How To Get Unhigh: 10 Quick Ways to Sober Up From A Bad High

Are you feeling a bit too high on weed and need to sober up?

Don't worry, it happens to the best of us.

With today's weed being three times as potent as it was 25 years ago, the journey from a happy high to "oops" can happen faster than you might think. 

While time is really the best way to unhigh, there are some things you can do to help ease the discomfort.

Here are ten simple strategies that can help you regain your composure and find some relief if you find yourself thinking, "Whoa, I'm too high."

1. Stay Calm

When you're caught in an intense high, it’s easy to slip into panic mode. The first step? Remind yourself that these feelings will pass. Panic will only add to your discomfort, so your immediate goal should be to calm down.

A great method to ground yourself is deep breathing. Here’s how:

1. Find a comfortable position and close your eyes

2. Inhale slowly for 4 seconds, feeling your lungs fill completely

3. Hold your breath for 1-2 seconds

4. Exhale gradually for 6 seconds (longer than your inhale)

Repeat this cycle until you feel your shoulders drop and your heart rate begins to slow. Deep breathing exercises have been shown to help soothe the nervous system, bringing you back from the edge.

2. Hydrate And Replenish

Dry mouth is a common side effect of consuming cannabis, and it can make your high feel even more uncomfortable.

A simple way to combat this is to drink water.

Not feeling plain water? Herbal tea or water infused with lemon can be refreshing alternatives.

Staying hydrated not only helps your body process the cannabinoids but also supports your liver and kidneys in filtering out toxins.

Just avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can make you feel worse.

3. Eat Terpene-Rich Foods

Did you know that some foods can actually help counter the psychoactive effects of THC? It’s true! Some foods have compounds called terpenes that can help ease your high. Here are a few to consider:

• Black Pepper: It might sound odd, but chewing on black peppercorns or simply sniffing ground black pepper can offer quick relief. This is because they contain beta-caryophyllene, which calms your brain's reaction to THC.

• Lemon: Squeeze some lemon into your water. The limonene in lemon peel is known for its stress-relieving properties. Fun fact: This remedy has historical roots dating back to the 10th century, when Persian doctor Al-Razi recommended citrus as an antidote to cannabis effects.

• Pine Nuts: If you’re feeling mentally foggy or overly sedated, munching on pine nuts can help. They have pinene, which is known for boosting alertness and clarity.

Don’t have any of these in stock? Then eat a lot of food. Food acts as a buffer to the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and, let's be honest, also helps deal with munchies.

Carbs, in particular, can help absorb the THC and restore blood sugar levels, which may drop during a cannabis high. Foods like bread, pasta, or a big bowl of your favorite cereal can help soothe and relax your body while filling you up.

4 Distract Yourself

Sometimes, the best way to get through a rough high is to take your mind off it. Engaging in a fun or absorbing activity can shift your focus away from those uncomfortable feelings. Here are a few ideas:

• Listen to music: Put on your favorite upbeat playlist and let the good vibes lift your mood. If you start feeling low, skip to a different track that resonates better.

• Watch a lighthearted show or movie: Create a cozy spot at home with pillows and blankets. Find a familiar TV show or movie, something that doesn’t require much thought, and just enjoy the escape.

• Journal: Writing can be a cathartic way to process what you’re feeling. Pull out a notebook and jot down your thoughts. This act can help clear your mind and bring you back to a more grounded state.

• Let Your Creative Side Come Out: Cannabis has long been associated with enhanced creativity. So if you’re feeling inspired, channel that energy into a creative activity. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or doodling, let your imagination flow freely.

5 Do a Light Exercise

Gentle physical activity can work wonders when you're feeling too high. Instead of jumping into a rigorous workout, try some low-key activities to ground yourself.

• Do Some Restorative Yoga or Slow Stretches: Yoga can help you reconnect with your body when that feeling of disconnection creeps in. Simple stretches like Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, and Mountain Pose can help reset your mind-body connection.

• Walk it off: Try taking a short walk. It’s not just good for your mood; walking can relieve tension and ground you in the moment. As you stroll, verbally label the things around you —"tree, car, fence" — to keep your mind focused on your immediate experience rather than your high.

• Clean a small area: Sometimes, tackling a small cleaning task can help channel nervous energy into something productive. Whether it’s organizing a drawer or wiping down a surface, it’s a good way to stay grounded.

Remember to listen to your body throughout any physical activity. If movement increases dizziness or anxiety, pause and return to gentle breathing techniques from earlier sections.

6 Try Some CBD

It sounds counterintuitive to take more cannabinoids when you are already high, but CBD is your friend here. Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with your body's cannabinoid receptors differently than THC does.

Taking some CBD oil, a tincture, or a CBD-only vape can actually block THC from binding to those receptors, effectively dampening the intensity of the high. It helps balance out the psychoactivity without adding to the buzz.

7 Take a Cold Shower

If you feel like you're floating away, use cold water to snap back to reality.

• Splash your face: Do this repeatedly. It activates the "diving reflex," a physiological response that naturally slows your heart rate and calms you down.

• Cold Shower: If you’re brave enough, hop in a cold shower. The shock of the cold is incredibly refreshing and can help "wash away" the fog and anxiety.

8. Talk It Out

Talking to someone you trust can be incredibly reassuring. Call a loved one or a friend you trust - someone who won't judge you. Tell them, "Hey, I smoked a bit too much cannabis and I'm freaking out a little."

Just hearing a familiar, grounding voice can drastically reduce paranoia. Talking it out helps you realize that you are still you, and you are okay.

9 Take a Nap

Sleep stands as nature's ultimate reset button when you're too high. For those moments when you feel too woozy to shower or take a walk, simply resting might be your best strategy.

In fact, sleeping is considered the fastest way to get unhigh because it allows time to pass while your body naturally processes the THC.

Finding a quiet, comfortable place to rest gives your body permission to work through both mental and physical discomfort.

10 Gas Light Yourself

If nothing else seems to work, try giving yourself a little pep talk. Seriously, trick your brain. Tell yourself in the third person: "I'm safe. This will pass. I've felt anxious before."

Treat it like a roller coaster ride. The scariest part is the climb and first drop, but once you accept you're on the ride, it gets easier and can even be the best feeling in the world.

You’ll notice your nerves settling down, your breathing easing, and you might find yourself wondering why you were so anxious in the first place.

Normal High vs Bad Weed High

So, how can you tell if you’re too high? When you catch yourself trying to figure out how to sober up from weed fast, it’s good to know what the completely normal side effects of being high are.

Normal High

When you’re at a good level, there are plenty of positive effects of being high. If you use marijuana in moderation, it can really lift your spirits, making you feel happy and even euphoric. With the right strain, you might even find yourself giggling uncontrollably! Don’t be alarmed if you notice things like a dry mouth or red eyes; those are just typical side effects.

Bad Weed High / "Greening Out"

The negative side effects that come with weed stem from being stoned, or being way too high. Too high a dosage of weed can lead to feelings of anxiety, dizziness, increased heart rate, panic, and paranoia. If you start to feel any of these negative emotions, just remember it’s the high talking and make your way through the self-care list above to get back to your chill state of zen.

Now that you know the side effects, take an even deeper dive into knowing the different levels from being just buzzed to being completely stoned to help you find and ride that perfect high.

How To Prevent Needing To Get ‘Unhigh’ In The Future

Alright, so you made your way through your stoned out session and turned it into a positive ride, but how do you keep yourself from needing to get “unhigh” in the future?

First, be mindful of how much you’re consuming and know the potency of the flower or edible you’re using. Adjust your dose to ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable experience from the start. Edibles in particular kick in slow so its easy to overconsume. Take it slow!

Also, think about your environment. Make sure you’re in a comfortable and relaxed space where you can fully enjoy your high.

Lastly, check in with your mood before you start. If you're already feeling anxious or down, it’s wise to go easy on the dosage to help prevent any negative feelings.

Above all, just enjoy the experience and keep a positive mindset!

Conclusion: How to Stop Being High.

Getting unhigh from weed is all about patience, the self-care tips outlined in this article, and knowing your limits. So, remember to start low and slow, avoid high doses, stay hydrated, and give your body the time it needs to process the THC.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you're too high, don't panic. Put on your favorite movie, munch on some pine nuts, and trust that the high will eventually fade away. Every sailor knows that calm waters await on the horizon, no matter how rough the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Unhigh

How Long Does It Take to Get Unhigh?

It depends on the consumption method. If you were smoking weed, the effects usually peak within 30 minutes and taper off over 1-3 hours. If you took edibles, the high can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours or longer for very high doses.

How Long Do Edible Effects Last?

When you eat cannabis, your liver breaks down THC into a more powerful form, which is why these can hit harder and last longer. You might feel the effects for about 6 to 8 hours, and some people even notice an “afterglow” that can linger for up to 24 hours.

Can Eating or Drinking Help Reduce a High?

Definitely. Staying hydrated can help flush out your system and ease dry mouth. Eating something, especially complex carbohydrates, can help stabilize your blood sugar and settle your stomach, making you feel more grounded.

What Drinks Help You Get Unhigh?

Water is always a solid option. You could also try lemonade, which contains terpenes, or herbal teas with ginger if you're feeling nauseous. Avoid drinking alcohol and energy drinks.

Will Sleep Help You Sober Up From Cannabis?

Yes, getting some sleep can really help. While you’re asleep, your body metabolizes the cannabinoids, so you can bypass some of the discomfort associated with being high.

How to Help Someone Greening Out?

If you see a friend who’s struggling, bring them to a quiet spot where they can relax. Offer them water, comfort them by letting them know they’re safe, and if they’re feeling nauseous, encourage them to lie on their side.