Whether you are a seasoned user of cannabis or a mild user who imbibes occasionally, you’ve probably got too high than you expected at least once. While a mild high can be very enjoyable and even beneficial to your cognition, getting too high is an uncomfortable experience that few people really enjoy. It can lead to physical discomfort, anxiety and panic attacks, which can make the whole experience of using cannabis very unsettling. 

Given the varied ways in which different people respond to different strains of cannabis, it is possible for one to surpass their threshold, even without consuming or smoking a lot of cannabis. Fortunately, there are plenty of strategies that can help you counteract the effects of cannabis, so that you can achieve a more mellow and relaxing high. These include: 

Understand Your Limits Before Consuming

Knowing your limits before indulging in cannabis is a very worthwhile step to take, as it can help you avoid a bad experience caused by a too-intense high. While it can be tempting to take way too many puffs, especially when surrounded by friends, this may cause more harm in the long run. It is best to first take a few hits and gauge your tolerance in order to prevent getting too high than you can handle. This doesn’t only apply to smoked cannabis, but edibles as well. Ideally, you should try taking smaller doses in between hours, and increase your intake gradually. 

Try not to Panic

It is entirely possible for one to get too high off cannabis even if they consume or smoke minimal amounts of it. This has to do with the different ways in which different bodies react to different strains. If you accidentally overdose on cannabis, you should try to stay calm and avoid panicking, as this will only make your experience a lot more harrowing. The effects of cannabis, even in case of overdose, usually last not more than a few hours, with no lasting implications. If it helps ease your anxiety, you should remember that no one has ever died of a cannabis overdose in the history of cannabis use - which stretches thousands of years into the past!

Drink Some Fluid

One of the best things you can do to counteract a too-intense cannabis high is to keep yourself hydrated. Drink some water or juice to counteract mouth dryness and keep you focussed on the familiar. You should also try to abstain from alcoholic drinks when experiencing the effects of an intense high, since they are likely to exacerbate the effects rather than diffuse them.

Get Some Rest

If you are feeling the effects of cannabis too strongly, it might be beneficial to find a relaxing place to lie down. Keep in mind that the effects you are feeling are only temporary and will pass in a matter of a few minutes or hours. Taking a nap can help your mind relax and rejuvenate. By the time you wake up, all the strong effects of the drug will have likely fizzled out. 

Try Taking a Walk if You are Able 

Sometimes all that is needed to reset the mind and get back to normal is to change your scenery. If your brain is in overdrive due to a cannabis overdose, try taking a walk in a relaxing environment to get some fresh air and calm down. As a rule of thumb, you should try staying close to familiar surroundings. The last thing you want is to get lost in the middle of nowhere.  

Take a Cold Shower

One of the best ways to counteract a too intense high is taking a quick shower, preferably cold water. This can greatly help to relieve your anxiety and cool your body, thus making you more relaxed. 

Find Ways of Distracting Yourself

A good distraction can shift your mind’s focus from intrusive thoughts, and help you become more grounded. Some of the activities you may want to try include, watching a comedy, playing video games and listening to relaxing music. 

 A Final Word

While a too intense high usually elicits very uncomfortable feelings and thoughts, these are usually temporary, and may eventually dissipate by themselves after the effects of the drug have worn off. If you experience negative effects of cannabis for prolonged periods of time, you may want to consult your doctor for evaluation.