How to Sober Up from Weed

We get it. It’s easy to “green out” every once in a while. Whether you’re new to edibles, mixed alcohol with weed, or just went over your tolerance, getting too high is almost a rite of passage and learning lesson on how never to do it again.

If you’re in the throes of a bad trip, don’t worry. Although all you need is time to come down from the high, these home remedies may tone down the buzz. Here is how to sober up from weed and start feeling better in no time.

How Long Does the High Last?

How long a high lasts and the time until the onset of effects depends on various factors, including the consumption method, amount consumed, and your metabolism. For example, the effects of smoking can last up to two hours when peaking.

Remember that effects of overconsumption are usually associated with THC, not other compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Here is a breakdown of the duration and onset of effects for different intoxicating consumption methods:

Consumption Method	Time Until Onset	Duration of Effects
Smoking	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Dabbing	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Vaporizing flower	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Vape pens with concentrate	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Inhaler	3 to 5 minutes	Up to 90 minutes
Edibles	60 to 90 minutes	6 to 8 hours
Intraoral (sublingual or buccal)	30 seconds to 5 minutes	2 to 3 hours
Transdermal patch	15 to 20 minutes	8 to 24 hours

Symptoms of Being Too High

If you’ve never smoked weed or rarely do, it can be difficult to understand the symptoms of excessive cannabis high.

Although everyone experiences THC differently, its intended effects are euphoria and relaxation.

Smoking weed doesn’t have to cause a bad trip. Here are common symptoms associated with consuming too much THC:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Panic attack
• Fast heart rate
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Low or high blood pressure
• Coordination problems

How to Sober Up From Weed

If you’re too high right now, remember that these feelings will pass in a few hours. In the meantime, there are some (not scientifically backed) methods to handle the high. You can’t stop the high from one moment to another, but you can make it through without feeling too bad.

Here are a few ways you can come down from a high if you’ve consumed too much cannabis.

Stay Calm

One of the most important parts of surviving a bad trip is realizing that these feelings will eventually be over in a matter of hours or less. That may not seem a huge comfort when you’re in the middle of a panic attack, but it can help.

As long as you remain in a safe and comfortable space and take a deep breath, you should not experience any severe side effects or consequences from smoking too much weed. Cannabis is not lethal on its own, so hang in there and try some of the methods below.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water or any refreshing drink helps reduce the dry mouth you may experience, but this won’t sober you up. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which may enhance cannabis’ stimulating effects.

Get Comfortable

Being too high isn’t fun. You need to find a comfortable, quiet space to rest and ride out the high. Go for a walk, listen to music, watch your favorite show, or find other distracting and fun activities that will take your mind off the unfamiliar and uncomfortable effects.

Use Deep Breathing and Meditation Techniques

Slow, focused deep breathing can reduce THC-induced anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. If you’re too high, taking deep breaths can keep you calm. Meditation is another way to relieve stress and anxiety. Just a few minutes of meditation can help reduce anxious feelings, and you can do it anywhere.

Take Ibuprofen

Are you feeling too high, and nothing else is working? Take some ibuprofen. One study on animals found that ibuprofen can offset some of THC’s effects. If you’re feeling too high, consider taking the recommended amount of ibuprofen with water and food.

Take a Hot Shower or Bath

Hot showers can soothe over-intoxication, anxiety, and other psychoactive effects associated with THC. If you can, try taking a hot shower or bath (cold works, too) to relax your muscles and reduce your high. Cold showers can promote deep breathing, lowering blood pressure and improving oxygenation.

Take CBD

Some research shows that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, can reduce side effects associated with THC while enhancing its benefits. CBD works by blocking the cannabinoid receptor that THC binds to, reducing the intoxicating effects.

CBD products are available in many forms, including tinctures, vape cartridges, capsules, and more. 

Inhale Beta-Caryophyllene, or Black Pepper Essential Oil

More clinical studies are needed on its effects on humans, but preliminary research suggests that beta-caryophyllene, a common terpene found in cannabis and black pepper, activates the same cannabinoid receptors as THC and produces relaxing effects. 

Many users claim that chewing on black peppercorns or inhaling beta-caryophyllene or black pepper essential oil helped them sober up.

Call an Ambulance

If you or a friend have chest pain, loss of motor control, loss of speech, loss of vision, or uncontrolled allergic reaction, call an ambulance.

Become a Better Cannabis User at Cannabis Training University

Cannabis has been used for many purposes for millennia, including medicinal purposes. Knowing how to dose and avoid side effects is crucial to having the best experience. Learn how to be a better cannabis user, grower, cook, and more at CTU.