What to Do If You Take Too Much Cannabis

It happens to nearly everyone at some point—you take more cannabis than intended, and suddenly you're feeling much more intensely affected than you wanted. Maybe you miscalculated an edible dose, hit a vape too many times, or simply underestimated a potent strain. Whatever the cause, you're now wondering how to get through this experience.

First, know this: you will be okay. While overconsumption can feel profoundly uncomfortable, cannabis itself is not lethal, and the effects will pass.

Understanding What's Happening

When you consume more THC than your body is comfortable with, several things can happen:

Increased anxiety or paranoia. Your mind might race with worrying thoughts, and you may feel convinced something is wrong even when you're physically fine.

Physical discomfort. Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, sweating, and feeling overheated or chilled are common.

Perceptual changes. Time may feel extremely slow, sounds might seem louder or more overwhelming, and you might feel disconnected from your body.

Impaired coordination. Moving may feel difficult or clumsy.

Intense sedation. You might feel unable to move or extremely heavy.

These effects, while unpleasant, are temporary responses to THC interacting with your brain and body. They are not signs of lasting harm.

Immediate Steps to Feel Better

1. Find a Safe, Comfortable Space

Get somewhere you feel secure. This might be your bedroom, a quiet corner, or anywhere away from stimulation and stress. If you're with others, let them know you've consumed too much and need to rest.

2. Remind Yourself This Will Pass

The most important thing to remember: cannabis effects are temporary. Even intense overconsumption typically resolves within a few hours. Tell yourself, "I will feel normal again. This is temporary. I am safe."

3. Focus on Your Breathing

Anxiety causes shallow, rapid breathing, which makes anxiety worse. Break this cycle with intentional deep breathing:

• Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 counts
• Hold for 4 counts
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts
• Repeat until you feel calmer

4. Stay Hydrated

Drink water or juice. Avoid alcohol—it can intensify cannabis effects. Having something to sip gives you a simple task to focus on and helps with dry mouth.

5. Try Eating Something

Some people find that eating helps ground them. Light snacks are often easier to stomach than heavy foods. Even if you don't feel hungry, nibbling on something simple might help.

6. Reduce Stimulation

Dim the lights, turn off intense music or television, and create a calm environment. Overstimulation can worsen uncomfortable feelings.

7. Change Your Position or Location

Sometimes simply moving to a different spot helps shift your experience. Go to another room, step outside briefly for fresh air (if safe to do so), or change from sitting to lying down.

8. Distract Yourself

Put on calm, familiar music or a comforting show. Some people find that engaging their mind with something pleasant helps time pass more quickly.

9. Take a Shower or Bath

If you're at home and feeling up to it, a warm shower or bath can be soothing and grounding.

10. Sleep If Possible

If you're able to sleep, doing so is often the best way through an uncomfortable experience. You'll likely wake up feeling much better.

The CBD Option

Some people find that taking CBD helps counteract THC's more intense effects. If you have CBD tincture, capsules, or flower available, it may help take the edge off. This isn't guaranteed to work for everyone, but many people report that CBD moderates their experience.

What NOT to Do

Don't panic. Easier said than done, but remember that panic feeds on itself. You are physically safe.

Don't fight the experience. Resistance often makes things worse. Accept that you're feeling this way and focus on riding it out.

Don't consume more cannabis. Even if you think it might help, it won't.

Don't drive or operate machinery. Stay where you are until you're completely sober.

Don't consume alcohol. Alcohol can intensify cannabis effects and worsen how you feel.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Overconsumption happens to nearly everyone at some point. It's not a moral failing.

When to Seek Help

While cannabis itself isn't physically dangerous, there are situations where seeking help is appropriate:

If you feel truly unable to cope, reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or even a crisis line is okay.

If you've mixed cannabis with other substances, especially alcohol or prescription medications, medical attention may be warranted.

If you're experiencing chest pain or other concerning physical symptoms beyond typical cannabis effects, seek medical care.

If you have underlying health conditions that might be complicated by cannabis effects, err on the side of caution.

Prevention for Next Time

Once you've recovered:

Reflect on what happened. Did you misjudge an edible dose? Underestimate potency? Use in an uncomfortable setting?

Adjust your approach. Start with lower doses, wait longer between doses (especially with edibles), and be more conservative with unfamiliar products.

Know your limits. Everyone has different thresholds. Respect yours.

Key Takeaways

Taking too much cannabis is uncomfortable but not dangerous. The effects will pass, typically within a few hours. Focus on finding a safe space, breathing deeply, staying hydrated, reducing stimulation, and reminding yourself that this is temporary. CBD may help moderate effects. Prevention through careful dosing is the best strategy, but if overconsumption happens, you now know how to ride it out.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Individual experiences may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine.