Conscious Cannabis Consumption

If Someone Consumes Too Much

Ask if they want medical help. If they cannot respond or symptoms are severe (seizures, chest pain, panic): Call 911.

If the guest chooses to ‘wait it out’:

• Move them to a quiet, low-stimulation area.

• Someone calm and supportive needs to stay with them.

  • The effects of smoking or vaping typically subside in 1-3 hours.

  • Edibles can take 4-12 hours to fully wear off.

  • Dim the lights, reduce noise, and provide a place to sit or lie down.

  • Let them rest if they feel sleepy.

  • “You’re safe. This feeling will pass.”

  • “This feeling can be intense, but it’s temporary and not uncommon after consuming too much.”

  • “Let’s focus on your senses. Look around and tell me five things that you see. Now show me four things you can touch. Three things you can hear,  two things you can smell and then take a deep breath, hold it for a moment and feel your feet solidly on the ground.” Repeat as necessary.

  • Have them recite the alphabet, and then do it backwards, take as much time as you need.

  • Try ‘Box Breathing’:

    • Inhale 4 seconds → Hold 4 → Exhale 4 → Hold 4

    • Repeat this pattern as necessary

  • Have them sing the words to their favorite song.

  • Give them a warm, wet towel for their face, neck and pulse points.

• If possible, have them walk around in some fresh air.

• Ask them about subjects that they’re interested in, refocus their attention. 

• Offer water or juice (no alcohol, caffeine).

• If available, offer:

  • CBD oil - if taken within a window, CBD oil held under the tongue can mitigate some of the negative effects of consuming too much THC.

  • Lemon peel/juice - contains limonene, anecdotally, consuming fresh lemon juice will mitigate some negative effects.

  • Chewing peppercorns - contains beta-caryophyllene which interacts with your Endocannabinoid System both as a terpene and a cannabinoid. Anecdotally, chewing whole peppercorns will mitigate some negative effects.