Perhaps it takes three hours for cannabis to take effect. You may have tried cannabis concentrates and been shocked by their potency, or perhaps you are just a low-tolerance user. The experience of smoking cannabis can be uncomfortable and even enough to turn off cannabis enthusiasts. Cannabis is not a deadly drug, and fortunately, its effects will dissipate within a day. Here are some ways to ease the cannabis high.

 

How long does it take for cannabis to wear off?

The duration of the high after smoking cannabis depends on several factors, including the method of use, dosage, and unique individual variables such as tolerance, age, and metabolism. Generally, the more potent the cannabis product (i.e., THC% or milligrams), the longer the high will last, but not necessarily stronger. Concentrates are the most potent form of cannabis, followed by flowers and edibles.

 

Therefore, the time it takes to sober up from dabbing may be longer than smoking from a bowl, but the dosage, quality of flower or wax, and your body chemistry will also affect this. It is also worth noting that daily smokers have higher cannabis tolerance and recover from a state of intoxication much faster than occasional smokers.

 

Normally, the peak of smoking cannabis can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Afterward, you may still feel some residual effects, and some people's intoxication can last longer. Fortunately, when you feel overused and uncomfortable from cannabis, there are several ways to help you come down and sober up.

 

Symptoms of being too high

If you know you're too high, then it's easy to fix. But if you're not sure how to tell when you've crossed the line, there are some clear symptoms to look out for. While we all love the happy feelings that come with cannabis use, if you experience the following symptoms, you may need to cut back:

 

1. Anxiety
2. Nausea
3. Dizziness
4. Panic
5. Confusion
6. Excessive sweating

 

What happens when you consume too much cannabis?

Even if you feel like you're dying, rest assured, you're still alive. The high you get from cannabis comes from THC, which binds to the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system, most of which are in our brains. In short, it's all in your head! It's not possible to consume enough THC to be fatal, and THC doesn't affect the part of the brain that controls breathing.

 

THC in our system can bring relaxation, sleepiness, hunger, euphoria, and clumsiness, but the diversity of strains and products makes it difficult to predict when you might go overboard. In rare cases, such as with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, you may experience nausea or dizziness. However, these symptoms will still subside.

 

Quick Ways to Sober Up from cannabis

1. Don't Panic

Most symptoms of "overusing cannabis" will go away within minutes to a few hours, with no lasting effects except perhaps feeling a little sleepy and having an empty fridge. Give yourself some time, and these feelings will eventually disappear, trust us. We must emphasize that contrary to what you may have heard, there have been no reported cases of cannabis overdose deaths in history. So, while you may feel panicked or sweaty, you won't die from using too much. But don't treat smoking cannabis as a challenge, and if you accidentally use too much, you'll be fine after some time.

 

2. Try Drinking Water and Eating Lightly

Derek Zoolander once said, "Water is the essence of moisture, and moisture is the essence of wetness." Whether you prefer water or juice, make sure to have a cold, preferably caffeine-free drink on hand to help combat dry mouth and allow you to focus on a simple and familiar action - sipping and swallowing.

Please remember that "hydration" doesn't mean "having a few drinks." If you feel your situation is a bit serious, avoid alcohol because it increases THC blood concentration. 

 

However, does eating after smoking cannabis make you sober?

Some people find that eating lightly helps them feel more stable. Consider eating some fruits, nuts, or cheese to see if it's easier to connect your thoughts and body. Some studies suggest that terpenes in our food, which are also abundant in cannabis, may help relieve the consumer's high.

 

3. Understand Your Tolerance Before Use

If possible, use cannabis based on your tolerance level. If you know that taking more than two puffs from a pipe will make you anxious, or a 10-milligram gummy will make you feel paralyzed, don't exceed your tolerance level. It may not help if you've already exceeded your limit, but it can help you avoid uncomfortable situations next time.

When eating edibles, you should eat slowly. We recommend trying a standard dose of 10 milligrams (or even 5 milligrams for caution), waiting at least an hour or even two before increasing the dosage. The same goes for inhalation - if you usually only take occasional puffs from a personal vaporizer, don't sit in a smoking circle for an hour.

 

4. Use black pepper to alleviate overstimulation

If you find yourself struggling with paranoia and anxiety, a common seasoning found in kitchens and restaurants (black pepper) can help alleviate the issue. Many people rave about the benefits of black pepper, simply smelling or chewing a few peppercorns can provide almost instant relief. While this method hasn't been proven, many of the terpene compounds found in black pepper also appear in many cannabis strains, which may contribute to its calming effects.

 

5. Stay calm and take a break

Find a calm and quiet place with minimal stimulation where you can take deep breaths and rest. Breathe deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Focus on the sound of your breath and take a moment to relax. Sometimes, sleeping may be the best option to stop intense overstimulation, but shutting off your brain isn't easy. Find a quiet area, lie down, and allow yourself to relax. If you feel drowsy, take a short nap to restore yourself. If you can't fall asleep, just lie down comfortably.

 

6. Take a walk

If you can't get your brain to rest, sometimes changing your environment and breathing fresh air can help lift your spirits. Just remember to stay aware of your surroundings, and it's best to bring a companion so you don't get lost while feeling anxious and paranoid! If you feel dizzy or faint, don't attempt to walk and rest instead.

 

7. Take a shower

If you're out or at a friend's house, this may be difficult, but if you're at home, try taking a shower or bath to help you relax while waiting for the effects of overconsumption to wear off. But can taking a shower really help alleviate overstimulation? Showers generally relax the mind and body, especially taking a cold shower, which appears to alleviate depressive symptoms and increase nerve impulses, making you feel more alert and stable.

 

8. Distract your attention

All activities that appear interesting and entertaining in a highly aroused state are also good ways to distract your attention when you're trying to come back to reality. Suggestions: watch funny cartoons, listen to your favorite album, play video games, chat with friends, spend time with your partner, try coloring as a calming activity, or eat something delicious. Whatever form of distraction you prefer, make sure it's a familiar activity that makes you feel comfortable and warm. Your brain wants to focus on positive feelings and give you a gentle reminder that you're safe and everything is okay.

 

How to sober up from consuming cannabis?

We now know that the high from consuming cannabis can be very different from smoking, vaporizing, or using a tincture. After all, our bodies metabolize them through different systems, and the high from consuming cannabis is the longest-lasting of any consumption method because THC is metabolized through the liver during digestion, increasing the longevity of the high.

 

Therefore, not all methods are suitable for sobering up from consuming cannabis. We recommend trying to stay calm, drink water, and distract your attention. You can also try eating a hearty meal to speed up your metabolism or consuming some CBD cannabis to help alleviate the effects of consuming cannabis. If possible, taking a nap can also help.

 

If all else fails and you still feel very uncomfortable, you can seek medical help and tell the doctor or nurse that you're experiencing a cannabis-induced anxiety attack. Even in states where cannabis is illegal, this option is always viable. From a medical standpoint, doctors will do everything they can to ensure your safety, even helping you calm down during an overwhelming high, and they cannot arrest or take legal action against you for being overly high.