Written and Fact Checked by S. Zulfiqar
We all have that one friend, or someone we know, who’s a seasoned smoker. Even they would have a story when one time they found it extremely hard to sober up after they overdid the weed. Marijuana has millions of consumers and they have their reasons to use it but it’s majorly used for recreation or reducing anxiety and feeling calm. We all can make the simplest mistake of taking it a little too much but there’s nothing to worry about.
Another good news here is that no one has died because of the overdose of marijuana. Not according to any known reports anyway. So even after overdoing it, if you feel like you’re dying, you won’t. Now don’t take it as a challenge but you’ll most certainly live another day to tell the story of that one time you thought you’ll die.
Here are some easy tips and guidelines to help you sober up after you feel like you’ve been high on concentrates, edibles, or flowers.
1. Do not Panic
You may feel a bit sweaty and not okay, thinking all the wrong things that can happen to you right now but it’s important not to panic. Just know that you are okay and everything is going to be just fine. Have faith and give it some time. This phase shall pass too.
A good idea is to have a nap. Now we all know that it’s not easy to turn off your brain, especially at times like these but if you can try and have a nap. There are fat chances that you will wake up feeling a lot better.
2. Stay Hydrated
Keeping a cold water bottle at hand would be a great idea, almost always. It will not only keep you hydrated but also help you exercise the simplest of acts like sipping and swallowing. Of course, water will help you with your dry mouth as well. At the moment, if you’re not interested in drinking water, you can always go for other options like juices. A lot of people prefer orange juice but you can go for any other fresh fruit juice of your choice. Just make sure that they’re not alcoholic or carbonated because they might raise your THC level. Which simply means a big no in the current situation.
3. Hello Snacks
Having light snacks also seems to help a lot of people. Consider having some juicy fruits or nuts. All you have to do is to walk up to your fridge and find yourself a little something. You can even make yourself a sandwich. After having a bite, sit back and relax. Notice if you feel any better.
4. Find Black Peppercorn
If the effects are still not wearing off. Go to your kitchen again to find the bottle of black peppercorn. Also known as black pepper, is a kitchen item that is known for spicing the food and helps you get down from your high. That’s right. Trying chewing a few peppercorns and if you think that’s gonna be too much for you, simply smell them. Make sure to smell them carefully because you wouldn’t want to be sneezing around the house.
In case you’re wondering how black pepper can help you with the high, know that it’s all because of terpenes. According to Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher terpenes like beta-caryophyllene that are found in black peppercorn can help you with your case as they aim to ‘tame the intoxicating effects of THC.’
But all you need to remember is that black peppercorn can help you when you’re high on cannabis.
5. Lemons? Lemons
How can we not talk about lemons? Having to sober up from weed and the use of lemons go hand in hand. Back in 2012, a study was published in Brain Research. According to which, limonene has properties that can help people with cannabis-induced anxiety.
Here’s what you’ll need to do. Find some lemons. Squeeze 1-2 lemons in an empty glass of water. Fill half the glass with water and drink. Pretty simple, right?
Or you can squeeze the lemon and inhale the citric scent of the little yellow ball.
6. Take a Bath
Another old trick is to go for a bath. The soothing cold water might turn things around for you and the bad high can become a good one. It’s not much of a good idea if you’re out but if you’re home, having a shower may help as it will decrease the heart rate and put your mind at ease. But whatever, it will surely help you feel much better and calmer.
If you don’t feel like having a shower, try splashing water over your face, head, and neck area.
7. Call a friend
There are times when you are unable to convince yourself. If this is one of those times, call a friend and listen to what they have to say. Sit back and let them do the talking. Close your eyes and notice how entertaining everything becomes when you’re high.
8. Look for Distractions
Now would be a good time to watch some TV or listen to some of your favorite songs. You can watch funny cartoons, play video games, etc. to feel sober after using weed. Do whatever pleases you but make sure it’s a familiar activity that helps you feel at home.
9. Adding CBD
Throughout decades, researchers have found that CBD (cannabidiol) can reduce the effects of THC-induced paranoia. A study published in 2013 in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggested that if CBD is taken with THC, it tends to bring down the negative effects of THC.
So picking the best available CBD and creating a perfect balance alongside THC will help you in overdoing in the first place.
10. Take Notes
When you’re back on earth. Make some notes and try to understand what made you so high that you had to look up ideas to sober up after taking weed. Know your consumption limits so that you’re better prepared the next time you decide to get stoned.
Interesting Reads: How to smoke hash, How to dab, Exploring CBD water, Where can you smoke weed in Canada when it is legalized
References
- The ethan russo sessions #5 – relieving pain with terpenes. (2019, December 30). Retrieved from https://trueterpenes.com/terpenes-and-education/the-ethan-russo-sessions-5-relieving-pain-with-terpenes/
- Russo, E. (2011, August). Taming thc: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
- José Alexandre S Crippa, G. (2010, September 9). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in GENERALIZED social anxiety DISORDER: A preliminary report. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881110379283
