You’ve been there. Maybe it was a 10mg gummy that hit way harder than the package promised, or perhaps a friend’s "gentle" strain turned out to be a THC powerhouse. Suddenly, the walls are a little too loud, your heart is racing like a panicked hummingbird, and you’re wondering how to make a high go away before you have to talk to your landlord or, worse, your mom. It’s a distinct brand of panic.
Relax. It’s temporary. You aren’t the first person to get too high, and you definitely won’t be the last. While there isn't a magic "off" switch for the endocannabinoid system, there are scientifically backed ways to bring yourself back down to earth.
The Chemistry of Coming Down
Basically, when you ingest THC, it binds to CB1 receptors in your brain. It’s like a key fitting into a lock, and right now, that lock is jammed open. The goal isn't necessarily to "break" the lock—your liver has to do the heavy lifting of metabolizing the compound—but you can definitely dampen the signal.
Wait it out. That sounds like terrible advice when you’re vibrating out of your skin, but the physiology of a "green out" is relatively predictable. If you smoked or vaped, the peak usually hits within 30 to 60 minutes and starts to taper off. Edibles? Well, those are the marathon runners of the cannabis world. You might be looking at a 4 to 8-hour journey because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is way more potent and lasts much longer.
Black Pepper: The Terpene Trick
This sounds like an old wives' tale, but it’s actually rooted in real science. Black pepper contains a terpene called caryophyllene.
Research, including a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology by Dr. Ethan Russo, suggests that caryophyllene can help tame the psychoactive effects of THC. It binds to the same receptors but in a way that can soothe the "fight or flight" response. If you’re panicking, grab the pepper grinder. Smell it. Don't snort it—that’s a one-way ticket to a sneezing fit—but take deep whiffs of the peppercorns. Some people even chew on a few. It’s pungent, it’s grounding, and it actually works for a lot of people.
CBD Is Not Your Enemy
It feels counterintuitive to take more cannabinoids when you’re already feeling too much, but CBD is actually a "non-competitive antagonist" to the CB1 receptor. In plain English? CBD can block THC from fully binding to those receptors. It’s like putting a spacer in the lock so the THC key can’t turn all the way.
If you have a high-quality CBD isolate or oil on hand, a moderate dose can take the edge off the paranoia. Just make sure it’s actually CBD and not another "hybrid" product that contains more THC, or you’ll just be fueling the fire.
Hydration and Blood Sugar
Ever noticed how a heavy high makes your mouth feel like a desert? Cottonmouth is real, but dehydration also makes the physical symptoms of anxiety way worse. Drink water. Cold water. The sensation of the cold liquid moving down your throat can be incredibly grounding.
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Also, eat something. Many users find that a heavy, carb-rich meal helps "soak up" the feeling. While it won't technically remove the THC from your blood, a spike in blood sugar can often counteract the lightheadedness and "floaty" feeling that triggers panic. Reach for a bowl of cereal, some fruit, or a slice of toast. Avoid caffeine, though. If your heart is already racing, a double espresso is the last thing your central nervous system needs right now.
Changing Your Environment
Sometimes the room you’re in is the problem. If the music is too bass-heavy or the lights are too bright, your overstimulated brain is going to freak out.
Move.
Go to a different room. Step outside for fresh air—as long as you aren’t driving or trying to navigate a crowded street. The change in scenery provides a sensory "reset." If you’re at a party, find a quiet corner or a bathroom and just breathe for five minutes.
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The Power of Distraction
Your brain is currently stuck in a loop. You’re thinking about your heart rate, which makes your heart rate go up, which makes you think about your heart rate more. You need to break the circuit.
- Watch a familiar show. The Office or Great British Bake Off are classics for a reason. Familiarity equals safety.
- Play a simple game on your phone. Something like Tetris or a matching game requires just enough focus to distract you but not enough to stress you out.
- Listen to a "comfort" album. Avoid anything experimental or aggressive.
Showering: The Hot vs. Cold Debate
Some people swear by a hot shower to relax the muscles. Others prefer a cold splash to the face to trigger the "mammalian dive reflex," which naturally slows the heart rate. Honestly, it’s a personal preference. If you’re feeling chilly and shaky, a warm shower is like a full-body hug. If you feel like you’re overheating and frantic, a cold blast can shock your system back into a neutral state. Just be careful—your coordination might be a bit off, so no gymnastics in the tub.
Understanding the "Green Out"
What you’re likely experiencing is a temporary drop in blood pressure followed by a spike in heart rate. It feels like a medical emergency, but if you’re a healthy adult, it almost never is. Cannabis is not known to cause fatal overdoses in the way opioids do because it doesn't affect the brainstem centers that control breathing.
Knowing this doesn't make the anxiety go away instantly, but it can act as a mental anchor. Tell yourself: "I am safe. This is a chemical reaction. It will pass in two hours." Repeat it like a mantra.
Lemons and Pine Nuts
Just like black pepper, lemons contain limonene, and pine nuts contain pinene. These are terpenes that have been studied for their ability to promote mental clarity and reduce the "fog" associated with a heavy high. Squeeze some fresh lemon into your water and zest a bit of the peel. The bright, citrusy scent is a powerful sensory anchor.
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Real-World Strategies for Different Situations
If you’re in public, your main goal is "stealth mode." Find a place to sit down. Lean your head back. If someone asks if you’re okay, just say you have a slight migraine and need a minute of silence. People generally respect that.
If you’re at home, get into bed. Put on heavy blankets. The weight of the blankets (proprioceptive input) tells your nervous system that you are physically secure. Even if you can’t sleep, just lying in the dark reduces the amount of data your brain has to process.
The Limits of "Making It Go Away"
Let’s be real: you cannot "flush" THC out of your system in ten minutes. Any product claiming to "instantly sober you up" is likely selling you expensive vitamins. The process is a downward slope, not a cliff. You’re looking to manage the symptoms while your body does the work.
If you genuinely feel like you can't breathe or you’re experiencing chest pain that feels crushing rather than just "fluttery," don't hesitate to seek medical help. However, in 99% of cases, the "emergency" is just the THC talking.
Actionable Steps for Right Now
If you are currently feeling too high, follow this exact sequence:
- Stop consuming immediately. Put the joint down, put the bag of gummies away.
- Drink 16 ounces of water. Slow sips, not gulps.
- Find black pepper. Sniff it or chew two peppercorns.
- Change your setting. Move to a bed or a comfortable couch in a quiet room.
- Set a timer for 30 minutes. Tell yourself you only have to make it to that timer. Usually, by the time it goes off, the peak has passed.
- Focus on your feet. Wiggle your toes and feel the floor. It sounds silly, but it pulls your awareness out of your head and back into your body.
The most important thing to remember about how to make a high go away is that your body is incredibly good at returning to homeostasis. You will feel normal again. You will wake up tomorrow feeling a bit groggy, but you’ll be back in the driver’s seat. For now, just be kind to yourself and let the clock do its thing.