Getting too high, sometimes called “greening out,” is an incredibly uncomfortable experience that can involve intense anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of time. While no single action will instantly reverse the effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) once it has been absorbed, there are effective strategies to manage the symptoms and accelerate your return to baseline comfort. The primary goal is to stabilize your physical state and regain control of your cognitive processes until the psychoactive compounds are metabolized. Recognizing that the feeling is temporary and drug-induced is the first step in managing the discomfort.
Immediate Physical Stabilization
The body’s immediate physical needs must be addressed first, as physiological discomfort can easily amplify mental distress like anxiety or panic. Hydration is a primary concern. THC binds to receptors in the salivary glands, causing “cottonmouth” (xerostomia). Although this is not true dehydration, the dry mouth sensation is uncomfortable and can be counteracted by drinking water or non-caffeinated beverages.
THC may also affect metabolic processes, sometimes causing blood sugar levels to drop or fluctuate. Consuming nutrient-dense foods, particularly those high in starches or fats, can help stabilize this effect and provide a grounding sensation. A snack like whole-grain toast, a banana, or a piece of cheese can redirect the body’s focus toward digestion and away from the high’s intensity. Taking a moment to sit or lie down in a safe, comfortable position is also important to manage any dizziness or increased heart rate.
Cognitive Grounding Techniques
The mental side effects of overconsumption, such as racing thoughts, paranoia, and time distortion, are often the most distressing and require internal strategies to manage. Controlled breathing techniques are effective for calming the nervous system. The 4-7-8 method involves inhaling through the nose for a count of four, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight. This rhythmic, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower the heart rate and reduce the body’s stress response.
Sensory grounding, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, forces the mind to focus on the immediate environment rather than internal anxiety. The technique involves identifying:
- Five things you can see.
- Four things you can feel.
- Three things you can hear.
- Two things you can smell.
- One thing you can taste.
By consciously engaging the senses, you anchor your awareness to reality and interrupt the cycle of anxious or paranoid thinking. Repeating the phrase, “This feeling is temporary and caused by a substance,” can also help to detach from the sensation of losing control.
Targeted Mitigation and Environmental Shifts
Certain natural compounds and changes to your surroundings can help interrupt the high’s trajectory and provide a sense of control. Anecdotal evidence suggests that black peppercorns can reduce cannabis-induced anxiety and paranoia. This is attributed to the terpene beta-caryophyllene, present in both cannabis and pepper, which interacts with the endocannabinoid system to produce calming effects. Chewing a few whole peppercorns or simply sniffing them can provide relief.
The terpene limonene, found in citrus fruits like lemons, may also help to modulate the psychoactive effects of THC. Ingesting lemon zest or making a simple lemon water can introduce this compound, which has shown promise in reducing anxiety-like behaviors. If available, taking a dose of cannabidiol (CBD) can also be beneficial, as CBD may counteract or soften the more intense psychoactive effects of THC through the entourage effect.
Changing your environment is crucial for shifting your mental state. Moving to a quieter, more dimly lit room, getting fresh air outside, or engaging in a simple, absorbing distraction like listening to non-stressful music can help to reduce external stimuli that may be fueling paranoia.
When to Seek Emergency Assistance
While the intense discomfort of being too high is generally not medically dangerous, it is important to distinguish between severe anxiety and genuine medical distress. Most adverse reactions involving panic, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat can be managed safely at home using the physical and cognitive techniques discussed. However, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
You should seek emergency care if you experience:
- Severe chest pain.
- Prolonged and uncontrollable vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- A loss of consciousness.
- Hallucinations that involve danger or self-harm.
These symptoms suggest a reaction that may be more serious than typical overconsumption and require professional medical assessment. If the person is unresponsive or has a pre-existing heart condition, immediate emergency assistance should be called.