Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed
An uncomfortable cannabis experience can be stressful, especially when the effects feel stronger or last longer than expected. Understanding what cannabis impairment can feel like and knowing how to respond safely can help reduce unnecessary risk.
The effects of cannabis vary depending on factors such as the product, THC concentration, method of consumption, individual physiology, and whether other substances were used at the same time.
There is no reliable way to instantly “get unhigh” or remove THC from the body. In most cases, the effects gradually wear off with time. The safest approach is to avoid additional cannabis, stay somewhere safe, avoid driving or operating machinery, and seek medical or poison-control guidance if symptoms are severe or concerning.
This guide explains cannabis intoxication, common effects, supportive measures, warning signs, and when professional help may be appropriate.
Cannabis can affect perception, mood, coordination, memory, attention, and judgment. THC is the primary cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating “high” associated with cannabis.
Common effects can include altered sensory perception, changes in mood, increased heart rate, dry mouth, impaired coordination, and changes in the perception of time.
Some people may experience anxiety, panic, paranoia, confusion, or hallucinations, particularly when the effects are stronger than expected. The response can vary considerably between individuals.
The method of consumption also matters. Inhaled cannabis and edible cannabis can have different onset and duration patterns. Edibles can take longer to produce noticeable effects and can lead to prolonged intoxication when too much is consumed.
Rather than relying on strain names or a particular product to predict how someone will feel, it is more useful to consider the product's cannabinoid content, route of administration, individual factors, and whether other substances were consumed.
The duration of cannabis intoxication varies depending on the product, route of administration, amount consumed, cannabinoid concentration, and individual factors.
Inhaled cannabis generally produces effects more quickly than edible cannabis. Edibles can have a delayed onset and may produce effects that last longer than expected. CDC notes that edible cannabis can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to produce intoxicating effects, which is one reason accidental overconsumption can occur.
There is no reliable technique that can instantly eliminate THC's effects. If someone feels too high, the safest approach is to stop consuming cannabis, avoid driving or other risky activities, and allow time for the effects to wear off.
If someone is experiencing uncomfortable cannabis effects, moving to a quiet and familiar environment can reduce exposure to additional stressors.
Avoid driving, cycling in traffic, operating machinery, or participating in activities that require quick reactions or good coordination. Cannabis can impair reaction time, coordination, decision-making, and perception.
If possible, staying with a trusted person can also provide reassurance and help ensure that the person remains in a safe environment while the effects wear off.
The goal is not to “cancel out” the cannabis, but to reduce the risk of injury while the effects gradually subside.
Drinking water and eating normally can be part of general self-care while someone waits for cannabis effects to wear off, particularly if they are experiencing dry mouth or have not eaten recently.
However, hydration or food should not be described as a way to remove THC from the body or rapidly end intoxication.
Avoid consuming additional cannabis or other intoxicating substances in an attempt to change the effects. Combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances can increase impairment.
If you’re looking to take the edge off an intense high, trying out some relaxation techniques can be super helpful. Here are a few methods that can help you restore your balance:
Deep breathing exercises are an effective relaxation technique to help calm your mind and body. The idea behind deep breathing is to focus on your breath, taking slow, measured inhales and exhales.
This mindfulness practice can divert your attention away from the high and towards the rhythmic pattern of your breathing, helping to ease any anxiety or tension you may be feeling within your physical self.
While deep breathing may not be the ultimate healing agent, it’s an excellent place to start.
Meditation and mindfulness are also useful practices when experiencing an intense high.
By focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment, you can help alleviate feelings of discomfort or overwhelm.
Whether you choose a guided meditation or simply sit in silence, the act of quieting your mind can help lessen the intensity of too much cannabis.
Music has a profound effect on our mood and emotions. If you’re feeling too high, try putting on some calming music. We’d suggest choosing tracks with a slow tempo and soothing melodies.
As you listen, allow the music to wash over you, grounding you back to reality and helping to mitigate the intensity of your high.
Physical activity is not a reliable way to rapidly eliminate THC or reverse cannabis intoxication.
When someone is intoxicated, cannabis can affect coordination, balance, reaction time, judgment, and perception. For that reason, strenuous exercise, swimming, cycling, driving, or other activities where impaired coordination could cause an injury are better avoided until the effects have worn off.
Resting in a safe environment is generally more appropriate than trying to “sweat out” cannabis.
Time is an important part of recovering from cannabis intoxication. The body needs time to process cannabinoids, and there is no reliable shortcut that immediately reverses the effects.
If someone feels sleepy or overwhelmed, resting in a quiet, comfortable environment may be preferable to trying to stay active.
Avoid adding alcohol, cannabis, or other intoxicating substances in an attempt to force sleep or change the experience.
A familiar, low-stimulation activity can help someone focus on something other than an uncomfortable cannabis experience.
Depending on how impaired the person feels, this might include listening to familiar music, watching a familiar program, talking with a trusted person, or simply resting somewhere comfortable.
The purpose of these activities is to provide reassurance and reduce distress while the effects gradually wear off. They do not speed up the body's processing of THC.
There is no established over-the-counter medication that should be presented as a general antidote for cannabis intoxication.
Adding CBD, antihistamines, alcohol, or other substances to try to counteract THC can introduce additional risks or interactions.
If someone is experiencing significant symptoms after consuming cannabis, it is safer to seek guidance from a healthcare professional or poison-control center rather than experimenting with another substance.
There is no reliable way to instantly reverse cannabis intoxication. The effects generally diminish as the body processes the cannabinoids over time.
While waiting for the effects to wear off, avoid additional cannabis and other intoxicating substances. Do not drive, operate machinery, or participate in activities that require full coordination and judgment. Cannabis can impair reaction time, coordination, perception, and decision-making.
If the effects are severe or concerning, seek medical or poison-control guidance rather than trying additional home remedies.
Most uncomfortable cannabis experiences improve as the effects wear off, but consuming too much cannabis can cause significant symptoms.
Possible signs of cannabis overconsumption include:
CDC recommends contacting a poison control center when someone shows signs that they may have consumed too much cannabis. In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
If someone collapses, has a seizure, has difficulty breathing, cannot be awakened, or appears to be experiencing another medical emergency, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
If medical care is needed, tell healthcare professionals what cannabis product was consumed, approximately when it was consumed, and whether alcohol, medications, or other substances were also involved.
Accurate information can help healthcare professionals understand what may be contributing to the symptoms and determine appropriate care.
There is no reliable way to instantly “get unhigh.” Cannabis intoxication generally becomes less intense as the body processes the cannabinoids over time.
If someone is experiencing an uncomfortable high, the safest approach is to:
Cannabis can affect judgment, coordination, perception, and reaction time, so safety should take priority while the effects are present.
Jenna is a California-based creative copywriter who’s been lucky enough to have worked with a diverse range of clients before settling into the cannabis industry to explore her two greatest passions: writing and weed.
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