It happens to the best of us. You took an edible that "wasn't doing anything" and then, suddenly, the floor feels like it’s vibrating and you’re convinced your heart is beating in 4/4 time. Being too high is, honestly, a special kind of miserable. It’s that panicky, "I’m never going to be normal again" feeling that usually hits right when you realize you have a Zoom call in twenty minutes or you're just trying to sleep.
The good news? You aren't going to stay this way forever. The bad news is there’s no magic "off" switch for your endocannabinoid system.
But there are ways to dampen the noise. If you’re looking for how to get rid of a weed high, you’ve probably heard a million old wives' tales about cold showers or drinking milk. Some of that is legit science; some of it is just placebo effect. Let's get into what actually changes the chemistry in your brain and what just makes you a wet, cold, high person.
The Terpene Trick: Why Black Pepper Is Your Best Friend
You’ve probably seen people on TikTok chewing on peppercorns. It looks insane. It tastes terrible. But strangely enough, there is actual biological merit to this.
A 2011 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology by Dr. Ethan Russo—a neurologist who is basically the godfather of cannabis research—details something called the "entourage effect." Essentially, cannabis isn't just THC. It’s a mix of cannabinoids and terpenes. Black pepper contains a specific terpene called beta-caryophyllene.
This little molecule is a powerhouse. It actually binds to the same receptors in your brain as THC, but it doesn't get you high. Instead, it acts as a sort of "calming" agent that can help mitigate the paranoia and anxiety that comes with too much THC.
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- How to do it: Don’t just look at the pepper. Grab the grinder. Sniff it. Or, if you’re brave (and desperate), chew on two or three whole peppercorns. The spicy, biting sensation forces your brain to focus on your mouth instead of the existential dread, and the terpenes start working almost immediately.
Hydration, Blood Sugar, and the Lemon Myth
People always say "drink water," but that’s not because water washes THC out of your system. THC is fat-soluble, not water-soluble. You can’t pee your way out of a high. However, cottonmouth makes you feel physically ill, which feeds into the panic loop.
Drinking a big glass of ice water gives you a sensory "grounding" experience.
And then there are lemons. Limonene is another terpene found in lemon rinds that is thought to have anti-anxiety properties. Does squeezing a lemon into your water fix a 100mg edible mistake? Probably not entirely. But the scent of citrus is clinically proven to lower cortisol levels. It’s about stacking these small wins until your liver finishes processing the Delta-9 THC.
Understanding the "Green Out" and Your Vagus Nerve
Sometimes "too high" turns into "I think I’m going to puke." This is often called "greening out." It usually happens because THC can cause a drop in blood pressure, which then makes your heart rate spike to compensate. This is where the panic really kicks in.
If you feel dizzy, lay down. But don't just lay there and stare at the ceiling—that’s how you end up thinking about the heat death of the universe.
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You need to stimulate your vagus nerve. This is the "reset button" for your nervous system.
- The Cold Shock: Splash ice-cold water on your face or hold an ice cube in your hand. This triggers the "mammalian dive reflex," which naturally slows your heart rate.
- The 4-7-8 Breath: Inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, exhale for eight. If you're too high to count, just focus on making your exhale longer than your inhale.
- Eat something heavy: Put some carbs in your stomach. A piece of bread or some crackers can help settle the nausea and give your body something else to focus on.
CBD: The Antidote?
It sounds counterintuitive to take more cannabis products when you’re already too high, but CBD is a "non-intoxicating" cannabinoid that can actually block THC from fully binding to your CB1 receptors.
Think of your receptors like parking spots. THC is a loud, annoying truck parked in the spot. CBD is like a smaller car that nudges its way in, preventing the THC from having full control. If you have a high-quality CBD oil (with no THC in it), taking a dose can take the "edge" off the psychoactive effects. Just make sure it’s an isolate or broad-spectrum, because you definitely don't want to add more THC to the fire.
Changing Your Environment is Crucial
If you are freaking out in a dark room with loud music, the music is now your enemy. Turn it off.
Get somewhere with "soft" lighting. Put on a show you’ve seen a thousand times—something predictable like The Great British Bake Off or The Office. You want "low stakes" entertainment. This isn't the time for a Christopher Nolan movie or a documentary about deep-sea creatures.
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Distinguishing Between "Too High" and a Medical Emergency
Let's be real for a second. While you technically cannot "overdose" on marijuana in the way you can with opioids (it won't stop your breathing), you can have a severe adverse reaction.
If you are experiencing chest pain that feels like pressure, or if you genuinely cannot stop vomiting (hyperemesis), it might be time to seek help. But for 99% of people, you’re just having a very intense, very uncomfortable night.
Practical Steps to Come Down Now
If you're reading this while currently "stuck in the clouds," here is your immediate checklist. Do these in order.
- Stop consuming. Put the pipe away. Hide the bag of gummies. Even if you think you feel "fine" one second and "bad" the next, don't risk it.
- The Pepper Sniff. Find black pepper. Inhale the scent deeply.
- Change your temperature. If you’re hot, go outside for fresh air. If you’re cold, get under a heavy blanket (the weight helps with anxiety).
- Sugar up. A bit of fruit juice can help if your blood sugar has dipped, which often happens with high doses of THC.
- Set a timer. Tell yourself: "I will feel significantly better in 30 minutes." Usually, the "peak" of a smoked high only lasts about 30-60 minutes. Edibles take longer—usually 2 to 4 hours for the peak—so settle in for a movie marathon.
- Talk to a sober friend. Just having someone tell you "You're okay, you're just high" can break the recursive thought loops that lead to panic attacks.
The most important thing to remember regarding how to get rid of a weed high is that your body is incredibly good at processing this. Your liver is working. Your brain is adapting. You are safe, you are just temporarily experiencing a shift in perception that feels overwhelming. Close your eyes, breathe into your belly, and wait for the molecules to move on. It’s just a chemical ride, and the ride always ends at the station.
Reach for a glass of water, find a pair of headphones with some lo-fi beats, and let the clock do the heavy lifting. You'll be back to your normal self before you know it, probably with a very strong desire for a nap and a large pizza.