Panic is usually the first thing that hits. You took an edible, waited forty minutes, felt nothing, and then made the classic mistake of eating another. Now, the walls are vibrating and you’re convinced you’ve forgotten how to breathe. It happens to the best of us. Whether it’s a "green out" from a potent strain or a lapse in judgment with a concentrate, figuring out how to get rid of weed high becomes the only thing that matters in that moment.
First, let’s get the medical reality out of the way: you aren't going to die. It feels like you might, but you won't. There has never been a recorded fatal overdose of cannabis in healthy humans. Your heart is racing because THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a vasodilator; it lowers your blood pressure, and your heart pumps faster to compensate. It's basic biology, not a medical emergency.
The Science of the "Sober Up"
To understand how to bring yourself down, you have to understand what’s happening in your brain. THC binds to CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system. Once it’s locked in, you’re on the ride until your liver metabolizes it. You can't "turn off" the high instantly like a light switch, but you can definitely dampen the signal.
Terpenes are your secret weapon. These are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. Some terpenes, like caryophyllene and limonene, actually modulate the way THC interacts with your brain. This isn't just "stoner lore"—it’s the entourage effect in action.
The Black Pepper Trick
If you’re currently spiraling, go to your kitchen. Find the black pepper. This sounds like an old wives' tale, but it’s backed by a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology by Dr. Ethan Russo. Black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that binds to the same receptors as THC.
Sniff it. Don’t snort it—that’ll just add a burning nose to your list of problems. Just take a few deep whiffs of the peppercorns or ground pepper. Some people even chew on a few peppercorns. It provides an almost immediate grounding effect because the caryophyllene helps counteract the psychoactive anxiety of the THC. It’s weird, it’s pungent, and it works surprisingly well.
Lemonade and Terpene Chemistry
Lemons are another heavy hitter. They contain limonene, which has been shown to have anti-anxiety properties. If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of weed high, squeezing a fresh lemon into some water (and maybe zesting a bit of the peel in there too) can help.
The ritual of making the drink also helps. It gives you a task. Focusing on the tartness of the juice and the coldness of the water pulls your brain out of the "thought loop" where most cannabis-induced panic lives.
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CBD: The Antidote?
It seems counterintuitive to use more cannabis to stop being too high, but CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that acts as a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor.
Basically? It keeps the THC from binding as tightly.
If you have a high-quality CBD oil or tincture (with 0% THC), taking a dose can take the "edge" off a bad high. It won't make you stone-cold sober, but it can shift the experience from "I am terrified" to "I am just very sleepy." Just make sure you aren't accidentally taking a 1:1 ratio product, or you'll just be adding fuel to the fire.
Managing the Physical "Green Out"
Sometimes the high isn't just in your head. It’s in your stomach.
If you feel nauseous or dizzy, lay down. But don't just lay flat. Prop your head up. Keep your eyes open and focus on a stationary object in the room. This helps resolve the "spins" that happen when your vestibular system (balance) gets wonky from the THC.
Hydration is mandatory, but don't chug a gallon of water in thirty seconds. Take small, measured sips. Cold water is better because the sensory shock helps ground you. Avoid caffeine. I’ve seen people try to "wake up" by drinking a double espresso while they're too high, and it is a disaster. Caffeine increases your heart rate and mimics the physical symptoms of a panic attack. You’ll just be high and vibrating.
Change Your Environment Immediately
Your brain is currently over-processing every stimulus. The TV is too loud. The lights are too bright. The music that sounded great ten minutes ago now feels like it's inside your skull.
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- Move to a different room. Sometimes just the act of walking into a hallway breaks the psychological loop.
- Turn off the screens. Blue light and fast-moving images are overstimulating.
- The "Shower Strategy." A lukewarm shower (not hot, not freezing) can be a total reset. The feeling of water hitting your skin provides a massive amount of "sensory input" that forces your brain to focus on the present moment rather than the existential dread.
Why Food Matters (And Why It Doesn't)
People always say "just eat something" to sober up. There is some truth here, but it's mostly about blood sugar. Cannabis can cause a slight dip in blood sugar for some people, leading to shakiness or lightheadedness.
Eating a carb-heavy snack like bread or crackers can help you feel more "tethered" to the earth. However, avoid super fatty foods if you’ve taken an edible. Fat can actually increase the absorption of any THC still sitting in your digestive tract. Stick to simple, dry snacks.
The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique
When you’re wondering how to get rid of weed high, your breathing is your remote control for your nervous system. Deep, rhythmic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which tells your body to switch from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest."
Try this: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold it for 7 seconds. Exhale forcefully through your mouth for 8 seconds. Do this four times. It is physically impossible for your body to stay in a state of high-alert panic if you are forcing your breath into this rhythm. It overrides the THC-induced adrenaline.
Distraction Tactics for the Mind
Your mind is currently a runaway train. Give it a track to run on.
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Acknowledge 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
- Watch a "comfort" show. Something you’ve seen a thousand times. The Office, Parks and Rec, or a nature documentary (with the sound low). You want something predictable.
- Listen to a low-stakes podcast. Something where people are just talking calmly.
Real Talk About Duration
How long is this going to last?
If you smoked or vaped, the peak usually passes within 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll feel significantly better by the two-hour mark.
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If you took an edible? Honestly, you might be in for a longer haul. Edibles are metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily. An edible high can peak for 2-4 hours and linger for 8. If you're at the 3-hour mark, you're likely over the hump. Just keep reminding yourself: it is a chemical, it has a half-life, and it will leave your system.
When to Actually Call for Help
While you aren't going to die from the weed itself, there are rare cases where professional help is a good idea. If you are having chest pains that feel like more than just a fast heartbeat, or if you are experiencing true hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there at all, rather than just "trippy" visuals), or if you can't stop vomiting (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome), call a friend or a medical professional.
Most of the time, though, the "emergency" is just a very uncomfortable Saturday night.
Actionable Steps for Right Now
If you're reading this because you're currently too high, do these four things in order:
- Go to the kitchen and sniff some black pepper. It's the fastest way to trigger a chemical "calm down."
- Drink a large glass of water with a squeeze of lemon. Stay away from coffee or soda.
- Change your clothes. Put on your softest, most comfortable hoodie or pajamas. Physical comfort translates to mental comfort.
- Set a timer for 30 minutes. Tell yourself you only have to make it to the timer. When it goes off, you’ll realize you’re already starting to come down.
The best way to handle being too high is to stop fighting it. Resistance creates tension, and tension creates anxiety. Accept that you’re going to be "spaced out" for a few hours. Lean into the couch, put on some lo-fi beats, and wait it out. You’ll wake up tomorrow feeling a bit groggy, but perfectly fine.
Next Steps:
Once you’ve settled down, take a look at the product you used. Check the milligrams or the THC percentage. Most "too high" experiences happen because of a lack of labeling or a misunderstanding of dosage. Moving forward, "start low and go slow" isn't just a cliché—it’s the only way to ensure you don't find yourself sniffing the pepper shaker again next weekend.
Check the expiration dates on your CBD products to ensure they are potent enough for future "emergency" use, and consider keeping a dedicated "reset kit" with peppercorns and herbal tea in your stash box.