11 Ways to Sober Up from Getting Too High

It can happen to any of us – consuming too much cannabis and going out of control. Modern THC strains are more potent; their effects can be unpredictable. Sometimes, even experienced users might get caught off guard. All of a sudden, you feel your heart racing, you lose your train of thought, and you might feel that this is the end!

Don’t worry, the situation can be brought under control! Yes, it might feel uncomfortable, but with the right steps, you can regain control and calm your body. Before we get to how to get rid of your high, let’s look at the signs indicating that you need to become sober.

Knowing the Signs that Say You’re Too High

So, how do you know that you have consumed too much cannabis and that you now need to sober down? Take a look at the following symptoms to get a better understanding of your situation:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Anxiety, paranoia, or racing thoughts
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Dry mouth and dehydration
• Nausea and mild confusion

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t panic. Your body just needs time and support to metabolise THC. Now, let’s take a look at how to get sober from being high.

11 Best Ways to Sober Up from Getting Too High

Worried about calming down? Fret not! Take a look at the remedies given below:

1. Stay Calm and Breathe

The first step is not to panic. Panic can be your biggest enemy when you are too high. The THC you have consumed is responsible for amplifying your sensations, including fear and worry.

Start taking deep breaths – inhale slowly through your nose and count to four, hold for two, and then exhale for six. Repeat this breathing process until you feel that your heartbeat has stabilised and your mind is starting to settle down. Controlled breathing will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which will help shift from panic to peace.

2. Hydrate with Water or Herbal Tea

The next step to get sober is to hydrate yourself. Dehydration can make the situation worse, and it is also another side effect of cannabis consumption. Try to sip water slowly, or you can try herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint. It would be best to avoid sugary drinks, especially alcohol. These drinks can intensify dizziness and nausea. If you stay hydrated, then the water in your body will flush out toxins and relieve your dry mouth.

But what if you do not have access to water or herbal tea? Then, how to stop being high in such a scenario? Read the next remedy to help yourself.

3. Eat Something Light

If you have some dry food available, try eating in a small quantity. It will balance the level of blood sugar in your body and help slow down THC absorption. Go for nutritious snacks such as fruit, nuts, or toast. Try to avoid heavy meals or those rich in lactose, which can upset your stomach. If you have a banana or an orange, then it can help stabilise your system.

4. Chew on Black Peppercorns

This is an old trick, but it has scientific backing. Black peppercorns contain beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that can counteract THC’s psychoactive effects. You can start chewing a few whole peppercorns or simply sniff them. The aroma alone can also help you instantly give you a sense of calm. Consider it as a natural and fast-acting antidote to the high caused by cannabis.

5. Use CBD

CBD, which is another major cannabinoid found in cannabis, can be used to get sober from the cannabis high. CBD interacts with the same receptors in your brain and works to counterbalance THC’s intense effect.

You can consume CBD oil, capsules, or even a CBD-dominant cannabis strain. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes, and you will feel reduced anxiety, paranoia, and racing thoughts. It is another way to bring yourself to the ground.

6. Take a Cold Shower or Splash Water on Your Face

Coldwater can be a good remedy to reduce the intense effects of cannabis. Cold water helps trigger the vagus nerve, helping to regulate your heart rate and calm down your nervous system. The best thing would be to take a full shower. However, if that is not possible, splash cold water on your face or hold it cool compress on your neck.

With a cool compress or cold water on your face, your body will experience a quick temperature shift. It will reset your body and help you return to normal condition.

7. Distract Yourself with Light Activity

Another easy and simple way to get out of the stoned feeling is to distract your mind. Distraction is a key to bringing your mind out of a loop. Simple activities like doodling, colouring, or tidying up your room can help you redirect your focus. The main goal is to engage your senses in something that feels pleasant, and the intensity of the cannabis high slowly fades.

8. Go for a Walk

Slow walking can be another answer to – How to get rid of being high? If it is safe for you to take a walk, then it can help your body process THC faster. A gentle walk outside your room can help boost circulation and also provide an opportunity to reset your mind. Just make sure that you are in a known neighbourhood and the area is safe. Natural sights, sounds, and fresh cool air can help you calm down and reduce anxiety.

9. Avoid Stimulants like Coffee

The guide on how to sober up when stoned should also include what you should not do when stoned. The first thing is that you should avoid consuming caffeine. It is a well-known fix for lethargy, but it can backfire when you’re too high. Consuming caffeine will increase the heart rate.

If you are feeling anxious or paranoid, caffeine can make it worse. Try to stick with calming beverages like cold water, herbal teas, or juice. Give your body some time to relax naturally.

10. Try the “Lemon Trick”

Lemons contain limonene, a terpene that helps calm and provides anti-anxiety properties. Get a small piece of lemon slice or drink lemon water to help yourself get sober. Trying the lemon trick is a quick and sensory way to refresh your palate and reduce the THC intensity.

11. Sleep It Off

The last way to get sober from a cannabis high is to rest. Go to a quiet and comfortable space, dim the lights, and comfortably lie down on the bed. Try to close your eyes and get some sleep. Even if you can’t sleep, lying down and closing your eyes would help your body relax. When you wake up, you will feel that the intense effect of THC is mostly gone.

If you are still wondering how to get rid of being high, then you should take a look at the following sections. It will give you more clarity about how to get sober from being high.

Time Is Still the Best Cure

No matter what you do, it will be hard to find an instant fix of a cannabis high. You will need some time for your body to process the THC and reduce its effects. In most cases, it takes approximately 2 to 6 hours to become sober again. However, it depends on the dose and method of consumption. If you have taken edibles, then it might take a bit longer compared to cannabis puffs. Try to stay calm and give yourself some time, and the effect will pass.

Preventative Tips for the Future

Now it’s time to take a look at the preventive measures in this guide on how to sober up when stoned. Let’s take a look at the following table:

Table: Preventive Tips for Cannabis Use

Handling Cannabis High the Right Way

If you have consumed too much cannabis and it has already started to feel unpleasant, don’t worry; it is not the end of the world! Try to remain calm and hydrate yourself. Slowly inhale and exhale to normalise your heartbeat. If possible, use CBD oil or smoke a CBD strain to counter the effects of THC. Try a cold compress on your neck or splash cold water on your face to feel relaxed.

Most importantly, give yourself some time, and the effect will start to wear off slowly.