Panic is usually the first guest to arrive when the edible hits harder than you expected. One minute you’re laughing at a microwave burrito, and the next, the texture of your own tongue feels like an alien invasion. It happens. Whether it was a poorly timed dab or a "creeper" gummy that decided to wake up two hours late, learning how to get rid of a high is a skill born out of necessity.
The truth? You can't instantly flip a switch and be sober.
Cannabinoids like THC are lipophilic. They love fat. They settle into your system and take their sweet time leaving. However, you aren't totally helpless while waiting for your metabolism to do its job. There are biological "brakes" you can pull to slow the descent into paranoia or physical discomfort.
The Chemistry of Coming Down
Understanding why you feel "too high" helps strip away the fear. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) binds to CB1 receptors in your brain’s endocannabinoid system. When those receptors get overwhelmed, your amygdala—the brain's fear center—starts red-lining. This is why some people feel like they’re dying even though, physiologically, THC has no known lethal dose in humans.
You aren't dying. Your brain is just noisy.
Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher, has published extensively on the "entourage effect." His work suggests that certain terpenes—compounds found in black pepper, lemons, and pine—can actually modulate the effects of THC. This isn't just stoner lore; it’s chemistry. Terpenes like beta-caryophyllene can bind to the same receptors or influence how THC interacts with them.
Black Pepper: The Kitchen Cupboard Savior
If you need to know how to get rid of a high right this second, go to your spice rack. Seriously.
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Grab some black pepper. Sniff it. Don't snort it—nobody needs a sneezing fit on top of a panic attack—but just take deep whiffs of the peppercorns. If you're feeling brave, chew on one or two.
Black pepper contains the terpene beta-caryophyllene. This specific molecule is fascinating because it is a "dietary cannabinoid." It binds to CB2 receptors and can produce a calming effect that counteracts the anxious "head high" of THC. It’s a grounding technique that works on a molecular level. Many people find that within five to ten minutes of the "pepper trick," the sharp edges of the anxiety begin to soften.
Hydration and the Blood Sugar Myth
Water won't flush THC out of your fat cells. It just won't. But being dehydrated makes every bad sensation feel ten times worse. Cottonmouth isn't just annoying; it’s a signal that your body is stressed.
Sip water. Don't chug it.
I’ve seen people try to "drink themselves sober" and end up with a stomach ache that adds to their misery. Small, consistent sips are better. Also, check your blood sugar. Sometimes a "bad high" is actually just a blood sugar crash masked by the effects of cannabis. Eating a piece of fruit or some crackers can provide a stabilizing effect. Avoid caffeine, though. A double espresso might seem like it’ll "wake you up," but usually, it just gives your anxiety a jetpack.
The Lemon Strategy
Lemons contain limonene.
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Like the black pepper trick, limonene is a terpene known for its anti-anxiety properties. If you have a lemon, squeeze it into some water or even zest a bit of the peel and inhale the scent. The olfactory system has a direct line to the brain's emotional centers. Sometimes a strong, sharp, citrus scent is enough to "re-anchor" you to reality when things feel floaty.
It’s about sensory grounding.
Distraction as Medicine
When you’re spiraling, your brain gets stuck in a feedback loop. "I’m too high. Why am I so high? Will I stay this high forever?"
(Spoiler: No, you won't.)
Break the loop. Change your environment. If you’re in a dark room, turn on a dim, warm light. If the music is loud, turn it off. Better yet, put on something incredibly familiar. This is not the time for a complex Christopher Nolan movie or an experimental jazz album. Watch a cartoon you loved as a kid or a sitcom you’ve seen twenty times. Familiarity breeds a sense of safety.
- Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Identify 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste.
- Coloring books. Sounds silly? It’s not. It forces fine motor coordination and focus.
- A shower. But be careful. A cold shower can shock the system and potentially increase anxiety for some. A lukewarm shower is usually the "Goldilocks" zone for grounding the body.
CBD: The Unexpected Counterbalance
It sounds counterintuitive to take more cannabis products when you're already too high, but CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive antagonist to THC. It can actually block THC from binding as effectively to those CB1 receptors.
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If you have CBD oil or a tincture—specifically one with zero THC—taking a dose can help "level out" the experience. Think of THC as the gas pedal and CBD as a light pressure on the brakes. It won't stop the car instantly, but it helps slow the momentum.
Talk Yourself Down
The most powerful tool for how to get rid of a high is your own internal monologue. You have to be your own sober best friend.
Remind yourself that the feeling is temporary. Use a timer. Tell yourself, "I will feel 25% better in thirty minutes." Set the alarm and watch the minutes go by. Seeing time actually move can be a huge relief when you’re in a state where time feels like it has dilated or stopped.
The peak of an inhaled high usually hits within 30 to 60 minutes and starts to taper. Edibles take longer—the peak might not hit for 2 or 3 hours, and the comedown is a slow slide. Knowing where you are in the timeline helps you realize there is an exit ramp ahead.
Practical Next Steps
If you or someone you're with is struggling with an overwhelming high, follow this sequence to regain control:
- Stop consuming immediately. This sounds obvious, but sometimes people take "one more hit" thinking it'll fix things. It won't.
- Find your "Anchor." Grab the black pepper or a lemon. Engage your sense of smell to break the mental loop.
- Check your vitals. Put a hand on your chest. Breathe deep—four seconds in, four seconds out. Your heart might be racing; that’s a normal side effect of THC (tachycardia). It’s not a heart attack.
- Change the scenery. Move to a different room. Fresh air is great, but don't go for a long walk alone if you're feeling dizzy. A balcony or an open window is a safer bet.
- Sleep it off. If you can manage to close your eyes without the "spins," sleep is the ultimate time machine. You’ll wake up feeling groggy, but the acute intensity will be gone.
Keep a "safety kit" for the future if you're prone to over-consumption. High-quality CBD isolate, a bag of peppercorns, and a comforting playlist can make the difference between a nightmare and a manageable mistake. Realize that every person's biology is different; what works for your friend might not work for you, but these physiological triggers—like terpenes and sensory grounding—are the most reliable methods we have outside of simply waiting it out.