How to Come Down When You’re Too High

We’ve all been there. A great cannabis experience can quickly turn to a bad one if you overdo it. Luckily, there are no serious health risks associated with overconsumption of cannabis, but that doesn’t mean we need to suffer through it.

There are ways we can set ourselves up for success when consuming cannabis: properly hydrating, understanding the product we are consuming and being aware of our own personal tolerance levels. However, if you do happen to overdo it, there are things we can do to mitigate dysphoria, so if you’re trying something new for the first time, try to keep the following items on-hand.

CBD Products

CBD fills our CB1 receptors but in a way that doesn’t cause a high, and CBD can also lower the efficacy of THC. Adding CBD into the mix, will help counteract negative interactions with THC. In order to allow this to happen quickly, you want to go with an inhaled form of CBD (CBD is absorbed better when you inhale it as well), or go with a CBD drink which will start working within minutes. CBD oils and ingestible formats will work, but you could be waiting up to an hour for the effects, and that’s precious time you don’t have when you’re greening out.

Peppercorns

If you don’t have CBD on you, you can still opt for something that will mimic the behaviour of CBD in our bodies—peppercorns.

Like cannabis, a lot of plants have terpenes to add all kinds of qualities above taste and scent. The rule is that terpenes don’t activate the endocannabinoid system but where there are rules there is an exception. Beta-Caryophyllene can act like CBD in your endocannabinoid system. This means it has a strong affinity for CB2 (like CBD) and a weaker affinity for CB1 where it competes with THC. It fights THC for spots in your brain and could pull you out of a bad high. The peppercorns in your kitchen cabinet or on your dinner table are loaded with beta-caryophyllene. In fact, the similar spicy scent in certain cannabis strains is this terpene expressed in the plant. The best advice is to take a few peppercorns and chew them up as quickly and thoroughly as possible to get the most beta-caryophyllene into your system. As this competes with THC you’re more likely to avert any impending crisis. — Dr. Ife Abiola, FOUR20

Remember to do your research before trying a new cannabis product, but if things go awry, you’ve got some options to turn to for relief. Check out more cannabis education on our YouTube channel.