If you’re new to the world of cannabinoids, you’re going to spend some time getting to know your tolerance.
As you try out different forms of various types of cannabinoids, there may be a time when you unintentionally overindulge and find yourself “greening out.”
Yes, you can get “too high.” It can happen to anyone.
The good news is, if you get too high the feeling is only temporary. The endocannabinoid receptors in the brain that THC binds with are not in control of vital functions like breathing, according to this Leafly article.
While the next few hours may be a struggle mentally, you aren’t going to die.
How high is too high?
When you get your dosage right, cannabis should create a sense of relaxation and happiness. If you get into something a little bit stronger, you may experience increased hunger, changes in your perception of time or even enhanced senses of sight, touch and sound.
On the opposite end, if you have taken a bit too much, you could experience anxiety or a sense of panic, as well as an elevated heart rate.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, edibles are one of the most common causes for overindulging in cannabinoids.
When you eat your dose, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to feel the full effect as it makes its way through your digestive system- and that’s just an estimation. Someone who is new to edibles may reach for another bite or two during that waiting period thinking they haven’t had a high enough dose.
Knowing Your Limits
The surefire way to avoid an intense high is to know your perfect dosage – identifying the amount of edible, concentrate, flower, etc. it takes to get your ideal high.
That being said, finding the correct dose is a tricky situation. There’s a lot of product out there, and the way your body reacts to different strains of THC and other forms of cannabinoids can be quite different. Think about the way you feel after a drop or two of CBD oil versus inhaling a Delta 8 concentrate.
The brand of product is another variable. Not all breakfast cereal is the same quality, and the same goes for oils, gummies and everything else. You have to find the brands that work for you.
If you are a new user, you are also trying to navigate your own body’s reaction. If you are just starting out, it’s more likely that you will have a lower tolerance than an everyday smoker.
For those moments when you find yourself a bit too high, here are some ways to curb the panic and ride out the experience:
Stay Calm
Time is the great healer, and finding a way to relax while you wait for the high to end is important. There are plenty of relaxation techniques out there for you to try, and maybe you even use a few in your everyday life.
If you find that deep breathing or meditation work for you, go for it. That being said, any activity you use to unwind after a long day can be a relaxation technique.
Maybe you love taking a bath? Fill up that tub and maybe even toss in a bath bomb for some aromatherapy.
You could turn on your favorite album or movie. You could even grab an adult coloring book while watching a funny show. Giving your brain something else to focus on could be the ticket to riding out the high.
Get Moving
Disclaimer: If you are feeling woozy, you may want to skip this one.
If you can’t seem to settle down mentally, maybe you’ll benefit from some light physical activity.
Take a walk outside. Just make sure you have a buddy with you and that you stay in a familiar area.
If you don’t have a friend nearby, you can move indoors. Turn up the music and dance, if that’s what you’re into, or do some light yoga – just steer clear of the hand stands.
Have a Snack
This is a great time to have a snack, if you aren’t nauseous, and hydrate with anything non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic. The familiar act of eating and drinking could even be a bit relaxing.
Just be sure you are keeping things G-rated. This is not the time to have a beer, as alcohol can increase the concentration of THC in your bloodstream.
Take Some CBD/CBG
If your relaxation techniques aren’t working, try a dose of CBD or CBG. This may seem counterintuitive at first glance, but bear with us.
We know that CBD is beneficial in reducing anxiety, but a 2009 study found that Cannabidiol balances out the negative effects of a high dose of THC, like paranoia.
A milder option, cannabigerol (CBG) interacts with the same receptors in the body as CBD and has also been found to deliver anti-inflammatory effects.
Remember What Works
If it’s your first time “greening out,” remember what helped you calm down.
Everybody overindulges now and again, so knowing how to handle the stress is just as important as knowing your body’s tolerance.
Also, it never hurts to have a source you can trust when you start exploring cannabinoids.
If you need advice, reach out to ATL Dispensary. We can help you figure out where to start and recommend some great products.
