🚨 How to Handle a Cannabis Edible Overdose (Greening Out)
If you’ve taken too much THC, don’t panic! While it can be overwhelming, a cannabis overdose isn’t fatal. Follow these steps to stay safe and ride it out:
⏳ Step 1: Stay Calm
🧘♂️ Remind yourself: It’s temporary! The effects will peak in 1-2 hours and wear off in 4-8 hours (sometimes longer for very high doses). You will be okay.
💡 Tip: Repeating “This will pass” can help reduce anxiety.
🥤 Step 2: Hydrate & Eat
- Drink water or herbal tea (avoid alcohol & caffeine).
- Eat a light snack (fruit, nuts, or a sandwich) to slow THC absorption.
- Chewing black peppercorns or sniffing lemon zest may help counteract THC effects (due to terpenes like beta-caryophyllene).
🛏 Step 3: Get Comfortable & Distract Yourself
- Lie down in a quiet, dimly lit space.
- Watch a familiar movie or listen to calming music.
- Take deep breaths (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4).
- Cold shower or splash cold water on your face if feeling overheated.
🌿 Step 4: Use CBD to Counteract THC
- CBD can help reduce THC’s psychoactive effects.
- If available, take CBD oil, tincture, or a high-CBD strain.
- Aim for a 1:1 CBD-to-THC ratio to balance effects.
😴 Step 5: Sleep It Off
- If possible, take a nap.
- When you wake up, the high will be less intense or gone.
❌ When to Seek Medical Help
While a cannabis overdose isn’t life-threatening, seek help if you experience:
🚨 Severe paranoia or panic attacks that won’t calm down.
🚨 Extreme nausea or vomiting that doesn’t stop.
🚨 Chest pain or irregular heartbeat (rare but possible).
🚨 Trouble breathing or fainting.
📌 If unsure, call a trusted friend or a medical professional. Be honest about what you took.
⏳ How Long Until It Wears Off?
Consumption Method | Peak Effects | Duration |
---|---|---|
Edibles (Gummies, Brownies, etc.) | 1-2 hours | 4-12 hours |
Smoking/Vaping | 15-30 min | 2-4 hours |
Tinctures (Sublingual) | 30-60 min | 4-6 hours |
💡 How to Prevent Overconsumption Next Time?
✅ Start Low, Go Slow – Begin with 2.5-5mg THC, especially if new to edibles.
✅ Wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
✅ Know your tolerance – Regular users can handle more than beginners.
✅ Label & store properly – Keep edibles away from kids & pets.
You got this! 💚 Need help with dosing or strain recommendations? 🚀