3 Tips for Soothing a Friend Who is Feeling Overwhelmed by Being Too High It is not uncommon for people to get too high from using cannabis. This can happen to first-time users or those who try a more potent strain than they are used to. The side effects, such as red eyes and dry mouth, may be uncomfortable but not dangerous. However, the behavior that can result from being too high can be concerning, especially if the individual decides to drive while under the influence. In some cases, it can cause problems or lead to embarrassing social behaviors.
Another potential issue is experiencing extreme psychoactive effects, such as paranoia and hallucinations. While these symptoms typically subside within a few hours, they can be frightening enough for some individuals to seek medical help.
- To avoid getting too high on cannabis, it is wise to consume it with others who can monitor your usage and offer support. This is true whether you are smoking or consuming edibles. If a friend does get too high, there are steps you can take to help them calm down. These include stopping their intake, removing them from the situation, encouraging hydration and nourishment, and providing distractions such as music or video games. It’s also important to avoid adding alcohol into the mix and be mindful of any underlying mental health conditions that may worsen with
cannabis use, such as anxiety and depression. - Hallucinations are a result of the brain playing tricks on itself. They differ from paranoia in that they make individuals feel like they are living in a completely different world from reality. These symptoms are often associated with psychosis and schizophrenia, caused by malfunctions in the brain’s processing abilities. While cannabis-related hallucinations may subside as the effects wear off, there is still concern about the impact on young people whose brains are still developing. Hallucinations can manifest as auditory, gustatory, olfactory, visual or tactile experiences,
sometimes feeling like vivid dreams. Some believe these are symbolic representations of repressed memories and emotional problems, while others view them as a way to access experiences stored in the unconscious mind that have been altered by various influences such as cannabis and other stimulants. Certain factors such as preexisting physical, neurological, and psychological conditions may make some cannabis users more susceptible to experiencing
hallucinations.
What should you do? It’s important to remember that it’s the THC content in cannabis that can trigger hallucinations. If possible, avoid strains with high levels of THC and opt for strains with CBD instead to counteract the effects. If a friend is experiencing a hallucination, offer physical comfort and distraction by moving them to a calm and familiar environment or playing calming music through headphones. - Cannabis use can affect coordination between the brain and body. Many people use cannabis specifically for its relaxing and disorienting effects, but this can also make activities like driving or operating machinery dangerous. If using cannabis with friends, be sure to watch out for each other’s signs of impairment. Studies have shown that regular cannabis use can lead to changes in corticostriatal networks responsible for control and motor learning. It may also affect memory, reaction time, and the ability to switch between tasks. The brain processes information differently when under the influence of cannabis, especially with certain strains.
What should you do? If you or a friend are experiencing these effects, it’s best to stop using cannabis for the time being. If you notice that specific strains consistently cause these effects, try switching to a different strain. You can also try spacing out your tokes or bites and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (although avoiding coffee is recommended). Going for a walk or doing light exercise can also help reduce the effects and restore coordination and
alertness.
Bigger problems? While cannabis is not known to have the same negative impact on the respiratory system as smoking tobacco or using hard drugs, it can potentially affect blood pressure and heart rhythm. Some research has shown an increase in blood pressure immediately after consuming cannabis, but this typically subsides quickly. THC content seems to be the main factor, with CBD possibly having a positive effect on blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. Strains like Blue Dream, Northern Lights, and Purple Wreck may have beneficial THC:CBD ratios for those with high blood pressure. However, if you or a friend experience irregular heartbeat or significant changes in blood pressure, seek medical attention at an emergency ward or clinic.