8 Ways to Manage the Effects of Marijuana Overdose

Most marijuana users, sooner or later, encounter the problem of consuming too much in one session. This often leads to strong feelings of discomfort, nausea, panic, or paranoia. The reasons for an overdose, as well as the threshold for cannabinoid absorption, can vary greatly from person to person. Some may feel unwell after smoking a joint with a high THC concentration, while others might experience all the “wonders” of an overdose after carelessly eating too much food containing marijuana extract. In any case, this experience is rarely pleasant. Even seasoned users may avoid cannabis for a while after such an episode, and some people may quit altogether after a bad experience.

The best protection against such incidents is caution, awareness, and knowing your own limits. However, you can never be completely sure how a new strain or batch will affect you. That’s why we’ve compiled several popular and proven tips to help you feel better and get through a marijuana overdose with less difficulty.

Tips for Dealing with Cannabinoid Overdose:

1. Stay Calm and Don’t PanicIf you start to feel signs of overdose after using marijuana—such as a racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, or growing nausea—try to calm down and distract yourself from the discomfort. If the symptoms are just starting, try watching a movie or talking with a trusted friend. The main risk, especially for beginners or first-time users, is a sudden wave of panic or paranoia, like feeling your heart is about to jump out of your chest or stop altogether. Remember, even in cases of heavy overdose, marijuana has minimal physiological impact on the body. At worst, it may trigger a panic attack, which usually ends with nausea or a deep, long sleep. Medical experts note that there are no documented cases of fatal marijuana overdose or serious chronic illness caused by it. These intense sensations are a product of your mind, not a sign of real physical harm. So, instead of feeding into the fear, try to relax and distract yourself from your racing thoughts.
2. Be Cautious and Know Your LimitsWhether you’re an experienced user or not, always start with the smallest possible dose of any new marijuana product to gauge its strength and duration. Even if you regularly use the same type or strain, cannabinoid and terpene concentrations can vary between plants. Also, make sure you’re in a comfortable, familiar environment with people you trust. This reduces the risk of discomfort or panic. If you do feel unwell, you’ll be able to retreat to a safe place or, if necessary, induce vomiting to remove excess cannabinoids. Remember, edibles and extracts can have a much stronger and longer-lasting effect than smoking, even if their THC concentration seems lower. For edibles, start with no more than 10 mg of THC (5 mg for beginners or medical users), and wait at least an hour before consuming more. The same caution applies to vape extracts, concentrates, and tinctures, as these are purified and concentrated forms that can hit much harder and faster than flower.
3. Drink Water and Have a Light SnackIt’s always a good idea to have plenty of clean water or another non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic, low-sugar drink on hand. This helps prevent dry mouth and can ease nausea. Never use alcohol, as it slows cannabinoid metabolism and increases their concentration in your blood, making the effects stronger and longer-lasting. Caffeine can also worsen symptoms by speeding up metabolism and intensifying the peak of discomfort. Some users find that a light snack helps them feel better—try a small chocolate or granola bar, some fruit, nuts, or a bit of mild cheese.
4. Use Black Pepper to Reduce IntensityIf the overdose feels out of control and you’re feeling very anxious or agitated, try black pepper. Many users swear by this remedy (including musician Neil Young!). Just sniffing a small amount of black pepper or chewing a few peppercorns can quickly help calm you down and reduce the intensity of the high.
5. Relax and Try to SleepIn many cases, the best remedy is simply to relax and try to sleep. Lie down in a comfortable position and focus on your breathing—take slow, deep breaths and think about something pleasant. Not every strain or dose will make you sleepy (indica-dominant strains are more sedative, while sativas are stimulating), but the goal is to relax your nerves, not necessarily to fall asleep. Even just resting in a half-awake state for an hour or so can help you get through the worst of it.
6. Get Some Fresh AirIf you’re feeling overstimulated and can’t relax, try changing your environment. A walk outside, especially in a calm, natural setting, can help clear your head and distract you from unpleasant sensations. However, if you’re feeling very nauseous or unsteady, it’s better to stay home and rest.
7. Take a Shower or Relaxing BathNothing relieves stress and panic like a refreshing shower or a warm, relaxing bath. If you’re only mildly uncomfortable, this can help you relax. However, if you’re feeling very disoriented, avoid baths or showers to prevent accidents.
8. Distract Yourself with a Hobby or Simple ActivityAs mentioned earlier, distraction is key. If you can’t go for a walk, take a bath, or nap, try reading a book, listening to music, playing a board game, or chatting with friends. Many people also recommend simple video games or coloring books (which are becoming popular in some places as “adult coloring books” for just these situations). The more positive emotions you experience, the easier it will be to get through the overdose. Try to avoid negativity and surprises that could throw you off balance.

Bonus Tip: Use CBD Extract to Modulate the Overdose

According to recent medical research, CBD is not only the main therapeutic cannabinoid in marijuana, but also acts as a modulator, working in synergy with other compounds. When combined with THC, CBD enhances its pain-relieving, sedative, and anti-inflammatory effects, while reducing the intensity of its psychoactive effects. Because of this, CBD extracts can be used as a gentler alternative to black pepper. Unlike pepper, which can quickly bring you back to reality and sometimes completely end the high, CBD simply softens the negative symptoms, helping you calm down and gently steer your experience in a more positive direction. This option is only available in places where CBD extracts are legal and easily available. Just a couple of drops under the tongue or in a drink can be enough to reduce the peak of an overdose.