Safety4 min read

Too High? Here's What to Do

It happens to experienced consumers and first-timers alike. You took more than you meant to, or the edible kicked in harder than expected, and now you're feeling uncomfortable. The most important thing to know right now is this: no one has ever fatally overdosed on cannabis. You are going to be okay. Here's how to get through it.

First: stop consuming

This sounds obvious, but it's worth saying clearly. If you're already feeling more than you wanted to, stop. Don't try to balance it out with more CBD or another product. Just stop, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down, and give your body time to process what's already in your system.

If you're somewhere unfamiliar or uncomfortable, try to get to a quieter, more familiar space. Being around people you trust helps. Being in a loud, crowded, or unpredictable environment makes everything harder.

Breathe and ground yourself

Anxiety is the most common uncomfortable effect of too much THC. It can feel physical, with a racing heart, tight chest, or a sense of dread, but it's being driven by your nervous system's response to THC, not by anything actually dangerous happening in your body.

Slow, deliberate breathing helps. Try breathing in for four counts, holding for four, and breathing out for four. Repeat this several times. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system and counteracts the fight-or-flight response that anxiety triggers.

Grounding techniques also help. Name five things you can see. Four things you can touch. Three things you can hear. This pulls your attention back to the present moment and out of the spiral of anxious thinking.

CBD can help

CBD acts as a partial antagonist at CB1 receptors, the same receptors that THC activates. In plain terms, CBD can blunt some of THC's more intense effects. If you have a CBD oil or high-CBD product available, taking some may help reduce the intensity of what you're feeling.

This is one of the practical reasons experienced consumers often keep a CBD product on hand. It's not a guaranteed fix, but many people find it genuinely helpful when they've gone further than intended.

Hydrate, eat something, rest

Drink water, not alcohol. Eating something light can also help, particularly if you consumed on an empty stomach. Food slows absorption and can soften the experience.

If you can sleep, sleep. Time is the most reliable remedy. The effects of smoked or vaped cannabis typically peak within 30 minutes and fade significantly within two to three hours. Edibles last longer, with four to eight hours being common, but they will pass.

What not to do

Don't drive. Don't mix with alcohol, as it significantly intensifies THC's effects. Don't take more cannabis trying to fix the situation. Don't be alone if you can help it, and don't go somewhere unfamiliar.

If you're genuinely concerned about your physical state, call 8-1-1 (BC HealthLink) for non-emergency health guidance. Emergency services are always available if needed, and there is no shame in asking for help.

The best way to avoid this situation is to start low and go slow, especially with edibles. But if you're already here, you're going to be fine. Breathe, rest, and give it time. Our staff are always happy to talk through dosing and product selection so you can find an approach that works for you.