Marijuana has loads of health benefits and the high it offers ain’t bad either, but like everything else in life, moderation is key. There is such a thing as getting too high…which ruins all your fun.

Fear not! Here in north Portland, Greeley Gallery cares about you and we want to ensure your experience is nothing but enjoyable. So, keep reading to learn what you should do if you end up smoking a bit too much, or misjudge how much of that edible to eat. 

What Makes a Bad High?

If you’ve already had a bad experience, then feel free to skip to the next portion of this article. If you haven’t yet discovered the effects of a bad high, the following list will provide you with symptoms to watch out for:

• • Dry mouth

• • Shortness of breath

• • The spins – when the room you’re in feels like it’s spinning

• • Nausea, with or without vomiting

• • Overwhelming feelings of paranoia, anxiety, or fear

• • Burning eye

• • Trembling or shaking

• • Increased heart rate

The bad news is, there’s no specific length of time these symptoms can last. It’s possible it will only last for as long as your high, around 30 – 45 minutes, although it can last longer.

The good news is, below are 5 awesome ways to help you if you ever end up in this situation.

Consume Sugar

Anyone with a sweet tooth can celebrate that eating something sugary can actually help you. A 2013 edition of The American Journal of Medicine published a study conducted by Penner, Buettner, and Mittleman, which revealed a connection between marijuana and glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance.

Basically, lower blood sugar and marijuana have a connection. However, if you’re someone who is prone to blood sugar swings (common for diabetics) you may have a higher risk of experiencing a bad trip. So, make sure to have some cookies nearby just in case you need a sugar boost.

Drink Juice

You may have heard a theory that consuming orange juice strengthens an LSD high. Well, that’s not the case with marijuana—quite the opposite actually.

Lemons, grapefruits, and oranges contain Limonene, which happens to also be in numerous strains of marijuana. And studies suggest limonene could reduce anxiety—and as mentioned above, anxiety is a major symptom.

Find a Calming and Quiet Space

Hopefully you’re not out and about when your bad trip occurs, but even so, trying to find a spot where you can stop and close your eyes will work wonders.

Focus on your breath by breathing in through your nose, and exhaling slowly from your mouth, will help prevent or reduce anxiety and nervous sweating.

Remember, it’s Only in Your Head

In the moment, feelings like anxiety, paranoia, and even hallucinations can feel very real. It’s important to remember that everything you’re experiencing is just your mind playing tricks on you. And physical symptoms such as sweating, or an increased heart rate can exacerbate everything in your mind.

Try to remember two things: First, everything you’re feeling is temporary. Second, knowing it’s in your head allows you to take control of your thoughts. Doing both will help prevent your mental spiral.

Counteract with CBD

It may sound counterintuitive to treat a bad trip with more weed but hear us out. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a different cannabinoid in marijuana than Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is what causes your high, but CBD doesn’t cause an intoxicating high.

An increase of studies continues to show a relationship between CBD and a decrease in anxiety. Any of our staff here at Greeley Gallery are happy to show you the highest quality CBD strains, beverages, and edibles at our Arbor Lodge dispensary.

Lastly

The best way to prevent a bad experience with weed is by knowing your tolerance. Increase your tolerance slowly, and always make sure you use responsibly.

If you have more questions, stop by our north Portland dispensary and chat with our friendly staff. We want to ensure you have a great experience and are always happy to answer your questions.