Acute cannabis intoxication, commonly known as being “too high,” occurs when a person consumes more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than their body can comfortably process. This state can trigger unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, paranoia, and a rapid heart rate. This overwhelming experience often includes significant nausea and, in some cases, vomiting, leading to the question of whether purging the stomach reduces the intoxication. The physical reaction, particularly the onset of nausea, depends heavily on the method of consumption, with inhaled cannabis acting much faster than edibles.
Understanding Acute Cannabis Intoxication
The feeling of intense nausea during a high results from THC disrupting the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors found throughout the body, including the brain and digestive tract, regulating processes like appetite, mood, and nausea. Introducing a high dose of external cannabinoids, such as THC, temporarily overloads these receptors.
This system overload can activate the brain’s vomiting center. The timing of this reaction varies based on consumption method. Inhaled cannabis, such as smoking or vaping, delivers THC to the bloodstream instantly, with effects beginning within minutes. Ingested cannabis must pass through the digestive system, delaying effects for 30 minutes to over an hour. This delayed onset often leads to unintentional overconsumption and is a frequent cause of acute intoxication.
The Scientific Answer About Vomiting and THC Absorption
Vomiting provides little practical benefit for reducing the intensity of a cannabis high once intoxication has begun. The psychoactive effects are caused by THC and its active metabolites circulating in the bloodstream, not by the substance remaining in the stomach. For inhaled cannabis, THC is absorbed rapidly through the lungs, reaching peak concentration in the blood within three to ten minutes.
The nausea associated with inhalation usually begins after absorption is complete, meaning the THC is already circulating and affecting the brain. With edibles, absorption is slower, taking up to four hours for peak blood concentration. Vomiting shortly after ingestion (within 30 minutes) might remove some unabsorbed material, potentially reducing the eventual peak intensity.
However, once nausea sets in from an edible, a significant portion of the THC has typically already been absorbed. When THC is processed by the liver, it is converted into a more potent metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC). This metabolite is responsible for the strong, long-lasting high and is already circulating in the blood, meaning it cannot be removed by emptying the stomach.
When Nausea Signals a More Serious Issue
While acute intoxication is temporary, recurring nausea and vomiting may signal a serious, chronic condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). CHS is a paradoxical reaction occurring in heavy, long-term cannabis users, characterized by cyclical episodes of severe nausea, intense abdominal pain, and debilitating vomiting. The syndrome is thought to be caused by chronic overstimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the gut and nervous system, leading to a breakdown in the body’s natural regulation of nausea.
A distinguishing feature of CHS is the temporary relief patients find from compulsive hot showers or baths. The heat interacts with the body’s temperature regulation and pain pathways, providing a brief respite from the symptoms. Episodes of vomiting can last for hours or days, leading to severe dehydration and necessitating emergency medical care. The only definitive way to stop the recurring cycles of CHS is complete and sustained abstinence from all cannabis products.
Immediate Safety Measures for Feeling Too High
Since vomiting is ineffective at reducing a high, the most helpful steps involve managing discomfort and waiting for the effects to pass. The first priority is to remain calm and remember that the uncomfortable symptoms are temporary and not life-threatening. Hydration is important; sipping water or an electrolyte-containing beverage can help, while alcohol and caffeine should be avoided as they may intensify anxiety or dehydration.
Changing your environment can also provide relief. Moving to a quiet, dimly lit, and safe space helps reduce sensory overload and anxiety. Engaging in a gentle distraction, such as listening to familiar music or watching a lighthearted show, shifts the focus away from the intoxication. If symptoms are extreme, if you are unable to stop vomiting, or if you suspect CHS, seeking professional medical assistance is the appropriate course of action.