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What to Do If You Get Too High on THC: Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Taking too much THC is not deadly, but it can lead to anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea. These effects usually last 2 to 6 hours.
  • Stay calm, hydrate, eat light snacks, and consider taking CBD to help counteract the THC.
  • Once you feel better, write down your experience (product, dose, timing) so you don’t make the same mistake next time!

If you’ve ever consumed too much THC, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re a new user or accidentally overdid it, the experience can be overwhelming.

Don’t worry though—there are practical steps you can take to ease discomfort and feel better.

Here’s a quick guide on what to do if you get too high on THC.

What Is THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

It is found naturally in the cannabis flower, but is also the foundation of common cannabis edibles like THC gummies.

THC binds to receptors in your brain, creating effects like euphoria, altered perception of time, and relaxation. However, too much THC can cause anxiety, confusion, and physical discomfort.

How Much THC Should I Take?

If you’re new to cannabis, start with 2.5 to 5 mg of THC. Wait for 1-2 hours before taking more, as the effects from edibles take longer to kick in.

As you get more familiar with your tolerance, you can gradually increase your dose.

THC edibles can be a lot of fun, but not if you take way too much, especially as a beginner.


READ UP

For LOTS more information on how much THC to take, check out my article, “THC Gummies for Beginners.”

It will teach you how to dose THC edibles and avoid rookie mistakes…like getting too high on THC. 🫠

What Are the Risks of Taking Too Much THC?

The good news is, you won’t die from taking too much THC. But taking too much THC can result in discomfort, including:

  • Increased anxiety or paranoia
  • Impaired motor skills and coordination (don’t drive!)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cognitive confusion or mental fog
  • Extreme sedation or tiredness

How Will I Feel If I’ve Taken Too Much THC?

If you’ve consumed too much THC, you might experience:

  • Dry mouth (cottonmouth)
  • Red or bloodshot eyes
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly

These effects are temporary, and while uncomfortable, they will pass with time.

What to Do If You Get Too High on THC

If you’ve taken too much THC and are feeling uncomfortable, follow these steps to manage the situation:

1. Stay Calm and Relax

Take a deep breath and remember that the effects will wear off. Find a quiet, comfortable spot to relax. If you start feeling anxious, grounding techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching (i.e. getting out of your head and into your body) can help.

2. Hydrate

Drink plenty of water to help with dry mouth and dehydration. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks, as they can worsen the anxiety or dehydration.

3. Eat Something Light

If you’re feeling nauseous or lightheaded, eat something simple and light like fruit, crackers, or nuts. Foods with fat, like avocado, can slow down the absorption of THC and ease your discomfort.

4. Try CBD

CBD can help counteract the effects of THC. If you have any CBD oil or edibles, try taking a small dose, maybe 20-30mgs. It may help reduce feelings of anxiety or paranoia.

5. Wait It Out

The effects of THC will eventually wear off. In most cases, the high will last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Sometimes the best thing to do is tuck yourself in bed, put on a funny movie, and ride it out. This too shall pass.

6. Write it Down!

Once you’re back on earth, write about this experience so you don’t repeat it!

Write down what product you took, what dose, at what time, when it kicked in, how long it lasted, and how it made you feel. That way you can adjust your game plan next time.

READ UP

To learn more about using tracking your cannabis experience to discover what (and what dose) works best for you, read my article, “Take Control of Your Cannabis Journey with a Strain Journal.”

How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?

The effects of THC typically last 2 to 6 hours, depending on your dose and the method of consumption.

However, THC can stay in your system much longer in terms of being detected on a drug test. In frequent users, THC can be detected in urine for up to 30 days, while occasional users may test positive for 1-2 weeks.

Keep this in mind if you are required to take drug tests for employment or other reasons.

FAQ: What to Do If You Get Too High on THC

Stay calm, drink water, and find a comfortable place to relax. Eating something light and waiting for the effects to wear off can also help. If you have CBD, try taking a small dose to counteract the THC effects.

Beginners should start with 2.5 to 5 mg of THC, especially when using edibles. Always wait until you feel the first dose before consuming more.

No, while taking too much THC can be uncomfortable, it is generally not life-threatening. The effects will wear off in 2-6 hours.

The high from THC typically lasts 2-6 hours, but this can vary based on dosage, tolerance, and method of consumption. For edibles, the effects might take longer to kick in, so always wait before consuming more.

Start with a low dose of 2-5mg, and if you’re using edibles, wait at least 1-2 hours before taking more. Read my article, “THC Gummies for Beginners” for all the details.

CBD can help reduce anxiety and paranoia caused by excessive THC. It can counteract some of the psychoactive effects and help you feel more grounded.

TLDR

You won’t die from taking too much THC, but you won’t feel great.
Hydrate, eat something light, lie down, and stay calm. This too shall pass.
The best way to prevent getting too high on THC is start with the right dose of 2-5mg for beginners.
Kate Lily
Certified Cannabis Educator

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