There’s nothing worse than trying to catch a buzz, only to end up way more stoned than you wanted to be. The paranoia sets in, and your stomach feels weird. You just want to get back to feeling normal again.
Unfortunately, you could be locked into this state for a few hours if you took Delta-9 gummies on an empty stomach. Don’t sweat it, though. We can show you how to get unhigh fast so you can avoid the anxiety spiral that comes with being way too stoned. We’ll share tips and a few more secrets we use when we feel overwhelmed. More importantly, we’ll cover tips to help you avoid this uncomfortable experience going forward. It’s usually just a matter of smarter dosing.
How Does Weed Get You Too High?
THC zips into your bloodstream almost instantly upon smoking or vaping cannabis, quickly binding to CB1 receptors in your brain. Those receptors control mood, memory, and motor coordination, so you can expect an uptick in sensory perception, loosened inhibitions, and an altered sense of time.
That’s what people love about cannabis … in the right dose, of course. Sometimes, though, it can cross the line, and you end up overstimulating those same pathways. Suddenly, colors seem too bright, sounds too loud, your heart races, or you feel disconnected from your surroundings.
Edibles add another layer: the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier even more efficiently. Translation: you have a delayed but intensified high that lasts way longer than smoking or vaping.
You might think nothing’s happening after 30 minutes, take another bite, and then find yourself three hours deep in couch lock. Whether you inhale or ingest, nose-diving into a supercharged high happens when your brain floods with more THC than your body can process smoothly.
The top question on your mind right now: Is this going to be forever? Pump the brakes; it’s only temporary.
How Long Does It Take to Get Unhigh?
Your body metabolizes THC at its own pace. The acute high generally peaks within 30 minutes and fades over two to three hours if you smoke or vape weed, but you might feel something lingering for up to six hours, depending on how much you consumed and your tolerance.
Expect a slower climb with edibles and an even slower comedown: onset at 45–90 minutes, a peak around two to three hours, and residual effects that may last six to eight hours.
Metabolism, body fat, and tolerance all factor in. A fast liver and lean body composition help you process THC faster, shortening the timeline.
But maybe you want to speed things up because you’re uncomfortably high, or because you’ve got something to do and need to be sober. Well, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled our top tips on how to get unhigh fast.
Top Tips for Coming Back Down to Earth
Just like learning how to not smell like weed, the best advice on how to get unhigh quickly is to learn how to prevent it in the first place. This means being smarter about dosing. But there’s nothing you can do at this point. As they say, it is what it is! So, here are some of our top tips:
1. Hydrate and Snack
Drinking water won’t flush THC instantly, but staying hydrated supports overall metabolism. Pair it with a light snack, such as complex carbs, a banana, or whole-grain toast. This helps stabilize blood sugar, and the fuel can act as a reserve for your brain, reducing dizziness and nausea.
2. Breathe and Move
Slow, deep breaths send calming signals to your nervous system, effectively telling it to lower your heart rate. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for two, and exhaling for six.
Stand up and walk around if you can. Even a five-minute stroll or gentle stretching can help ease the fuzzy headspace and encourage circulation, speeding up your return to baseline.
3. Black Peppercorns
This classic home remedy works more often than you’d think. Chew or sniff a few black peppercorns! Their beta-caryophyllene terpene binds to the same receptors that THC does and can dial down anxiety. The spicy scent grounds you and helps refocus your mind. Think of it like smelling salts before physical activity.
4. CBD to the Rescue
A few milligrams of a CBD tincture or vape can counterbalance THC’s effects. CBD interacts with CB1 receptors differently, dampening psychoactive responses and restoring equilibrium. That’s why it’s always good to keep a bit of CBD on hand, just in case!
5. Distract Yourself
The more you sit there thinking about how stoned you are, the slower the clock will feel like it’s ticking. Distract yourself with any soothing activity that demands just enough attention to pull your mind away from how you feel. That could be listening to a favorite playlist, watching a lighthearted show, doodling, or playing a game. Mental engagement pulls focus off the high and onto something familiar.
6. Cool Down
A cool shower or a splash of cold water on your face tightens blood vessels and can shock your system back to alertness, sort of in the same way black peppercorn works. Wet a washcloth and press it to your forehead and neck if a shower isn’t possible.
7. Nap It Off
Lie down in a dark, quiet space and close your eyes if your schedule allows. Your liver keeps working while your brain rests. Even a 30-minute power nap can do wonders.
8. Lemon and Ginger
Citrusy lemon and warming ginger both have compounds that support digestion and mood. Sip ginger tea with a squeeze of lemon or chew on a candied ginger piece to settle your stomach and sharpen your senses.
9. Fresh Air and Sunlight
Step outside for a few minutes. Natural light and oxygen signal your brain that it’s daytime, waking you up and providing sensory cues that counteract the hazy high.
Plan for Next Time
Once you’re back to baseline, note what went too far. Was it the strain, the dose, or skipping a meal? Adjust your future sessions. Maybe you start with half a hit or half a gummy, and give yourself plenty of cushion time before taking more. Or perhaps you don’t try to finish a whole joint solo. You can also explore other cannabinoids to see what suits you best. Start with our guide on THCA vs. Delta-8 or check out how THCP compares to Delta-9. Just know that most of the time, getting too high is simply a matter of excess dosage!
Final Words on How to Get Unhigh Fast
We hope this guide helps you feel more like yourself once again. Keep reminding yourself of two things if you feel yourself spiraling:
- Nobody has ever been in serious danger from being too high.
- It’s going to be over before you know it.
Overshooting your high can be unsettling, but you’ve got options: hydrate, munch, breathe, and move to steady your system. Reach for black pepper or CBD to counteract anxiety, or simply rest until THC levels dip. Distraction, fresh air, and cool water can reset your senses, while a short nap lets your body finish the job.
Next time you plan a session, start low and go slow. Your future self will thank you!
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