Key Takeaways
- Overshooting your high happens when your brain is flooded with more THC than it can normally handle.
- Remedies like black peppercorn or lemon juice can help you sober up. You should also hydrate, eat snacks, move around, or lie down and take a nap.
- Learn your tolerance level, and always start with small amounts of edibles or a single puff of your joint before having more.
There’s nothing worse than trying to catch a buzz, only to end up way more stoned than you wanted. The paranoia sets in, and your stomach starts to feel weird. Unfortunately, this feeling can persist for several hours.
Whether you took Delta-9 gummies on an empty stomach or miscalculated a microdose, you probably just want to feel normal again. This guide shares how to feel grounded again and save yourself hours of anxiety.
Getting unhigh fast means saving yourself hours of anxiety, which is why it helps to have a few tips up your sleeve when you find yourself feeling overwhelmed. More importantly, this guide also shares some tips to avoid this uncomfortable experience going forward. But first, it’s important to understand how you might have gotten into this spot to begin with.
What Really Happens When You Get Too High
Smoking and Vaping
THC enters your bloodstream almost instantly when smoking or vaping cannabis, quickly binding to CB1 receptors in your brain. These receptors control mood, memory, and coordination, which leads to:
- Enhanced sensory perception
- Loosened inhibitions
- Altered sense of time
That’s what people love about cannabis. Sometimes, though, it can cross the line, overstimulating these pathways. Colors seem too bright, sounds too loud, your heart races, or you feel detached from your surroundings.
Taking Edibles
With edibles, the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. The result is a delayed but intensified high that lasts much longer than smoking or vaping.
This delay often causes people to overconsume. After 30 minutes with no effects, you might take another gummy and find yourself hours deep in couch lock.
Both smoking and ingesting too much THC can flood your brain with more cannabinoids than your body can handle smoothly. Thankfully, this state is temporary.
How Long Does It Take to Get Unhigh Naturally?
Your body metabolizes THC at its own pace, so the duration of a high varies by person.
Smoking and Vaping
The high typically peaks within 30 minutes and fades after two to three hours, though a light buzz can linger for up to six. This depends on dosage and tolerance.
Taking Edibles
Expect a slower onset and a longer comedown: effects begin around 45-90 minutes, peak at about two to three hours, and may last six to eight hours. Factors such as metabolism, body fat, and tolerance all play a role.
If you need to sober up faster, whether you’re uncomfortable or have somewhere to be, these methods can help.
Top Tips for Coming Back Down to Earth
The best way to avoid overshooting your high is to learn proper dosing. But if you find yourself out of your comfort zone, try these methods to regain balance.
1. Hydrate and Snack
Water won’t flush THC instantly, but hydration supports metabolism. Pair it with a light snack of complex carbs, a banana, or whole-grain toast to stabilize blood sugar and reduce dizziness.
2. Breathe and Get Moving
Slow, deep breaths calm your nervous system. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for two, and exhaling for six. Walking or light stretching boosts circulation and helps clear your head.
3. Black Peppercorns
Chew or sniff a few black peppercorns. Their beta-caryophyllene terpene interacts with the same receptors as THC and can help reduce anxiety. The spicy scent grounds your senses and refocuses your mind.
4. Try CBD
A few milligrams of a CBD tincture or vape may help counteract THC’s effects. CBD binds to CB1 receptors differently, softening psychoactive responses and promoting balance. Keep a small amount on hand if you use cannabis regularly.
5. Distract Yourself
Dwelling on how high you feel can make time drag. Shift focus with light entertainment like listening to music, watching a show, doodling, or playing a game. Simple distractions redirect your attention away from discomfort.
6. Cool Down
A cool shower or splash of cold water tightens blood vessels and refreshes your body, similar to how black peppercorn works. If a shower isn’t an option, apply a cold washcloth to your forehead and neck.
7. Nap It Off
If possible, rest in a quiet, dark space. Even a 30-minute nap helps your body metabolize THC while your mind resets.
8. Lemon and Ginger
Lemon and ginger support digestion and improve mood. Sip ginger tea with a squeeze of lemon or chew candied ginger to calm your stomach and boost alertness.
9. Fresh Air and Sunlight
Even just stepping outside for a few minutes can help you feel better. Natural light and oxygen help regulate your body and restore mental clarity. So open your door or window and take some breaths of fresh air.
Final Words on How to Get Unhigh Fast
Remember:
- Nobody has ever been in danger from being too high.
- It will be over soon.
When you overshoot your high, hydrate, eat something, breathe, and move to steady your body. Use black peppercorn or CBD to manage anxiety, or simply rest until the effects fade. Fresh air, cool water, and light distractions can help you feel grounded again.
Next time you plan a session, start low and go slow. Your future self will thank you.
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