We’ve all been there. Maybe it was a "low dose" edible that turned out to be a powerhouse, or maybe you just took one hit too many of a high-percentage concentrate. Suddenly, the room is spinning, your heart is drumming against your ribs like a trapped bird, and you’re convinced everyone in the grocery store knows exactly how toasted you are. You need to know how to get unhigh faster.
Panic is the enemy. It makes your blood pressure spike, which honestly just makes the whole "green out" vibe feel way worse.
The biological reality is that THC—specifically delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol—is lipid-soluble. It loves fat. Once it’s in your system, it’s going to take its sweet time being metabolized by your liver or sticking to your cannabinoid receptors. You can't just flip a switch and be sober in sixty seconds.
But you can nudge the process. You can mitigate the physical symptoms and trick your brain into calming down while the peak passes.
The Terpene Trick: Black Pepper and Lemons
If you’re spiraling, go to the kitchen. Seriously.
There is actual science behind the old stoner myth of sniffing black pepper. It’s called the "entourage effect." Black pepper contains a terpene called beta-caryophyllene. Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology suggests that caryophyllene can help dampen the psychoactive effects of THC by interacting with the same endocannabinoid receptors.
Don't snort it. Just take a deep whiff of the peppercorns or chew on one or two if you're feeling brave. It sounds weird, but the spicy, grounding scent can snap your brain out of a loop.
Then there’s the lemon thing. Lemons contain limonene. This terpene is famous for its anti-anxiety properties. Squeeze a whole lemon into some water—with the zest, because the peel is where the good stuff lives—and drink up. It’s not a magic eraser, but it provides a sensory shift that tells your nervous system to chill out.
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CBD: The Antidote in Your Stash?
It feels counterintuitive to consume more cannabis when you’re already too high. However, Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound that acts as a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor.
Basically? CBD blocks THC from fully "plugging in" to your brain.
If you have CBD oil or a tincture, a moderate dose can help round off the sharp edges of a THC-induced panic attack. Keep in mind that if you took an edible, your liver is already working overtime. Adding more substances might just make you feel sluggish, but for many, CBD is the closest thing to an "emergency brake" available.
Hydration and Blood Sugar
Cottonmouth isn't just annoying; it’s a sign your body is stressed.
Drink water. Not soda, not energy drinks—definitely not alcohol, which will actually increase the THC concentration in your blood—just plain water.
Sometimes, that "too high" feeling is actually a drop in blood sugar. THC can interfere with glucose signaling. If you’re feeling shaky or faint, eat something light and sugary. A piece of fruit or some crackers can stabilize your system. Avoid heavy, greasy foods right away, even if the munchies are calling, because fats can actually help your body absorb any remaining THC in your digestive tract if you've recently eaten an edible.
Controlling the Environment
Stop scrolling.
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The blue light from your phone and the chaotic energy of social media are the worst things for a racing mind. Put the phone down. Turn off the TV if the show is too intense.
Find a "grounding" activity.
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste.
- Temperature Shock: Splash ice-cold water on your face. This triggers the mammalian dive reflex, which naturally slows your heart rate.
- Fresh Air: If you can walk safely, go outside. If not, just crack a window.
The Timeline of the High
How long this lasts depends entirely on how you consumed it.
If you smoked or vaped, you’re likely hitting the peak within 30 to 60 minutes. After that, the descent begins. You’ll probably feel significantly more "normal" within two hours.
Edibles are a different beast. Because the THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver—which is way more potent and lasts longer—you might be in for a 4 to 8-hour ride. If you’re two hours into an edible high and feeling overwhelmed, acknowledge that you’ve still got some time to go.
Acceptance is a huge part of how to get unhigh faster. The more you fight the feeling, the more cortisol you produce. Cortisol increases anxiety. It’s a loop. Tell yourself: "I am safe. This is temporary. No one has ever died from too much weed."
Pinpointing the Physical Symptoms
Distinguish between "scary" and "dangerous."
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Cannabis can cause tachycardia (a fast heart rate). This is normal. It can cause vasodilation (red eyes and lower blood pressure). This is also normal.
If you feel like you can't breathe, remember that THC is a bronchodilator—it actually opens your airways. The feeling of tightness is almost always anxiety, not a physical blockage.
However, if you have a pre-existing heart condition or you're experiencing actual chest pain (not just a fast beat), don't be a hero. Call a friend. Most people don't need the ER for being too high, but having a "sitter" can make the difference between a bad night and a full-blown traumatic event.
Actionable Steps for the Next Hour
You aren't going to be sober in five minutes, but you can be more comfortable.
- Stop the intake. This seems obvious, but people often try to "balance it out" with a cigarette or a beer. Don't.
- The Pepper Sniff. Find the black pepper. Inhale the aroma deeply for 30 seconds.
- Cool Shower. Not freezing, but cool. It shifts your focus to your skin and away from your internal monologue.
- Distract the Brain. Listen to a familiar, low-stakes podcast or a "comfort" album. Avoid anything with complex plots or dark themes.
- Sleep it off. If the room isn't spinning too badly, go to bed. Sleep is the ultimate time-travel mechanism for sobriety.
When you wake up, you’ll likely have a "weed hangover"—a bit of brain fog and lethargy. Drink a huge glass of water, get some electrolytes, and maybe reconsider that dose next time.
The most important thing to remember is the half-life of what you took. It’s leaving your system every second, even if it doesn't feel like it yet. You’re going to be fine.