🚨 Too High? Read This First:
- You’re OKAY
- You’re not in danger
- This will pass
- Just breathe, slow and steady.
If you’re able to scroll, we’ve got detailed ways to feel better below. If not, here’s a quick-hit list you can skim through:
So, you lit up, hit an edible, or took one toke too many, and now, everything feels a bit too intense. Your heart’s racing, your thoughts are bouncing off the walls, and time feels like it’s moving in slow motion. If you’re sitting there thinking, “I’m way too high,” first of all, breathe. You’re not alone, and you’re not going to stay this way forever.
Believe it or not, but we’ve all been there. That moment when the room won’t stop spinning and your body feels like it’s melting into the floor. We’ve created this guide to help you calm down, ride it out, and come back to chill.
First, let’s get one thing straight: You’re going to be alright.
No one has ever fatally overdosed on cannabis. What you’re feeling is intense, uncomfortable, and maybe a little scary, but it will pass. Your body is doing its thing, and all you need to do is support it with some grounding techniques.
Here’s What to Do When You’re Too High
1. Don’t panic
As generic as this may sound, it’s one of the most important things you’ll have to do. The mind is powerful, and anxiety can amplify everything. If you start spiraling, remind yourself: This is temporary.
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds
- Exhale gently through your mouth for 6 seconds
- Repeat this cycle a few times until you start to feel calmer
This alone can bring things down a notch.
2. Hydrate like your life depends on it
Grab a glass of water, juice, or herbal tea. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen the high (and it will worsen the high). Sipping something slowly helps you feel more in control and can distract your brain from looping thoughts.
Bonus: A cold glass of water can also feel super refreshing when you’re in the haze.
3. Grab a snack
Sometimes, your body just needs a reset. Light, comforting snacks like crackers, fruit, or toast can help your system metabolize THC. Don’t force yourself to eat a full meal, but a little munchie might ground you.
4. Black pepper hack (yes, really)
A few sniffs of black peppercorns or chewing on a couple can instantly calm anxiety for many people. It sounds weird, but black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that interacts with the same receptors as THC and can mellow out the high.
5. Distract yourself (in a chill way)
This isn’t the time for deep documentaries or intense action movies. Instead, try:
- A funny or familiar show (hello, Friends or The Office)
- Soft music or lo-fi beats
- Looking at memes or cute dog videos
- Doodling or coloring
- Talking to a friend or sibling
The idea is to shift your focus away from “I’m so high” to something light and comforting.
Also read: Top 10 Must-watch Stoner Movies
6. Change the scenery
If you’re inside and feeling trapped, step out into fresh air (safely, of course). Nature has a way of grounding us. If it’s night, the cool air and quiet can help. If it’s day, a bit of sunlight might perk you up.
Just remember to stay close to home and don’t wander far if you’re not feeling fully in control.
7. Take a shower or splash water on your face
A shower (especially lukewarm or cool) can do wonders. It refreshes your body, resets your sensory system, and makes you feel fresh, mentally and physically. No energy for a full shower? Even splashing cold water on your face can snap you out of the fog a little.
8. Try CBD (if you can procure some)
CBD and THC are like yin and yang. If you have a CBD oil, gummy, or vape, taking some can counteract the effects of THC. It won’t sober you up instantly, but it can calm anxiety and reduce the intensity.
9. Lie down and close your eyes (if it feels good)
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let it pass. Find a cozy spot, lie down, close your eyes, and just breathe. You might even fall asleep, and when you wake up, chances are you’ll feel a lot better (maybe just a little foggy).
Also read: 7 Easy and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Stoned Eyes
What Not to Do When You’re Too High
- Don’t Google symptoms endlessly; it’ll only feed your paranoia.
- Don’t drive or go out alone. Stay where you are. You’re safest at home or with trusted friends.
- Don’t try to “fight” it. Accepting that you’re high and letting it ride out is a much more peaceful route.
How Long Will This High Last?
When you’re feeling too high, time can feel really weird like minutes are stretching into hours. But rest assured, the effects will wear off. The duration of your high depends on how you consumed cannabis and your own body’s metabolism.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand what to expect:
| Method of Consumption | Onset Time | Peak Effects | Total Duration |
| Smoking/Vaping | 1-10 minutes | 30 minutes-1.5 hours | 1.5-3 hours |
| Edibles | 30 minutes-2 hours | 2-4 hours | 6-8 hours (sometimes longer) |
| Tinctures | 15-45 minutes (sublingual) | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Dabbing/Concentrates | Almost instantly | 30 minutes-1 hour | 1-2.5 hours |
Things that affect this duration
Even within these ranges, several personal factors can affect how long your high lasts:
- THC potency: Higher THC levels = longer highs.
- Your tolerance: Newer consumers often feel effects more intensely and for longer.
- Metabolism: Faster metabolism may help process cannabinoids quicker.
- Empty vs. full stomach: Edibles on an empty stomach tend to hit harder and faster.
- Hydration & fatigue: Being tired or dehydrated can intensify the experience.
Also read: Storing Cannabis: Keep Your Bud Fresh, Potent, and Ready to Roll
So, the bottom line is, getting too high can feel like a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for, but the good news is you will come back down. Next time, you’ll be better prepared with dosage and environment. Until then, have fun, ride the wave, and maybe keep those black peppercorns handy just in case. At Grasspedia, we will try to keep you updated with all things cannabis.
