Contributor: KC Scannell
First of all, relax. We have all been there. As humans, we like to test our limits to see what our boundaries really are. For the most part, that is a totally fine way of going about life. But, if you are not careful, in certain instances, that could prove to have very negative consequences. Lucky for you, we are simply talking about cannabis.
This harmless plant is beloved for its multiple benefits, but many are a major proponent for its psychoactive elements. These creativity-inducing herbs can do all sorts of wonderful things to a person’s psyche. They mainly help calm the worries of an anxious enthusiast, though there are moments when (mostly newcomers to the world of cannabis) aren’t quite used to these mini moments of mental tranquility and introspection. For those that are prone to any sort of “panic mode” when faced with an “unknown sensation” they could find themselves in a bit of a “freakout” for lack of a better term.
But there is absolutely zero reason to fret, my friends. It is just a little bit of ganja, nothing to worry about. However, if you find yourself Googling articles like this, chances are you are in the middle of having a “rough ride” so to speak. Perhaps, you just suffered through a less-than-desirable high and you want to know how to handle yourself should things get a little “too heavy” again in the future.
Well, you have come to the right place.
First and foremost, allow me to repeat myself just one more time to kick things off: relax.
You will want to remind yourself that this is just a bit of cannabis helping you and your mind. A great way to calm oneself is to focus on breathing. Try this yoga-inspired technique, for example.
With one finger, gently press against your right nostril, essentially closing it off from inhaling any air. Then, focusing on inhaling through the left nostril, take a measured, gradual breath for roughly four seconds. Hold that inhale for another 4 seconds, before softly releasing that breath in a controlled manner through your mouth. Then change sides.
This time blocking the left nostril, while inhaling through the right, and holding it for four beats at a time. This helps your frantic mind slow down enough for you to regain mental composure. It is also just a great method to use whenever you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the stresses of life.
Also, find a comfy spot.
If you are in the middle of feeling “too high” chances are you may be experiencing a bit of dizziness (or lightheadedness). The last thing you’ll want to do during that sort of state is to be on your feet. Grab a seat, or even better, lay down for a spell. No, you don’t have to try and force yourself into a “weed nap” – though that often occurs naturally – all you want to do is, again, regain composure of your scattered mind. Also, sitting and/or lying down is a great way to reestablish your balance and equilibrium.
While in this prone state, start to consider what got you to this point. Was it the type of marijuana medium you chose to partake in? Was it the quantity of bud you chose to go with?
For example, concentrates and waxes are incredibly potent, and the more novice marijuana user may not know how to take on something that is almost 100% concentrated THC. Or, perhaps, you have been smoking for a little bit – let’s call you a “sophomore stoner” – and you think you can finally handle a little more. So, you roll up a blunt or pack an extra fatty bowl, only to realize you were, in fact, not ready. Whatever the outcome, it is best that you learn your smoking limits. This knowledge will always steer you in the right direction, and it will help you avoid any sort of stoned moment where you feel “too high.”
Another great thing to do when you are a bit too baked is to cool down with some water. Hydrating oneself during these moments is crucial. I would even suggest sipping something warm and comforting, like coffee or hot chocolate. Any sort of liquid intake is pivotal when trying to come down a touch after a hearty smoke session.
Also, if you are up for it, I would suggest tossing on some shoes and going for a quick stroll (or a long one, totally depends on your mood). Leave those social anxieties at home, but bring along some earbuds and your phone. A little music, or better yet – a podcast, is a wonderful way to occupy your brain with something other than needless worry or panic. The physical activity of walking, especially paired with a form of audio distraction, is sure to rebalance and recenter your mind, giving you the mental serenity you need to continue on with your day.
Then, if you are still a bit uneasy with your current high, head on into the bathroom and fire up a shower or a bath. Not only will it cleanse your body of any acquired sweat that you earned on your walk, but it will cleanse your mind of any tension it was unjustly holding onto. There is something about taking a nice, warm shower that consistently does the body (and mind) right every single time.
At this point, you will be feeling a 100% better. But, if for some reason, you don’t have immediate access to a shower and/or a walk just feels like “too much to handle” – no worries. Try fixing yourself a little snack. Any sort of metabolizing will work wonders on your “high” and it will do everything in its power to calm you down. Also, if you are looking for a food-related cure to your “over-highness” try something different – nibble on, or simply sniff some black peppercorn.
Yes, I understand the strangeness of that recommendation, but there is something magical about black peppercorn that tends to recenter the senses, in the best way possible. If you are feeling a bit “too high”, a little bit of black peppercorns may be the quickest (and most covert) remedy for you.
However you choose to combat these feelings is completely up to you. Just be mindful of some truly calming thoughts along the way. The first being, nobody has ever died from a “marijuana overdose.” It simply doesn’t happen – you are fine.
These feelings, though they may seem unpleasant now, will pass. Nothing about this negative experience is permanent, I promise. To be quite honest, if you find the psychoactive elements of cannabis a bit too worrisome and daunting on a regular basis, may I suggest trying some CBD? It has all the great parts of cannabis, only without any psychoactive components to it. It is a therapeutic masterpiece that may be the best method of marijuana for you.
Everyone is different.
At the end of the day, it is ultimately just important to know your limits. Tolerances will build, but only gradually over time. Just because you smoked one joint, doesn’t mean you are ready for a blunt, necessarily. Take baby steps when it comes to cannabis (especially edibles). Remember, even if you feel a bit nervous or unsettled after smoking or ingesting some form of marijuana, know that everything will be fine. It always is.
