Cannabis is now legal for recreational use in eleven states across the US, meaning that more people than ever can legally purchase quality marijuana products. In fact, 33 million people across the country do just that on a regular basis.
So if you’re thinking about trying weed for the first time, you’re in good company. But this can be a daunting experience if you don’t know what you are doing. Nothing is more nervewracking than the possibility of having a bad high.
When this happens a fun, carefree time can turn into a stressful, traumatic time for those involved. But there’s a lot you can do to help someone who’s having a bad trip on weed.
Continue reading to find out exactly what to do to stop a bad weed trip in its tracks.
Why Do People Have Bad Highs?
Anyone can experience a bad high, from first-timers to the most experienced smokers around. It can be difficult to pinpoint when or why a bad high might happen but there are some contributing factors.
Anxiety is a big one. This is because a bad marijuana trip often leads to increased feelings of anxiety or paranoia. So if you’re already predisposed to these then it’s easier to tip over the edge.
Being dehydrated or sleep-deprived before smoking can also leave you vulnerable. This is because your body isn’t at its strongest and mentally you might feel more tired and on edge.
One of the other key factors in the type of high you have is what type of weed you smoke. Edibles, for example, induce a particularly potent high which means that a bad high on these may be worse.
For first-timers, it’s probably best to try a less potent strain of weed. But it’s important to remember that most varieties of weed can bring on a bad high. Don’t assume you’re immune to one or you could get a nasty surprise.
Smoking too much of any type of weed can also leave you feeling ‘too high’ and make you spiral into a panic. Take it easy and always stick within your limits when trying something for the first time.
Finally, feeling uncomfortable in your surroundings may make you more likely to experience a bad high. Rather than jumping straight into smoke sesh with people you do not know very well, it’s best to try weed out in the comfort of your home, cannabis-friendly Air BnB, or at a friend’s house. That way, you’re somewhere safe if things take an unpleasant turn.
How Can You Tell If Someone’s Having a Bad High?
Bad trips on weed can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. These are a couple of things to look out for if you think your friend is having one.
Often someone experiencing a bad trip will become very anxious and paranoid. This can be hard to spot but they will often become quiet and tense. They may also start treating the people around them with suspicion and not believe what you say to them.
You may also notice a physical change in the person having a bad high. Often they will become pale and sweaty. They may also start breathing more quickly than normal.
This can seem very alarming, but don’t panic. It’s just another way that their anxiety manifests itself.
They may also start reacting to things you can’t see because they’re hallucinating. This isn’t an uncommon side effect to taking weed, but when someone has a bad high their hallucinations are often nasty. Try to distract them from these, but don’t claim that there’s nothing there as this may make them more panicked and paranoid.
Watching someone go through a bad trip can be alarming, but there are plenty of things you can do to help them through it.
How to Stop a Bad Weed Trip
Stopping a bad trip can be a difficult feat, and there is no foolproof way to do it. Some tactics work better than others, depending on the high and depending on the person. But these will often help to bring someone through it in a calm manner.
Focus on keeping the person calm by reassuring them that they’re going to be ok and that this will pass. Often it can be hard to remember this during a high, so help them to keep this in mind.
Don’t overwhelm them with your presence, though. Gently reassuring them will be much more helpful than reminding them to breathe every 10 seconds! If they want to be left alone, respect their decision, but stay nearby in case they need you.
Removing them from a busy situation can be helpful. It is a good idea to set up a quiet, secluded space aside before taking weed for such an eventuality. That way you immediately have somewhere to go.
As they start to calm down, you might want to try taking them outside for some fresh air but be wary of doing this too soon. You don’t want them freaking out and running off into the distance!
Remove any sources of overstimulation such as phones, TVs, or radios. These might seem like good distractions, but they can actually make matters worse. Instead, keep talking to them in a calm and measured way.
It’s important for anyone going through a rough high to stay hydrated, so make sure they have plenty of water to hand. Giving them a sugary drink, like soda, and some sugary food can also bring their blood sugar levels back up. This will combat the high and help them to feel themselves again.
Don’t Let a Bad High Put You Off!
Experiencing a bad high or watching someone else go through one can be a scary experience. But don’t let these incidents put you off making the most of what weed has to offer you!