If you've had more THC than you meant to, start here: the feeling passes. Learning how to get unhigh mostly means helping the time go by safely. Stop using, find a calm spot, sip some water and let your body clear it. Here's how to come down from a high, how long it usually takes and when to get help.
Signs you're too high, and what a cannabis hangover feels like
The CDC describes the signs of using too much cannabis as the usual effects, only stronger:
- Extreme confusion
- Anxiety, paranoia or panic
- A fast heart rate or higher blood pressure
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Severe nausea or vomiting
The CDC also says a fatal overdose from cannabis alone is unlikely. That doesn't make it harmless.
A heavy night can show up the next morning too, especially after a late edible. Some people wake up still feeling a little foggy or slow, often called a cannabis hangover. Take a slow start with water and breakfast, and don't drive until you feel fully clear.
Why THC can tip into too much
THC acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. At a comfortable dose, that can feel pleasant. Past your comfort zone, the same effects can turn into anxiety or distrust. NIDA notes these reactions are more common with large amounts, strong products and less experience, and that THC can raise heart rate right after use.
Edibles add a timing trap. Because they're slow to start, people often reach for more before the first dose lands. Our look at why cannabis sometimes hits harder than expected covers other surprises.
How to get unhigh: what actually helps
If you're too high, what to do first is simple: stop and settle in. Nothing switches THC off, but you can make the wait easier.
- Stop using, and put the rest away.
- Move somewhere calm. A familiar room, low light and a favorite show or playlist help the minutes pass.
- Slow your breathing. Breathe in for a count of four and out for six. Many people find long exhales settling.
- Sip water. Dry mouth is common, as our guide to cottonmouth and hydration explains.
- Eat something light, like toast or fruit, if you feel up to it.
- Rest. Lie down if you feel dizzy, and let sleep come if it wants to.
- Shower only if you're steady. Skip it if you feel faint or wobbly.
Why to skip alcohol while you're high
A drink to take the edge off can backfire. The CDC says using alcohol and cannabis together is likely to cause more impairment than either one alone, and more impairment means more risk of getting hurt. Stick with water until you feel like yourself.
How long coming down takes, by format
How long does a high last? It depends on how THC entered your body, plus your dose and tolerance. A widely cited review of cannabinoid research gives these typical windows:
| Format | Effects start | Strongest | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoked or vaped | Seconds to a few minutes | 15 to 30 minutes | Tapers off within 2 to 3 hours |
| Edibles and drinks | 30 to 90 minutes | 2 to 3 hours | About 4 to 12 hours |
Dabs follow the inhaled timeline, but NIDA notes they deliver a lot of THC very quickly. With edibles, the CDC says you may not feel anything for up to 2 hours, which is why people take a second dose too soon. Our THC dosage guide covers timing in detail.
Remedies people try, and what the evidence says
- CBD. Taking CBD to counteract THC sounds logical, but results are mixed. In a 2023 trial of 46 adults, adding CBD at common ratios did not reduce THC's effects on memory or psychotic-like symptoms.
- Black pepper. Using black pepper for a high rests on beta-caryophyllene, a terpene in pepper studied in the lab, as our caryophyllene guide explains. No human study has tested pepper for this.
- Citrus peel. Peel contains limonene, the terpene with the most promising early evidence here. In a small 2024 study of 20 adults, anxiety ratings tended to fall as more vaporized limonene was added to THC. The only clear drop in anxiety and paranoia came at the highest limonene dose, which 12 of them tried. Sniffing a lemon peel is not the same dose.
- Pine nuts. The idea points to pinene, a terpene named for pine trees. No research shows pine nuts change a high.
- Ginger tea. No study links ginger to a shorter high, though a warm mug can be calming to hold.
None of these lowers the THC in your body. Time does that.
A short walk or staying put?
If you feel steady and a sober friend is with you, a slow walk somewhere familiar can be a welcome change of scene. Stay put if you feel dizzy or unsure of your footing. Either way, don't drive, bike or swim until the effects are fully gone.
Prevention: dose, timing and setting
- Dose: Start low with any new product, and check the THC per serving or the percentage on the label.
- Timing: Give an edible a full 2 hours before taking more, and give inhaled cannabis 15 to 30 minutes to peak. Our list of common edible myths explains why waiting matters.
- Setting: Pick a familiar place, people you trust and an evening with nowhere to drive.
- Tolerance: After a break, your usual amount may feel stronger than you expect.
- Questions: Our budtenders are happy to talk through lower-dose options at any of our Michigan stores.
When to get medical help
- Call 911 for chest pain, fainting, trouble breathing, a seizure, or someone who can't stay awake.
- Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if a child eats cannabis, even if they seem fine. The CDC notes that young children who swallow cannabis are more likely than older kids to need a hospital stay.
- Get medical care for vomiting that won't stop. After long-term, heavy use, it can point to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which NIDA says often needs medical attention.
- Get help for hallucinations or panic that isn't easing.
If a pet gets into cannabis, call your veterinarian.
