Cannabis is a fantastic plant. It offers a variety of medicinal and recreational benefits and can help with a variety of diseases. No wonder it has been pushed to be legalized in some countries and has already been legalized in some parts of the world.
The cannabis plant, when consumed either through smoking, vaping, or eating edibles, is known to provide the familiar feeling of “high.” Although the high has a varying effect from person to person, getting too high or too stoned might be a problem. This article will tackle some tips on what to do when you’re too high or too stoned.
How Do You Get High?
Before we dive into getting too stoned from your weed, let us first discuss what causes it. Cannabis has compounds called cannabinoids, which have varying properties. The two most well-known cannabinoids are the cannabidiol (CBD) and the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in which the latter is the one responsible for giving off the high feeling.
THC makes it possible to experience a mind-altering high due to its psychoactive properties. It works by binding receptors in the body called the CB1 receptors. These are receptors that are linked with memory, learning, anxiety, pain, and movement control. Naturally, our body has its endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is present in the brain, nervous system, and other parts of the body. When we experience fear and other issues relating to moods such as pain and stress, the body releases neurotransmitters that relay messages to the cells about stress, immune function, stress, and others.
The ECS of the body regulates these internal processes to help maintain balance. It influences the mood, immune response as well as pain sensation.
Like the ECS, THC works the same way. When it binds the CB1 receptors, it impacts the internal communication between brain signals and other parts of the body, thus regulating the circumstances mentioned above. THC’s psychoactive properties cause different effects on the body, such as a slowed reaction time and altered perceptions of time.
The high that THC gives off also has a variety of medicinal benefits. This includes:
- Sleep regulation
- Insomnia
- Increase appetite
- A lower sensation of nausea
- Manage chronic and severe pain
- Muscle spasticity
- Glaucoma
- Anxiety
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- ALS
- PTSD
The Side-Effects of THC
Even if THC has many medicinal benefits, it should still be taken with moderation. Not all cannabis strains are rich with THC, but if you are after the high feeling, whether you use it for medical or recreational purposes, there should be a limit. Overdosing yourself with THC may leave you uneasy and uncomfortable. You may also start to panic since you don’t know what to do when you’re too high or too stoned.
As mentioned, the benefits and effects of cannabis may vary from one person to another. Here are some of the known side-effects of THC.
- Distorted sense of time
- Altered senses
- Slowed reaction time
- Mood changes
- Impaired body movement or coordination problems
- Impaired memory
- Difficulty in problem-solving
- Dry mouth
- Dry, itchy and red eyes
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Increased anxiety
- Increases paranoia
- Sleepiness
- Increased heart rate
Depending on the user, high THC use may also be linked with long term psychiatric effects. While some of these mentioned side-effects may give positive bodily results to some, others may consider it worrisome. Even if this is the case, THC still has positive effects on the body and can help with some diseases. However, getting too high or too stoned may cause you several problems.
Tips if you get too high or too stoned
It may be unavoidable, especially for a novice user to get too high or too stoned. Even experienced users get too high or too stoned when they enjoy their weed so much that they over-indulge. Here are some tips on what you should do when you get too high or too stoned.
Relax and Stay Calm
Do not panic, we repeat, do not panic. When you feel some adverse effects from your weed, just remain calm. Panicking will not solve your problems and might just add more negative effects. Stay focused, whatever you are experiencing, there is a time limit to it, and it will soon fade away.
This can be difficult, especially if no one is near to assist you, and your world just keeps on spinning and spinning, and you may not be able to feel yourself. Even though this experience might be overwhelming, keep in mind that it is only temporary. Just sit or lay down and let the high leave you.
Stay Hydrated
When you are drunk, a common piece of advice is to stay hydrated. This is also applicable if you are too high or too stoned. Try having cold water or pure fruit juice. By doing so, it may help increase your blood sugar levels and in turn temporarily control the side-effects of cannabis overdose.
Avoid drinking alcohol and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and soda. It may just add more negative effects to what you are currently experiencing. Also, drink moderately, don’t just pour a liter of water down your throat. Take slow and consistent sips.
Always have a glass or a bottle of water or pure fruit juice besides. Never leave it empty. You don’t know when you will need it again, and it might be difficult for you to go to the kitchen for a refill, especially if you are living alone.
Drink Some Lemon Juice
On the tip above, we recommend drinking pure fruit juice. Lemon is one that you should try when you get too high or too stoned. Cannabis has various compounds called terpenes, which are also present in other plants, herbs, and fruits. Terpenes are responsible for the distinct aroma of a plant, herb, or fruit, and also produces some bodily effects.
The limonene terpene of lemon, which is also present in some cannabis strains, can regulate THC’s effects on the brain. Here is what you can do to your lemon. Mix the juice of 1 lemon, a teaspoon of zest, and sugar or honey and drink it down like a shot. This will reduce some of the adverse effects of cannabis overdose.
Smell or Chew Black Pepper
Black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene terpene, which is also present in some cannabis strains. As mentioned, terpenes, depending on the kind, produces some bodily effects. The beta-caryophyllene terpene activates brain receptors just like THC, and when combined with THC, it produces calming effects, according to the British Journal of Pharmacology.
Even if cannabis strains have beta-caryophyllene, it is only available in trace amounts. Try to have some black peppercorns ready with you if you need one to chew or smell when you get too high or too stoned.
Get Some Fresh Air
Nothing beats the relaxation a person gets when inhaling fresh air. When you are too high or too stoned, go outside or sit by the window to get some fresh air. It will help you calm down and help regulate your breathing. You may also consider taking a walk in your backyard if you can.
Try Some CBD
The other well-known cannabinoid alongside THC is the CBD, which is known to give off a variety of medicinal properties. CBD can also help balance the psychoactive effects of THC. If you are smoking a cannabis strain high in THC, you might consider smoking a CBD strain or take some CBD edibles or even CBD oil to balance out the high feeling and prevent yourself from getting too high or too stoned.
Eat
Eating is a great way to alleviate the high feeling given by your weed. However, you can’t just eat anything from your fridge, especially when consuming too much cannabis leaves you feeling under the weather. Avoid fast foods, chips, and cookies if this is the case. Instead, go for a healthy option such as yogurt, fruits, vegetable salads, or healthy cereals. You can also go for home-made soup.
Entertain Yourself
The high feeling that you are experiencing will eventually wear off. The first tip mentioned is to remain calm. Do not panic. But there might be a time to panic, especially if the effects of the high are overwhelming you. If you can’t remain calm by yourself, try to do some enjoyable activities until the high leaves you. Try watching your favorite series or movies, listen to your favorite albums, play video games, try an adult coloring book, or simply doodle in a notebook. Just try to make yourself busy and entertained.
Get Some Rest
If you are not in the mood to entertain yourself, try to get some rest. Change into comfortable clothes, lie down on your couch or bed, and try to nap. As mentioned, the high is only temporary, and it will eventually wear off.
Conclusion
The next time you get too high or too stoned, just simply follow the tips listed. Of course, prevention is always the best. Try not to over-indulge yourself with your weed as much as possible. We get it that you enjoy the benefits of this fantastic plant, but remember always to take things into moderation. Everything too much is bad and might cause you serious problems.