Did you get your head in the clouds or maybe even above the clouds? From a cannabis newbie to an experienced cannaisseur, the moment when they realize, “I’m too high” is when the experience can be unenjoyable to any cannabis lover.
It happens to the best of us. Cannabis is wonderful in the right dosage, but too much of it can lead to amplified anxiety and paranoia. If your heart is beating out of your chest and you are feeling kind of crazy, don’t worry, because it’s not a heart attack. Most of the time, it is all in your head and knowing that alone is beneficial. Your head can be a scary place, but talking yourself through the high and riding it out is essential in this situation.
Whether you consumed too many edibles or were unaware of how potent concentrates can be, whatever the case, you cannot fatally overdose on the herb. Although cannabis increases your heart rate and slows your motor function during each session, it won’t permanently damage your liver, kidneys, or even your brain. A “cannabis overdose” will only create temporary discomfort. Luckily, it is manageable while maintaining a calm mindset and being in a comfortable environment.
How Can I Tell if I’m Too High?
If you ingest more THC than you can take, you may feel dizzy, nauseous, anxious, and paranoid. The side effects include:
1) Fatigue
Reduced energy levels is a primary side effect. Sleeping off the high can save you from the other uncomfortable traits such as anxiety and paranoia.
2) Paranoia
High doses of THC can possibly cause panic attacks which is why people may think that they are having a heart attack. To cope with the situation, it’s important to practice a bit of deep breathing and focusing on calming your thoughts altogether.
3) Rapid Heartbeat
This is a common symptom of cannabis consumption, especially for new consumers. It often goes away when tolerance is built up.
4) Blood Pressure Drop
When you hear about someone’s eyes turning red and dilating after a session, it’s due to the blood vessels in their eyes caused by a decrease in blood pressure. Ingesting a high dose of cannabis can easily exaggerate this effect.
5) Skewed Movement
You may feel less coordinated because of the active compounds in cannabis that affect the brain to influence motor control. Movement senses may feel unnatural which can make your body shift in different ways.
What to do?
If you are feeling any of these side effects after consumption, there can be a variety of factors for how long it will take for you to sober up. Depending on the person, as well as the consumption method and dosage, an average cannabis high can last anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The higher the potency of a cannabis product, will lead to a longer high.
For the next time you find yourself in a bit of a predicament, here are some tried-and-true strategies to sober up.
- Relax/Lay in the dark
- Drink water and enjoy a light snack
- Smell black peppercorns or lemon zest
- Take ibuprofen
- Change your environment
- Snooze it off
- Get active/focus on something you like
- Consume CBD
All in all, the best thing you can do is distract yourself. In order to come back down to earth and get out of your head, some may say to:
- Watch your favorite tv comedy
- Listen to music to calm yourself down
- Talk to your friends for reassurance
- Snuggle with your significant other
Distracting yourself is a positive reminder that you are in a safe and comfortable environment. Finding what works best for you, will prepare you to redirect any attention from the negative side effects of cannabis.
Preparation and Education
You can avoid another negative experience by knowing what you’re consuming, as well as starting low and going slow. Rather than waiting for an edible to kick in and feel overwhelmed, other alternatives include vaping or smoking which produces generally quicker reactions.
Make sure to keep your consumption limits in mind next time to avoid another uncomfortable situation. Try a small dose at around 5mg or 2.5mg if you have a low tolerance. Then wait an hour or two before judging if you want to take more. The great thing about cannabis is that you can slowly work your way up if you desire a higher dose, or even work your way down if you feel as if you are taking more than you need.
The best way to deal with minimizing negative experiences is to be knowledgeable and that’s where we come in! Researching online has its advantages, but speaking to our staff at Inyo Fine Cannabis Dispensary will give you more supportive and accessible opportunities. Inyo is available via phone for menu consultations whether you are just starting your cannabis journey or want to know more about other consumption methods.
We are #InyoLife for all and any questions you may have.
