Safe Cannabis Consumption: How to Sober Up from an Edible

Cannabis edibles offer an effective and delicious way of enjoying a cannabinoid high. While their effects take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping, the high lasts longer. The delayed effect of edibles can sometimes put you in a sticky situation where you overconsume and feel too high. You might feel overwhelmed in a situation like this however, we are here to help. How do you sober up from an edible? We are here to answer that burning question!

While there is no quick fix to undoing your edible high, there are some steps you can take to help yourself feel better.

Keep Calm

Many people become anxious or worried when they are higher than they would like to be after consuming an edible. Totally understandable. Yet rushing around for a solution will only make matters worse. The most important step is to do something you know will help you calm down. Depending on what works for you, you might try:

• Gentle stretches
• Taking a warm shower
• Interacting with a pet
• Calling a calming friend
• Putting on some mellow music
• Distracting yourself with a relaxing podcast or light TV

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Many people don’t realize how strongly dehydration affects their minds and bodies – and therefore the high they experience from consuming cannabis. Even when you are mildly dehydrated, you may experience:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Anxiety

Many of these symptoms can also emerge from feeling too high. Drinking some water can reduce these effects tremendously. Furthermore, water will help move the edibles along your digestive tract and flush the THC out of your system faster. 

Eat Foods Rich in Complex Carbohydrates and Fiber

Eating a large meal can blunt the impact of edible cannabinoids. However, avoid foods that are high in fat, as they have the opposite effect. Foods rich in fats may make you feel higher as well as prolong the duration of your high. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal and bread, can help block THC from leaving your digestive tract and entering your bloodstream and are therefore your friend in sobering up from THC. 

Use Eye Drops

Many people have bloodshot eyes after eating cannabis edibles. This look can add to the feeling of paranoia they may experience when they need to interact with others. While using eye drops to reduce the redness in your eyes will not make you feel less high, it can at least give you more confidence and reduce anxiety. 

Avoid Alcohol

Mixing alcohol with edibles can enhance the effects of THC. Furthermore, alcohol will further dehydrate your system, which will only make the effects of edibles stronger. If you have already had some alcohol, stop drinking right away. Drink some water and eat some carbs to reduce the effects.

Black Pepper

No sufficient scientific evidence has emerged to support the popular claim that black pepper can help you sober up from a marijuana high. While one study suggests that the compounds found within the spice might be able to inhibit some of weed’s effects, eating black pepper kernels is no magic bullet. 

Lemon 

Science has yet to back popular claims that eating lemons or drinking lemon juice can help you sober up more quickly. Yet if you enjoy the taste, a cool glass of lemonade or a warm cup of tea with lemon may be a pleasant way to calm yourself down.

Don’t Rely on Unproven Remedies

Many internet forums and anecdotal claims have led people to believe that certain foods can be antidotes for people who have gotten too high. While there may be no harm in some of these options, they might not work as effectively as you’ve been led to believe. Trust the proven solutions!

Caffeine

Drinking coffee or tea is a popular way of trying to sober up after drinking alcohol. As such, some cannabis users turn to caffeine in an attempt to overcome their unwanted high. However, because caffeine can cause anxiety and jitters, drinking an espresso or energy drink might be counterproductive if you are already feeling anxious.  

Call for Help if Needed

In some instances, taking the above steps may do little to nothing to alleviate an unwanted high induced by THC edibles. In such cases, the only surefire option is to wait until the high passes naturally. Yet if you feel like your high has gone in a bad direction and you cannot handle it on your own, contact someone you know and trust to support you in the meantime.

It is extremely rare, however, if you experience particularly troublesome symptoms from edibles, it is recommended to call a medical professional immediately. Symptoms may include: 

• Hallucinations
• Extreme paranoia
• Difficulty engaging your muscles
• Breathing troubles
• Vomiting

While serious complications from eating THC edibles are very rare, addressing them early is essential.

Consuming Edibles Safely

Many of the problems people encounter when eating edibles stem from not understanding how to dose properly. Anyone new to cannabis should start with a low dose, such as 2.5 mg, and see how it makes them feel before increasing the dosage. Even people who are accustomed to smoking or vaping might not anticipate the intensity of edible THC products, so it is recommended to exercise caution at all times.

If you make your edibles at home, LĒVO infusion machines, such as the LĒVO II, LĒVO C, and LĒVO Lux, allow you to control the amounts of cannabinoids you put into your recipes. Making baked goods or gummies with higher percentages of CBD can counteract the more intense effects of THC, helping you keep your highs more manageable. Cannabutter Digest’s potency calclator is an excellent online tool for determining how much THC and CBD are in your edibles. Cooking with control empowers you to feel more confident about what goes into your body!