How to Sober Up from Weed: 10 Effective Techniques

Cannabis

According to the CDC, around 19% of Americans have tried weed at least once. And while it’s often a great experience, there are sometimes occasions where you want to quickly sober up.

Let’s look at how to sober up from weed. We’ll get into 10 effective techniques that can help you reduce the effects of weed intoxication, so you can get back to feeling like yourself faster.

1. Hydration

When you’re feeling the effects of weed, staying hydrated can help you regain your balance. Drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to start the process of sobering up. Water helps flush out the THC from your system more quickly, allowing your body to clear out the substance.

The effects of dehydration can worsen the intensity of a high, making you feel more disoriented or anxious. By drinking water, you not only stay hydrated but also help your body to process and eliminate THC more efficiently.

Other hydrating fluids like herbal teas can also be beneficial. They not only keep you hydrated but can also have a calming effect, which might help reduce any anxiety or restlessness you’re feeling. Some people find that beverages with electrolytes, like sports drinks, can also help by replenishing any lost minerals, though water remains the best option.

2. Eating

Certain foods are known to counteract the intensity of THC, helping you feel more grounded and clear-headed. Black pepper is a popular choice among those who want to calm the anxious or paranoid feelings that sometimes come with a strong high. Simply smelling or chewing on a few peppercorns can provide almost instant relief.

Lemons are another natural remedy. The citrus scent and taste of lemons can help to bring down the high, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Some people find that squeezing fresh lemon juice into water or tea can make a difference. The acidity and sharpness of the lemon seem to cut through the haze, helping to restore focus and clarity.

Pine nuts are also thought to be helpful in reducing the effects of weed. They contain pinene, a compound that is believed to counteract some of the effects of THC. Snacking on a handful of pine nuts might help you feel more alert and less foggy.

3. Rest and Relaxation

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to sober up from weed is to simply let time do its work. Resting in a calm, familiar environment can help you feel more at ease as the effects of the high gradually fade. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, finding a quiet space to lie down or sit comfortably can make a big difference.

Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and try to focus on the rhythm of your breathing. It can help calm your mind and body, allowing the high to pass more smoothly.

Engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also be helpful. Deep breathing helps lower your heart rate, which can reduce feelings of anxiety or discomfort that sometimes accompany a strong high.

Focusing on your breath, counting each inhale and exhale, can help you stay grounded and more in control of your experience. Meditation, even for just a few minutes, can further ease your mind, making it easier to cope with the sensations you’re feeling.

4. Taking a Cold Shower

Taking a cold shower can be an effective way to sober up from weed. The sudden change in temperature can help invigorate your senses and bring you back to the present moment.

Cold water stimulates circulation and increases alertness, which can counteract the drowsy, sluggish feeling that often comes with a heavy high. The shock of cold water on your skin can also provide a mental reset, helping you break through the fog that THC sometimes creates.

A cold shower can also help calm your mind. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, the cold water can serve as a distraction, giving your mind something else to focus on besides the high. This shift in focus can be very grounding, making you feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.

5. Engage in Light Physical Activity

Light physical activity can be an effective way to help sober up from weed. Moving your body helps to get your blood flowing, which can assist in metabolizing the THC more quickly.

Activities like walking, stretching, or gentle yoga are great choices because they don’t require too much energy but still get you moving. A short walk outside can be especially helpful, as fresh air and a change of scenery can make you feel more alert and grounded.

Engaging in physical activity also provides a mental distraction, allowing you to focus on something other than the high.

It’s important not to overdo it, though. Stick to light activities that feel comfortable and manageable. The goal is to help your body process the THC, not to push yourself too hard.

6. Black Pepper

Sometimes, simple home remedies can make a big difference when you’re trying to sober up from weed. Black pepper and lemon juice are two natural options that many people find helpful. Black pepper is known for its calming effects, especially when you’re feeling anxious or paranoid.

Just sniffing a few peppercorns or chewing on them can help you feel more grounded. The aroma of black pepper is believed to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, making it easier to regain your composure.

7. Distract Your Mind

When you’re trying to sober up from weed, distracting your mind can be a helpful strategy. Focusing on something simple and familiar can shift your attention away from the intensity of the high. Watching a favorite TV show or movie can be comforting and provide a sense of normalcy.

The familiarity of the content helps to ground you, making the high feel less overwhelming. Another effective technique is engaging in a light mental activity, like solving a puzzle or playing a simple game.

These activities can occupy your mind without requiring too much concentration, which can be difficult when you’re high. The goal is to find something that keeps your thoughts engaged but not overwhelmed. This balance can help reduce feelings of anxiety and make the high more manageable.

8. CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is often used to counteract the effects of THC. While THC is the compound in cannabis that causes the high, CBD has a more calming and balancing effect.

Many people find that taking CBD can help reduce the intensity of a high, making it easier to regain focus and clarity. If you’re feeling too high, using CBD oil, capsules, or even a vape can help bring you back to a more comfortable state.

CBD works by interacting with the same receptors in your brain that THC affects, but in a different way. It doesn’t produce a high but can help ease anxiety, paranoia, or discomfort that sometimes comes with a strong THC experience. Taking CBD during or after a high can help mellow out the effects, providing relief without adding to the intoxication.

9. Stay Away From Stimulants

When you’re trying to sober up from weed, it’s best to avoid stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks. While these might seem like they would help, they can actually make the situation worse.

Stimulants can increase your heart rate and anxiety levels, which might already be high due to the effects of THC. The combination can make you feel more uncomfortable and prolong the high rather than reduce it.

Instead, focus on calming your body and mind. Drinking water, herbal tea, or other non-caffeinated beverages is a better choice. It’ll help you stay hydrated without adding to the intensity of the high. By steering clear of stimulants, you allow your body to naturally process the THC, helping you come down more smoothly and with less discomfort.

10. Know When to Seek Help

While most people can manage a high on their own, there are times when seeking help is the right choice. If you’re experiencing severe anxiety, extreme paranoia, or physical symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, it’s important to get medical attention.

The symptoms can be signs that your body is having a harder time processing the THC, and a healthcare professional can provide the support you need.

It’s also a good idea to reach out for help if the high lasts much longer than usual or if you feel like you’re losing control of your thoughts. It’s better to be safe and get assistance when you need it.