To stop being high or reduce the intensity of a cannabis high, you can try several practical steps that help manage the effects until they naturally wear off:
Immediate Actions to Reduce a Cannabis High
- Stay Calm and Find a Safe Space: Remind yourself that the effects are temporary and will pass. Being in a comfortable, familiar environment helps reduce anxiety
- Hydrate and Eat: Drink plenty of water to help flush THC from your system. Adding lemon to water may help due to calming compounds like limonene. Eating food, especially something easy and comforting, can also help you feel more grounded
- Distract Yourself: Shift your focus to simple, enjoyable activities such as watching a favorite show, listening to music, coloring, or doing a puzzle. Avoid anything that might increase anxiety like horror films or intense video games
- Use Black Pepper: Sniffing or chewing black peppercorns can help calm anxiety caused by THC because of the compound caryophyllene
- Take Deep Breaths or Meditate: Deep diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and help you feel more in control
- Get Some Light Exercise: A short walk can distract you, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and improve mood, but avoid this if you feel dizzy or too woozy
- Cuddle a Pet or Connect with a Friend: Spending time with pets or a trusted sober friend can provide comfort and reduce feelings of paranoia or anxiety
- Consider CBD: Taking CBD products may counteract some intoxicating effects of THC and help reduce anxiety, though this is more anecdotal than scientifically confirmed
- Take a Shower or Bath: A warm or cold shower can relax you and help you feel more alert and grounded, though it won’t immediately reduce THC levels
- Sleep It Off: If possible, taking a nap or sleeping can be one of the most effective ways to get through an uncomfortable high
What to Avoid
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can amplify THC’s effects and increase anxiety or sedation
- Avoid Further Cannabis Use: Stop consuming any more cannabis to allow your body to metabolize and eliminate THC naturally
Summary
There is no instant way to "sober up" from cannabis, as THC must be metabolized by your body over time. However, calming yourself, hydrating, eating, distracting your mind, and resting are the best strategies to reduce discomfort and safely come down from a high
. If you experience severe anxiety or other troubling symptoms, seeking professional help is advised
. These approaches help manage the experience until the effects wear off naturally, usually within a few hours depending on the method of consumption and amount used.
