With cannabis becoming increasingly popular, many inexperienced users are bound to find themselves suffering unpleasant side effects. This is what many call ‘the typical rookie mistake’, when anxiety or paranoia are simply so intense that they stop you from operating normally. But there’s no need to panic. Here we tell you how to come down from that super powerful cannabis trip in the quickest way.
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We’ve all been there. Be it after trying a high-THC strain for the first time, or after eating an edible that was more potent than usual, being ‘too stoned’ is something that many cannabis users get to experience at some point. It can happen in many different ways, but its consequences can be enough to knock out even the most seasoned cannabis fanatic. Therefore, knowing how to turn around the effect of marijuana is an important factor for any user.
Dosage has a direct impact on the effects that are experienced, and beginners are more susceptible to overdoing it the first few times. But fear not! Most of us have experienced the unpleasant and overwhelming effects of cannabis once or twice. Luckily there are different ways of reducing them if you’re feeling too uncomfortable due to over-consumption. Follow our guidelines to learn how to relieve the effects of marijuana.
Don’t freak out, just try to breathe deeply
At first sight this may seem a good piece of advice, but in reality, when you’re coughing your lungs out or starting to reach high levels of anxiety, remembering this is no easy task. It’s important to try to breathe abdominally (or diaphragmatically) to promote blood oxygenation, which may be enough to get you out of your ordeal when things start to turn too confusing. So breathe deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. And concentrate on the sound of your breathing. Just a few minutes of focused breathing should be enough to get you out of any impending catastrophe.
Pepper and lemon may be the answer
This measure is based on the ‘entourage effect’, which is how cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create different effects on the human body. From what we know about terpenes, lemon and pepper share more than a few chemical compounds with cannabis. It is those terpenes, limonene and piperine, that help create a less anxious cannabis high. And they may also help you get out of a bad trip. Simply squeeze a lemon and add some pepper before inhaling their aromas. Or you can chew on a few black peppercorns. This should provide you with almost instantaneous relief.
Hydrate well
Zoolander put it well: “Water is the secret of hydration.” Drinking a big glass of water is no panacea, but it generally helps eliminate any excess substances. So being well hydrated even before smoking is a clever way of preventing drama. This will help you combat a dry mouth feeling and concentrate on the simple and familiar motion of drinking and swallowing. You can drink water, juices, etc., but avoid alcoholic drinks at all cost as they can increase THC levels in the bloodstream.
The blessed coffee (or tea)
Drinking a good cup of coffee can help you concentrate better. If you’re feeling sleepy or are suffering from ‘mental fog’, caffeine is key to keep the brain switched on. Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world because our mind works more effectively after drinking it. Coffee or tea (both contain caffeine) are stimulating and can provide the turning point between chaos and order. Just make sure that the coffee of your choice doesn’t also contain cannabis!
Eating, having a shower or sleeping (and not necessarily in that order)
All these actions are interchangeable depending on the state that you’re in. Sometimes sleeping may be the best alternative to slam the brakes on a bad trip, although it’s not always easy to switch your brain off. If you can fall asleep easily, take a short nap until you feel strong enough to resurface. If you can’t fall asleep, try a shower (cold if possible). If you don’t have a shower nearby, try eating something yummy to get off the downward spiral that you’re in by occupying your mind (and stomach) with a familiar activity that will provide you with a comforting feeling. That way your brain will focus on positive thoughts and will give you a gentle reminder that you’re safe.
Bonus track
If all these suggestions fail to help you, and you still find yourself feeling alarmingly uncomfortable, you can always take a little CBD, which is a great compound to combat anxiety and can also be used to counteract an excess of THC.