When it comes to consuming an intoxicating substance of any kind, especially for recreational purposes, you need to be aware of how much you are consuming and what your personal limit may be. In much the same way as how some people can drink a six-pack of beer without getting drunk and some can’t even finish one, there are also people who can smoke bowl after bowl of cannabis and never feel too high, where others may get too high after only consuming a relatively small amount of marijuana. Of course, the only way to learn your own tolerance is to experiment, which will likely lead to at least one instance of feeling way too high. But if that happens, you should know there are ways to combat the intense feelings you may experience.
The active ingredient in marijuana, called THC, can produce many side effects. These typically include dry and/or red eyes, dry mouth, sluggishness, euphoria, paranoia (in some cases), increased heart rate and/or a general feeling of discomfort. The degree to which you feel these effects will depend on what strain you consumed (some are far more potent than others) and how you consumed it. The intense high from smoking too much is likely going to feel different than the high of eating way too much of a THC-infused edible.
The first thing to be aware of is that you cannot die from a THC overdose. If you consume too much, you will likely feel your heart rate pick up and that can be the scariest part of the entire experience. It can lead you to feel like your heart is jumping out of your chest and like you could have a heart attack – the best thing you can do if this happens is to remain calm and take deep breaths.
There are many people who have had a bad experience with cannabis their first time – whether it was because they were not warned or they simply ignored the warning, the results are always the same. The fear of having a bad experience can keep curious new users from trying cannabis, and having a bad experience is certainly a way to put you off from trying it again. But you don’t have to fear a THC overdose as there are ways to bring you back down. If you ever find yourself in this situation, whether you are a veteran consumer or a total newbie, here are a few ways to combat too much THC.
Deep Breathing
One of the best things you can do to bring your heart rate down as quickly as possible is to practice deep breathing. It will bring more oxygen into your bloodstream and help to bring your racing heart back to a normal pace.
Breathe slowly in through your nose, and then breath out your mouth and repeat this process at a relatively even pace. Try to keep your mind focused only on your breathing and not on the other feelings you are experiencing.
Drink Cold Water
Keeping hydrated is important when you are consuming cannabis; it can give you dry mouth and dry eyes, so keeping a bottle of water on hand is always a good idea. Ensuring that you drink enough water throughout the day will also make you less likely to find yourself with an increased heart rate after smoking MJ or consuming an edible.
Drinking cold water will help to slow your heart rate and should ease any stomach upset you might have. The cold water will bring a shock to your system that can help to bring everything back to normal – and if drinking the cold water doesn’t work, try jumping in it…
Take a Cold Shower
Again, a shock to your system like a cold shower (or simply pouring ice water over your head) will help to sober you up rather quickly. A freezing cold shower can certainly wake you up in the morning, and in that same fashion, it can help you if you find yourself a little too stoned. Once you start to feel a little more like yourself, you can always make that water warmer and try to relax.
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade (with the peel)
The oldest known remedy for too much THC was actually discovered long before we even knew what THC was. At the time, people would consume hashish that had recently been brought back to Britain (in the mid 1800s) from India by Sir Roberts Christison, a Scottish toxicologist and doctor. He was also the one who discovered that lemons have terpenes – similar to those found in the cannabis plant – and by drinking fresh squeezed lemonade with the peel tossed in, the effects of cannabis and hashish were significantly reduced.
Give In and Lay Down
If you’ve managed to get your breathing and heart rate under control but are still feeling uneasy (especially if you feel lightheaded or dizzy) then you may want to simply lay down, close your eyes and listen to some tunes or watch a movie. Once you’ve gotten your mind to a place where you know you can relax, then you can allow yourself to simply wait it out.
Remember It Will Come to an End
Depending on how you ended up consuming too much THC, you may feel uncomfortable for a few minutes to a few hours. But, the most important thing to remember is that it will come to an end.
Eventually, products may be available commercially and across the nation to help counteract the symptoms of too much THC. But, in the meantime, if you ever find yourself in this situation, just remember to remain calm, everything will be back to normal soon and these ideas are worth a try when it comes to bringing you down faster.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
