4 Ways to Counteract a High

It definitely happens…here are 4 tips to keep in your back pocket if you happen to get too high

Getting too high happens to the best of us, and it’s not always a great feeling. The effects of smoking cannabis vary from person to person. Common effects reported by cannabis smokers include feeling happy, relaxed, laughing a lot, and an increased appetite to name a few. However, if you’ve consumed more cannabis than usual, it can cause discomfort, increased heart rate, nausea, and an out-of-control feeling. 

It can happen if you’ve overestimated your tolerance for weed and consumed more than your threshold. Or you’ve consumed highly concentrated cannabis formats like dabs or resin, where the THC percentage levels are very high to begin with and can be hard to dose. Getting too high can be overwhelming at times. No matter how you got there, if you are ever feeling too high and out of control, here are 4 ways to counteract it. 

1. Stock up on CBD

When it comes to cannabis knowledge, most people have heard of CBD and THC. As a refresher, the cannabis plant itself contains more than 100 cannabinoids, but the two most common ones are CBD and THC. THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound that is responsible for the high sensation associated with consuming cannabis. CBD, or cannabidiol, is non-intoxicating and is popularly used for wellness, sleep, and alleviating pain and anxiety.

But besides being the most prominent cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant, did you know that you can use CBD to counteract THC? Yes, you heard correctly; the opposite of THC is CBD.  

CBD can block some of the intoxicating effects of THC. Essentially, CBD works by stopping THC from binding to the cannabinoid receptors in your body, thus lessening the intoxicating effects of THC. In 2019, researchers at the University of Western Ontario conducted a study using rats, and found that those given a dose of THC displayed higher anxiety and sensitivity; on the other hand, those who were given both THC and CBD displayed similar behaviours as rats given nothing at all. Researchers concluded that CBD was able to reverse the anxiety and stress caused by the THC on a molecular level.

2. Chew on 2-3 Peppercorns or reach for a Lemon

As the wise Neil Young advises when he gets too high or paranoid: “Try black pepper balls if you get paranoid. Just chew two or three pieces.” While this advice may seem like an old wive’s tale, there is real science behind the musician’s recommendation. In a book called “Taming THC”, the author states that alpha-pinene, the predominant terpene found in peppercorns, acts as “a potent inhibitor” to an uncontrolled THC-high. Similar to peppercorns, lemon is often used as an anecdote to THC as the limonene terpene is said to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.

3) Hydrate

 Drinking water is always a good way to flush out the toxins in your body. Drinking water or juice will help reduce dry mouth and minimize any discomfort associated with being too high. Always avoid hydrating with alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.  

4) Sleep it off 

If all else fails, sleeping is the next best way to pass the time when you’re feeling too high. Experiencing higher levels of anxiety and feeling out of control is scary. Instead of scrambling to find ways to pass the time, it can be easier to hit your bed and sleep it off until the toxins naturally filter out of your body. Just remember to set an alarm for yourself as cannabis has sedative properties and you don’t want to oversleep and miss any important appointments! Cat naps can be a nice option to explore as well!

Have a wonderful 4/20 and stay safe! - The Blissed Team x