The saying goes, “it is possible to have too much of a good thing.” Despite how beneficial any one thing is, a large amount of it may often have the opposite or harmful effects. We can apply this to several aspects of our lives from sugar intake to exercise and, yes, even cannabis. Here we will discuss, what happens when you feel you have taken too much, how to handle the situation if it happens, and how to prevent it the next time. Set and setting are important components of cannabis use and, as always, our care team is here on standby to help set you up for success before starting your journey. 

What happens when you take too much? 

If you feel you have taken too much, first of all – do not panic. Just as with consuming too much caffeine, it may be unpleasant and uncomfortable, but with time it will pass. 

It is good to know that cannabis itself will not cause you harm. There is a low density of cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem region and, unlike opioid receptors, there are no cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem areas controlling respiratory function. Therefore, lethal overdoses from cannabis do not occur. However because there are cannabinoid receptors throughout several other parts of the brain and body, if we consume too much we may have unwanted and unpleasant feelings to include:

• Increased heart rate
• Decreased blood pressure (which may lead to nausea)
• Muscle relaxation
• Lethargy
• Paranoia
• Anxiety

What do I do if I’ve taken too much? 

Take a deep breath, get fresh air, and focus on something you enjoy or talking to a close friend to deter any feelings of anxiety. Specific terpenes may also combat the unwanted effects. It is often recommended to drink water with lemon or eat black peppercorns. Limonene, found in lemons, has been studied for its anti-nausea, anti-vomiting, and uplifting properties reported to boost mood and metabolism while decreasing stress and anxiety. Beta-caryophyllene, found in black pepper, is known to be a stress-relieving terpene to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. This is why strains high in caryophyllene may have more calming effects versus those that are stimulating. 

Another tool for your tool kit is a THC recovery shot, developed by industry veterans at High Not. Their unique terpene blend works to alleviate the intensity of a head high and combat unwanted hangover effects. 

Preventing unwanted outcomes or a “cannabis hangover”

Starting low and increasing slowly enables one to find their therapeutic dose at the lowest amount possible. Finding your individual threshold can also help to prevent effects that carry over into the following day (a “cannabis hangover”). While you may have a good indication as to where to stop with smoking cannabis, it may become more difficult with edibles given the slow rate at which they will metabolize in the body. This is why Realm of Caring is here to help you find the most success from your cannabis experience – from quality product selection to dosing guidance based on your condition. 

We previously spoke with Michael Backes, Cofounder and Chief Product Officer at Perfect and author of Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana, to better understand prevention of “cannabis hangovers”. 

To avoid residual feelings of grogginess the next day, it may be best to pay attention to the terpene content, quality of the product, and how much you are consuming. Backes explains, “Most consumers inhale too rapidly. Reducing the intensity of inhalation also reduces the combustion temperature, which results in a smoother, less harsh experience. I advise taking a gentle inhalation (sipping) rather than hitting hard (ripping).”

You’re not in this alone

Realm of Caring is here to help you find success with your cannabinoid therapy. Cannabis can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Contact us today so we can help you on your journey. As always, our one-on-one support is free.