high. And that’s okay! Sometimes weed can hit us in a way that doesn’t agree with our body at that time, just like a lot of other things can.

Thankfully, there have been zero reported cases of any marijuana overdoses. So while it may feel uncomfortable at the moment, it’s important to remember that in the end, you will be okay. But, we understand the urgency––so if you’re still at a point where you’re trying to figure out how to be less high, we’ve compiled 13 ways that’ll help you do that.

How Can I Reduce My Feeling High?

There’re several things you can do to reduce the feeling of being high. It’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to different methods, so what works for one person may not work for another.

  • Hydrate: One of the most important things you can do to reduce your feeling high is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day, particularly if you’re using cannabis products with a high THC content. Eating light snacks may also help keep your blood sugar levels balanced and reduce dehydration.
  • Get some fresh air: Spending time outdoors after taking the cannabinoids that get you high can help reduce the feeling. Going for a walk, running, or bike ride in a park or on trails can be particularly beneficial. Natural light helps to regulate your body’s internal clock and can improve your mood.
  • Take breaks: Taking regular breaks from consuming cannabis products can help to reduce the feeling of being high. It’s important to find a balance that works for you and your lifestyle, whether it’s taking a break every few hours or waiting until the next day.
  • Engage in calming activities: Taking part in calming activities such as yoga, listening to music, reading, writing, or meditating can help reduce the feeling of being high. Focusing on your breath and thoughts can help to bring you back to the present moment and decrease feelings of anxiety.
  • Talk it out: Talking with someone you trust about how you’re feeling can also be helpful in reducing the feeling of being high. Having a listening ear or someone who can offer advice can go a long way in alleviating anxious thoughts and feelings.

How to Get Unhigh

While there is no magic way to get THC out of your system other than to simply wait it out, it’s good to know how to become unhigh fast when you feel like you’ve maybe had a hit too many. We know the struggle is very real, so we’ve come up with 13 ways that can help you figure out how to get unhigh ASAP.

This one is pretty obvious, but you have to hydrate. One reason you may be feeling negative effects associated with your high could be from previous dehydration. Since very few people actually drink enough water, it could be a pretty likely cause.

Being dehydrated can exacerbate the feelings of your high to a point that may make you uncomfortable. If you didn’t hydrate enough beforehand, drinking some cold water after you’re feeling too high will help get rid of your cottonmouth and can help get you back to feeling normal. 

Honestly, a good rule of thumb any time you’re not feeling well: when in doubt, drink some water.

This one might not work right away (since not everyone can just go to sleep on command), but if you can, we highly recommend trying to sleep it off. Sleep is the quickest way to get rid of a high, and thankfully, cannabis is notoriously a good aid for sleep.

If you can ride out the high until it tires you out, let it. Sleep is the ultimate healing agent for the human body, and even just a short nap can help to take the edge off of a super-strong high. You may even end up getting an excellent, deep sleep you didn’t know you needed!

Cat sleeping under the sheets.

Eat Some Food.

If you haven’t made it to the knocked-out-cold part of your high yet, hopefully, you’ve reached the munchies part. While there isn’t any scientific evidence that says eating food will lessen your high (like it does when you drink too much alcohol), there has been a lot of anecdotal evidence that says that eating a heavy meal will noticeably diminish the intensity of the high.

Eating or cooking food can also help to distract you from being too high. Doing things that bring you pleasure, comfort, or joy can be super helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your high.

Get Your Blood Pumping

Physical activity is a notorious buzzkill, and in this case, that’s exactly what we want. Go for a walk, do some yoga, do an exercise video, dance in the mirror, or even just do some jumping jacks. Getting your blood pumping can help to clear your brain and have you feeling more alert and in touch with your physical self, which can be super helpful if the weed is making you feel the opposite.

Engage With Media

Even though cannabis physically affects the body, the feeling of being too high is primarily mental––and when you focus too much on how anxious you are, that can make it way worse. Putting on your favorite movie or a comforting, familiar TV show can help to get your mind off of the feeling of being too high until you’ve come down enough to enjoy it.

Playing video games can also be a great distraction for your brain when it seems to have been negatively affected by weed. Weed can get the mind racing, and sometimes taking advantage of that can be useful. Put on a video game that requires some deep thinking and brainpower, and hours might pass before you even realize that your high has come down drastically.

Cool Yourself Down

A common side effect of stress and anxiety is increased body temperature. (And if you’ve ever had the dab-sweats, you know it’s serious.) Lowering your body temperature can help calm you down if you’re feeling overheated and overwhelmed.

If you live somewhere that gets super cold in the winter, stepping outside for a blast of freezing cold air can help to snap you back to reality. If that’s not an option, try an ice pack or a cool cloth on the back of your neck.

If all else fails, stick your head in the freezer. Whatever must be done!

Take a Bath or Shower

The full-body equivalent of splashing cold water on your face, putting yourself in a bath or shower can help to jolt your mind and body back to a sense of reality. But, of course, you don’t have to actually take a cold shower unless you want to––even a hot shower can help ease stress and tension and relax you back into enjoying your high again. (There’s just something universally comforting about taking a shower when you don’t feel well!)

Man relaxing in pool of water.

Try CBD

THC can be super anxiety-inducing, which is why we’re fortunate to have such wonderful other cannabinoids like CBD, that do the exact opposite. Known for its calming properties, CBD can help to relax you if you feel like you’ve consumed too much THC.

Although it can seem somewhat counterproductive to consume more cannabis after feeling like you’ve already consumed too much cannabis, CBD can really work in a pinch.

Take Black Pepper

This one may sound strange, but there have been actual evidence that there is a chemical in black peppercorns called alpha-pinene, which, when ingested, can override the effects of cannabinoids in the body. This can be done by eating it or even just smelling it. (Disclaimer: we said SMELLING it, not snorting it! We just feel like we have to make that distinction here.)

If you don’t have black pepper, you can try smelling or sipping other strongly-scented items in your kitchen. Astringent-smelling things like lemon or vinegar will work well in a pinch, too.

Smell Essential Oils

In lieu of foods, you can also try smelling some calming essential oils to help balance your mood. Aromatherapy has been known to help ease feelings of anxiety and can be very helpful in this situation. We recommend calming blends like lavender or ylang-ylang or awakening blends like eucalyptus or peppermint.

If you don’t have essential oils, smelling anything that brings you comfort––your favorite candle, incense, perfume, etc.––can help bring feelings of peace and comfort.

Drink Hot Tea

If smelling herbs doesn’t do the trick, you can always try drinking them. Calming teas that include herbs such as chamomile, mint, valerian root, and ashwagandha are wonderful for anxiety, which oftentimes is the main side effect of being too high. There’s a reason people have been steeping herbs for centuries; they really do help!

Herbs and flowers in a cup of tea.

Talk To Someone You Trust

Sometimes you just need to be reassured that you’re good. Ensure you have a trusted friend or family member who you can call or talk to when you’re feeling too high who can help keep you grounded. They may even be able to distract you from the uncomfortable feelings with a conversation or an activity without you even noticing. There’s nothing like breaking through anxiety like a good laugh with your friends!

Talk Yourself Down

If all else fails, sometimes you just have to talk yourself down. If you’re in public, sneak away somewhere private and give yourself a pep talk. Remind yourself that this feeling is fleeting and that you will come down. Do it in the bathroom mirror, talk to yourself with no one else around, do whatever you have to do.

Being too high can be a terrifying and nerve-wracking experience. You may find yourself begging the question, “how long does it take to get unhigh?!” since it can sometimes feel like it’s never going to end, or like you’ll be stuck that way forever. But you have to keep reminding yourself of this: no high lasts forever, no one has ever died from being too high, and you are going to be just fine.

How to Get Less High in the Future

Man sitting on a couch with a hand on his head.

It’s great to know how to get rid of a high once you’ve already gotten there, but it’s also important to understand how to prevent getting too high in the future. Sometimes getting too high is purely accidental, but there are a few things you should learn to do if you want to know how to get less high when you do partake.

  • Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of food before you ingest any cannabis. Make sure to bring extra water with you to your sesh, too!
  • Make sure you’re only smoking with people you trust. Nothing can make a bad high happen like sketchy situations, so make sure you’re already in a comfortable place.
  • Know your limits. If you know you can’t handle big bong rips, don’t take them. Make sure when you try edibles to start out slow and work your way up. Once you find your sweet spot, stay there!
  • Try alternative cannabinoids that will get you high at awith less potent psychoactive properties like delta 8 and delta 10 THC.

Once you master these things, you’ll begin to enjoy your high experiences a lot more and have to figure out out how to get unhigh a lot less. Happy smoking!

How Long Does Greening Out Usually Last?

Greening out is the feeling of being overwhelmed when consuming too much cannabis. It is characterized by feeling anxious, dizzy, and nauseous. The duration of greening out depends on a variety of factors such as:

  • The amount consumed: The more cannabis consumed, the longer greening out will last.
  • The potency of the cannabis: Higher potency products can lead to stronger effects and longer-lasting feelings of being overwhelmed.
  • Your tolerance level: If you have a higher tolerance for cannabis, it may take longer for your body to process it and reduce the feeling of being high. Your improved tolerance could be the reason why cannabis doesn’t get you high anymore.
  • The method of consumption: Different methods of cannabis consumption can affect how long greening outlasts. Inhaling cannabis through smoking or vaping may lead to faster effects, while edibles and other forms of ingestion may lead to longer-lasting effects.

Generally, the effects of feeling high will last anywhere between a few minutes to several hours, depending on the factors listed above. Ensure that you take proper precautions and keep track of how much cannabis you are consuming to avoid greening out.

Does Taking A Shower Take Away Your High?

One question that most cannabis users ask at one point or another is: does taking a shower take away your high? The short answer is that while a shower may help to reduce the feeling of being high, it won’t completely eliminate it.

Taking a shower can be helpful in reducing the feeling of being high because it serves as an opportunity to reset and relax. The warm water may help to reduce the physical symptoms of being high such as nausea, dizziness, and anxiety. Additionally, it can give your mind a break from the current situation and allow you to focus on something else.

Showering introduces changes to your environment that can help to reduce the feeling of being high. The sights and sounds of showering are often calming, which can be beneficial if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

The type of shower you take can also affect the intensity of your high. A cold shower shocks your body and delivers a refreshing jolt that can help to reduce the feeling of being high. On the other hand, a hot shower unclogs pores and helps to relax the body, leading to a more calming experience.

It’s worth noting that there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that showering can reduce the feeling of being high. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what works best for your body and lifestyle in order to relieve the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Does Caffeine Make You Unhigh?

Caffeine is a stimulant that can have both positive and negative effects on the body. It can help to increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and improve focus. However, when you’re stoned or high, it can also lead to increased anxiety and jitteriness.

Taking caffeine while high can make the effects of being high more intense as it can cause a “caffeine crash.” This means that when the effects of the caffeine wear off, they may leave you feeling even worse than before. 

Additionally, if you consume too much caffeine in combination with cannabis, it can lead to mental impairment and physical discomfort.

Does CBD Help You Get Unhigh?

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that has been shown to have many potential therapeutic benefits. This includes reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as providing relief from chronic pain.

Research has also suggested that CBD may help to reduce the intensity of a high and even potentially “unhigh” a person. This is because CBD works to counteract the psychotropic effects of THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.

How Does CBD Help You Become Unhigh?

CBD works to reduce the intensity of a high in two main ways. First, CBD helps reduce anxious and stressful thoughts, which are often associated with too much THC. By counteracting the psychoactive effects of THC, CBD can help make a person feel less anxious and panicked.

Second, studies have suggested that CBD may also be effective at reducing physical symptoms of a high, such as dry mouth, red eyes, and lethargy. By providing these physical effects with relief, CBD may help to reduce the intensity of a high.

It is important to note that while CBD can help reduce the symptoms associated with being too high on THC, it does not necessarily undo the psychoactive effects of THC itself. Therefore, it is still important to use caution when consuming cannabis, as the effects of THC can still be felt even with CBD present.

Why Does Cannabis Affect Everyone Differently?

There’re several factors that may affect how a person responds to cannabis. These include:

  • Genetics: Everyone’s body chemistry is unique, and this can affect how a person responds to cannabis.
  • Metabolism: How quickly the body processes THC can also play a role in how intense the effects of cannabis are felt.
  • Dosage: The amount of THC consumed will also determine how intense the effects of cannabis are felt.
  • Tolerance: A person’s experience with cannabis may affect how intense the effects of cannabis are felt.
  • Age: Age may also play a role in how intense the effects of cannabis are felt, as older people tend to have a lower tolerance for THC.
  • Body type: Body types can also play a role in how intense the effects of cannabis are felt. For instance, people who are overweight may feel the effects more intensely than those who are not.
  • Environment: The environment in which cannabis is consumed can also affect how intense the effects of cannabis are felt. For instance, consuming cannabis in a loud or crowded place may make it more difficult to relax and enjoy the effects. 

This video provides more practical tips that can help any stoner get unhigh. 

**(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

JUMP TO