Six ways to sober up after a high
We’ve all been there, experiencing a cannabis high, wondering when it will end. At times, we want these effects to last as long as possible. But, there are also those days where you need to sober up quickly and efficiently. Today, we’re going to learn all about sobering up from a cannabis high.
Getting Yourself Back to Normal
The gold standard for sobering up is simply time. As your body processes the cannabinoids you’ve consumed, they are dispersed, broken down, and excreted. The more you’ve consumed, the longer it will take for your body to work through this task.
The effects of smoking cannabis can subside after 6 hours or more, depending on your tolerance. This timeframe can be as long as 12 hours or more when it comes to edibles. (Government of Canada, 2019).
Consumers should avoid driving vehicles or other dangerous activities while high. Furthermore, you should avoid attempting to sober up so that you can drive. It is far better not to drive at all after consuming cannabis. Consider staying over where you are or taking a cab instead (Canada, 2019).
Fortunately, there is plenty you can do during this time to help sober you up more effectively. Let’s get started on learning six ways to sober up after a cannabis high!
1. Drink Lots of Water
The first suggestion involves drinking plenty of water. It’s an old tip, but a classic for a reason. Using cannabis may not dehydrate bodies as severely as drinking alcohol, but it still has a moderate effect. The best way to counter this potential dehydration is by drinking lots of water.
You’ve probably noticed that a lot of cannabis consumers love their water. It is not uncommon to find a water bottle along with other cannabis accessories when on the go. Experienced consumers of cannabis understand the pure simplicity and satisfaction that comes with a simple sip of water.
In summary, if you want to sober up, you need to get your body back to normal. The first step in this task should be drinking lots of water. Take a drink to soothe your throat after you smoke, and keep sipping while enjoying your high. Avoid sugary drinks and stick with plain water. If you don’t enjoy drinking water, maybe you’ll find it more enjoyable while high than you think.
2. Drink Coffee
If you need to sober up and stay awake, there is nothing better than a cup of coffee. Those who don’t drink coffee can substitute tea or other caffeinated beverages. The stimulating effects of coffee can help counter the fatigue that cannabis can induce.
Drinking coffee does not mean that you can avoid drinking water, however. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning that it increases our rate of urination. While the amount of water in your coffee may overcome this future loss, it is still a good idea to drink plain water. You may find a 1:1 ratio best. In other words, drink one cup of coffee, then one glass of water, and repeat.
3. Go to Sleep
In situations where you need to sober up but have plenty of time, going to sleep might be all you need. Whether this is a mid-day nap or heading to bed at night, sleeping provides your body with the time to process and recover from cannabis consumption. Be careful with napping. If you have somewhere to be later, make sure to set an alarm.
When people consume too much cannabis, it is not uncommon to ‘green out.’ This term describes the act of falling asleep from the sedation produced by cannabis. You may have seen people at parties falling asleep on couches for this very reason. We do not do this randomly. Instead, it is one way that our bodies help us sober up. If you have the time, getting a nap or a good night’s sleep can help you get back to 100%.
4. Consume some Cannabidiol (CBD)
There is plenty of evidence to help support the fact that Cannabidiol (CBD) counters some effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unfortunately, most research involves co-administration or pre-administering CBD. Evidence supporting the use of CBD after THC is currently lacking (Morgan et al., 2018).
That said, there are plenty of reasons to try adding some CBD to your recovery regime. For example, CBD may help lower your anxiety levels and promote a good night’s sleep. These and other effects of CBD may be beneficial for sobering up after consuming cannabis. A 5-10mg dose of CBD can be just right, but everyone responds slightly differently. The best thing you can do is try it for yourself and if you benefit from it, keep using CBD to help you sober up. Pay attention to whether it helps you feel more normal the morning after to determine if it is right for you.
5. Have a Shower or Take a Bath
There is something so calming and refreshing about showering or taking a bath. These activities can be adjusted to suit your needs. Are you looking to head to bed? Go with cooler temperatures and shorter durations for either a bath or shower. Is it time to wake up and get out? Longer showers and baths can give you the time and stimulation you need to restore your energy levels.
So, the next time you need to sober up, experiment with a shower or bath to determine how you can use them best. The benefits include sobering up, reducing anxiety, and calming your body. All of these effects are beneficial, and you can easily adjust the time/temperature for your needs at the time.
6. Enjoy a Light Healthy Snack
Whether you are trying to wake up or get to bed, a small snack can provide your body with the nutrients it needs. Consider fruits, vegetables, and other healthy snacks to avoid the adverse effects of junk food or fast food. Keep the snack light not to overwhelm your stomach and digestive tract as you sober up.
Healthy foods will provide carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutritious nutrients that can help your body restore normal functioning. Not only will this food taste delicious, but it will also help you in your journey to sober up effectively. If you feel tired, light-headed, or dizzy, these are signs that your body will benefit from a healthy snack.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. You’ve now discovered six easy ways to help you sober up from a cannabis high. While reducing your consumption is the best way to avoid problems in the first place, when you need to sober up, these tips will get you through. Make sure you drink lots of water, get some rest, take a shower, and enjoy a healthy snack. After it is all said and done, you’re be feeling much more like yourself.
Whether you have errands to run or a meeting to be ready for the following day, these tips can help you get where you need to go. As always, start low and go slow to avoid overconsumption. After you’ve enjoyed the high that cannabis produces, use these easy tips to recover and restore a healthy state of mind.
Citations
Canada (2019). Cannabis Impairment. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/impairment.html.
Morgan, C., Schafer, G., Freeman, T., & Curran, H. (2018). Impact of cannabidiol on the acute memory and psychotomimetic effects of smoked cannabis: naturalistic study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(4). Retrieved from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/impact-of-cannabidiol-on-the-acute-memory-and-psychotomimetic-effects-of-smoked-cannabis-naturalistic-study/54EB46D7698008BA4A9E5A27A57AA281.
Government of Canada (2019). Consumer Information – Cannabis. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/regulations-support-cannabis-act/consumer-information.html.