It can happen to any of us. Whether we’ve taken a one too many THC-P Gummies, or gotten word that family is on the way over (bummer dude!); sometimes we need to get “unhigh”. Unfortunately, the reality is that you can’t just unstone yourself at the snap of a finger. In fact, if you’ve had any experience with cannabinoids in the past, you are aware it’s quite the contrary.
But alas, sometimes there are situations that call for a quick sobering up – whether you like it or not. No one likes doing serious stuff when they’re buzzed, even just getting uncomfortably high – it defeats the whole purpose of winding down with a joint or some edibles.
Whatever your case is – What do you do when you need to get unhigh?
If you need an immediate answer, chew on some black peppercorn!
However, if you’re here for future reference, there are a few different ways to take the edge off of your buzz in order to take care of business and come back to somewhat ground levels when necessary.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before we dive into our list of tips that will bring you back to earth, there’s a few things to clarify here. Everyone is different, and as a result some of these tips may work better (or worse) for others. On top of that, I’ll be very clear – there’s no magic way to come down and snap into sobriety.
However, these will hopefully help mitigate some of the side effects that come from greening out, so you can at least somewhat function and enjoy the wave.
How do I know if I’m too high?
In most cases, it’s very clear when you’ve overindulged. Although each cannabinoid acts differently, most of the commonly available ones with psychoactive properties will have similar effects, especially when taken in excessive amounts. If you’re experiencing any of the following effects, it’s likely that you’ve taken a hit too many:
– Increased Anxiety, Paranoia
– Restlessness or an increased need for stimulation
– Confusion or difficulty concentrating
– Nausea or vomiting
– Rapid heartbeat or breathing
– Sweating
This list is far from exhaustive, but this should give you a general idea. To be fair, if you’re not having a good time, it only makes sense to want to get off the ride.
How long will I be stoned for?
While some people have reported feeling effects creep into the next day, others can feel them fade after a few hours. It all depends on how much you consumed, the medium used to consume them, and even what cannabinoid(s) you consumed.
Ways to Sober Up
That said, there’s a few different ways to come down after a heavy dance with a strong sativa or indica. As a reminder, your results may vary. Let’s get into it!
Wait it Out
The first tip on here is to simply wait it out. Obviously, this isn’t anything you can do actively to come down from a strong stone. However, this is more of a method of how you pass the time. Although easier said than done, this is the only fool proof way to relieve some uncomfort from an extra strong buzz.
In short, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you realize you’ve smoked too much. Depending on your setting and whether you may be prone to anxiety/paranoia… waiting out the effects can definitely seem like a challenge. You’ll be alright though!
For this method, we suggest simply taking a deep breath and being conscious of the fact you’re just stoned and it’s not the end of the world. Unless you have an important event coming up, it’s just a matter of letting the effects wear off.
That said, a personal favorite is utilizing a shower or bath as a “reset”. Depending on your preference, a cold or hot shower are both great ways to provide a sense of relief. To be frank, although it may be a little more intense than you’d prefer, a shower while buzzing is one of the most relaxing activities one could do – in our opinion at least. So, enjoy it! Put on some tunes, and escape the world for a bit while you come back to earth.
Once finished, a must-do tip is to cancel any plans. Put the phone on silent and find something to do while the effects wear off a bit more. This one’s pretty important, considering a main source of “uh-oh” is unexpected phone calls or obligations.
Now, we’re not one to advocate for being irresponsible, however… if you’re stoned when you have something important coming up, that’s on you! The least you can do is mitigate further problems that come from it, right? Put that phone on silent and escape for a bit.
The next tip is to just ride the rest of it out. Once you’re refreshed and cleared the rest of your day, all that you’ve got to do is just find something to pass the time. We’d suggest prepping some food and settling in for a movie marathon.
Smoke a bit of CBD Flower
Yes, you read that right. Research has shown that CBD can be used to offset anxiety from Delta-9 THC. Although more research needs to be done, a large amount of anecdotal reports have suggested this may be the case as well. This is a large portion of why the effects of smoking 3:1 CBD:THC flower, for example, from dispensaries can produce much more relaxing effects than a comparative THC heavy flower.
Again, more research needs to be done, however smoking some cbd flower can be a viable option for you if you want to alleviate some anxiety that comes from being a bit too buzzed!
Use Terpenes
As you’re aware (or maybe not?) terpenes are natural compounds found in a variety of plants that have effects. Known for being partially responsible for some of the effects that are felt when smoking CBD Flower, terpenes can play a heavy role when it comes to changing how you feel the effects of THC and other cannabinoids. Below is a brief breakdown of some everyday household produces and spices that are known for being effective when it comes to bringing you down to earth, and how to use them.
Black Pepper
Known for being heavy in beta-caryophyllene, a quick sniff (don’t inhale it!) or a chew on some black pepper is one of the most well known tricks for snapping back to reality.
Lemons
Another trick that’s been known for quick relief is utilizing limonene for it’s anxiety reducing effects. Commonly found in lemons, many stoners have opted for chewing on lemon rinds or even drinking lemon juice for a fast acting “stop” button!
Drink Water
Our last tip on the list is to drink some water. Not much to explain here; but it’s a well known fact that many of the cannabinoids commonly used recreationally can lead to a debilitating dry mouth. Okay, not really debilitating, but definitely uncomfortable. Anecdotal reports have found that sipping on some water is a great way to take your mind off of the effects you’re experiencing while mitigating some of that gnarly cotton-mouth.
Know Your Limits
The best way to come down from too strong of a cannabinoid buzz is to not bite off more than you can chew in the first place. Always be conscious of how much you smoke, eat, vape, etc. in order to avoid getting too stoned.
You can always take more, but never less.
On top of that, be responsible of when and where you enjoy your favorite flowers at. Make sure that you have no last minute obligations and you have the rest of the day free, at least in case you do take a puff too many.
