Marijuana remains a topic of debate in many parts of the world. It is legal in several states, while in others you can go to jail if you are caught using it—let alone selling it.
We know that marijuana being illegal does not stop many people from using it. Unlike other drugs, marijuana has become more socially accepted; in other words, we do not react the same way when we hear, “I smoked marijuana yesterday,” as when we hear, “I smoked crack” or “I took ecstasy.”
This article is not intended to get into a political, social or moral debate about marijuana. I simply want to offer some tips in case you ever choose to use it—or, in the worst-case scenario, take it without realizing what it is—and experience unpleasant effects or an overdose. You might also find yourself with someone who is having a “bad trip,” as people commonly say, so it is useful to know what to do in that situation.
5 TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH A BAD MARIJUANA HIGH
BREATHE
As I have always said, breathing can help calm your whole body at any time, and this is no exception. Some of the effects of consuming too much marijuana are physical reactions such as body tremors, a rapid heartbeat, feeling hot or cold, numbness, or a sense that things are moving. If these are accompanied by emotional distress, they can get worse. So the first thing to do is try to calm your mind so your body can relax. Breathe in deeply, count to 10, hold your breath for 5, and breathe out over 10. Focusing on the count as you breathe will help calm your body.
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CONTACT SOMEONE
One of the worst things about having a bad trip is being alone. If this is happening to you, or you see someone in this situation, do not walk away. Any conversation can help; the goal is to bring the person back to the here and now, to the present. If you decide to try marijuana for the first time, do so with a friend or someone you trust. You do not know how you might react, so it is good to know that you are in a safe place. If you are already alone, call a friend or family member to stay with you and help you calm down. One of the effects is that your mind can wander a lot—you are here, and then your thoughts drift away. Keeping up a conversation can help you stay grounded.
STAY HYDRATED, EAT AND TAKE A SHOWER
You have probably heard this several times: eat a lot to come down from the effects of marijuana. It is true that eating and drinking plenty of water can help you get out of that state where you feel like you are going to die. The good news is that the effects usually last 2 to 3 hours, so hang in there a little longer. Your mouth will get very dry, so you will probably want to drink a lot of water.
As with someone who is drunk, a cold shower can help reduce the effects on your body, so no matter what time it is, get in the shower.
GROUND YOURSELF AND REMEMBER THIS WILL PASS
As I mentioned earlier, one effect of using marijuana is that your mind can wander. Your thoughts drift away and then come back, which can feel unbearable and make you feel as though you have no control over your mind. Some people may experience paranoia, such as feeling that they are being followed, fear of the dark, a sense of emptiness or loneliness, or traumatic memories, among other things. Your sensations and emotions can feel twice as intense, making you more sensitive and vulnerable, so everything may seem dramatic and exaggerated.
Remember the state you are in, and talk to yourself—or to the person you are trying to help—using phrases such as, “This will pass,” “It isn’t real; I’ll be OK in a moment,” “Other people have been through this and gotten through it,” “I’m not going to die,” and “You know not all my thoughts are real.” Do what you can to stay grounded.
One way to bring yourself back to reality is to focus on what you perceive with each of your senses. For example, with sight, say out loud what you can see: “I see a bed, I see a table, I see my friend, I see a dog.” Notice physical sensations: “I feel the floor, I feel my tongue against my lips, I feel my fingers moving.” For hearing, you might say, “I hear my voice, I hear the TV,” and so on.
TRY TO DISTRACT YOURSELF WITH SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
Although it may be difficult at first, this can help after a while. Listen to your favorite music, or put on a show or movie you enjoy and know will hold your attention. Keeping your mind occupied can stop it from wandering so much and may even help you forget the physical effects of a marijuana overdose for a while.
Remember that the effects vary greatly depending on the quality of the marijuana, how long it has been stored and the amount used. Not all marijuana is the same, and you need to be careful about how much you take. If you decide to try it, get it from someone you trust, because some marijuana is stronger than others, even if you only try a little.
When I tried it, I was alone. I ate a small brownie, and at first I did not feel anything. After 3 hours, I started to feel as though my mind was spinning, and my arms felt numb. When I tried to go to sleep, my head started spinning faster and faster, so I could not keep my eyes closed. I felt unwell, my heart was pounding, my hands were shaking, and my mouth was trembling. I was scared, wanted to cry and felt desperate. I searched online for advice as best I could and called some friends, who helped me figure out what to do. These tips helped me through my crisis. Although you cannot make the effects stop immediately once you are in that state, they can help lessen them and, above all, help you know how to cope.
