We’ve all been there – taken one hit too many from a pipe or consumed more of an edible than we meant to – and suddenly our heart is racing, we’re a bit sweaty, and we’re feeling anxious. These are classic signs that we’ve consumed too much THC (the cannabis compound responsible for the psychological high cannabis is known for) and it can feel unnerving to even the most experienced cannabis consumer. Unfortunately, many people are caught off guard by these and other symptoms and wind up visiting local Emergency Rooms for help.
We at Greeley Gallery want our products to provide positive experiences for our customers, which means offering education so they can consume cannabis safely. We always recommend that new cannabis users learn their tolerance by starting a low dose and increasing it slowly over time. That said, if or when the occasion arises when you do consume too much, these are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.
Eat and Hydrate
Weed is known for stimulating our appetite, but there are other benefits to eating when you’re high. For one, adverse feelings from consuming too much cannabis can feel intense when we’re just sitting around and focusing on them, but snacking or cooking a meal allows us to refocus our energy and distracts us from our discomfort. Playing some soothing music while you do it helps even more.
But also, hydrating with water, ideally with a slice of lemon, can be especially effective at combating the psychological effects of a THC high. Most citrus fruits, including lemons, have compounds, such as limonene, which have a calming effect on us. Fun fact: black pepper also contains limonene, so sprinkling some on your food can also help ease your high.
Sleep It Off
Weed is known to improve sleep for insomniacs and others who experience trouble with sleep. So, if you can, sleeping is probably the best thing you can do when experiencing adverse effects from cannabis. By the time you wake up, your high should be over, or near over, and unlike alcohol, you won’t have a hangover.
Put on a Movie
Of course, falling asleep when uncomfortable is easier said than done. But putting on a movie, your favorite television series, or even podcasts makes falling asleep significantly easier. Not only does it help distract you from your discomfort, but watching or listening to something can also lull us to sleep. And even if you still don’t fall asleep, the cannabis effects will lessen by the time your movie finishes.
Breathe
Breathing is an underrated yet powerful force. Research has repeatedly shown that various simple breathing exercises can ease anxiety and stress and help people feel calmer and more relaxed.
The key is to know which technique to utilize. For instance, taking a series of short, quick breaths increases our heart rate and won’t likely ease the psychological effects of cannabis. However, slow, deep breaths relax our vagus nerve—which runs all the way from your brain to your large intestine—aids in communication between your brain, heart, lungs, and digestive system, and controls our fight-or-flight response.
In other words, when our vagus nerve is calm, we feel calm. Here’s our favorite technique: Breathe in through your nose while counting to four, then hold your breath for another four counts. Next, exhale for four counts through your mouth and repeat the cycle four times. The best thing is that you can utilize this breathing exercise whenever you feel overwhelmed, even when cannabis isn’t involved.
It’s All in Your Head
Our brain is extremely powerful, and sometimes, it likes to play tricks on us. So, when we experience anxiety, paranoia, or even hallucinations, the feelings seem tangible and real. The good news is that reminding yourself that everything you’re experiencing is in your mind goes a long way in squashing your fears by taking back control of your thoughts. As a bonus, your physical symptoms, such as an increased heart rate or sweating, often ease too.
Another helpful tip is to remind yourself that everything you feel is temporary. For the best results, conduct the breathing exercise we discussed in the previous section as you remind yourself of these facts. Doing so will help prevent your mental spiral and ease it all together.
Final Thoughts
Like any other medicine or recreational drug, knowing the proper dose and your tolerance is essential. Consuming too much cannabis too quickly can create an adverse experience. Often, one or two hits of a joint or one bowl is all you need to experience weed’s more pleasant effects. We also suggest starting with strains that have a lower THC potency.
As always, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to provide suggestions or answer any questions you have. Our cannabis dispensary is on the corner of Greeley and Rosa Parks. We’re open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Written By: Katrina Paulson
