Edibles, with their delayed onset and prolonged effects, can sometimes lead to an unexpectedly intense experience. If you find yourself in a situation where the effects are stronger than anticipated, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort and regain your equilibrium.
Recognize Your Limits
Becoming aware when you’ve had too much is the first step towards recovery. The effects of edibles can be potent and long-lasting, so it’s essential to start with a low dose and go slow, especially if you’re inexperienced or have a lower tolerance.
Avoid Overconsumption
If you begin to feel uncomfortable after consuming an edible, it’s important to acknowledge that you may have exceeded your personal limit. Common signs include nausea, paranoia, and an elevated heart rate. Recognizing these symptoms early on is crucial for managing them effectively.
Learn to Set Boundaries
After experiencing overconsumption, it’s wise to reassess your tolerance levels. Consider factors such as the type of edible, its THC content, and your personal metabolism. Use this information to establish clearer boundaries for future use, ensuring a more enjoyable and controlled experience.
Hydration and Nutrition
Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition can play a significant role in mitigating the unwelcome effects of edibles. These basic yet vital steps can help stabilize your system and expedite recovery.
Why is Hydration Important?
Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of overconsumption, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Replenishing fluids can help flush out your system and alleviate symptoms like dry mouth and dizziness. Herbal teas and electrolyte solutions can also be beneficial.
Don’t Forget to Eat Something
Eating can sometimes help in moderating the impact of edibles. Opt for light, nutritious meals that won’t burden your digestive system. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as fruits and vegetables, can support your body’s natural ability to detoxify.
Rest and Relaxation
Rest is a cornerstone of recovery when the effects of edibles become too intense. It’s often the body’s best defense in restoring balance and clarity.
You Can Sleep it Off
Sleep allows your body to heal and your mind to reset. If you’re feeling the effects of an edible too strongly, try to sleep it off. Ensure your sleeping environment is comfortable, quiet, and free from disturbances to facilitate restorative sleep.
Calming Activities
When sleep isn’t an option, engaging in relaxing activities can also be helpful. Gentle yoga, meditation, or even a warm bath can help soothe your mind and body. These activities can lower stress levels and help you regain a sense of control over your experience.
Make Yourself Comfortable
In times of discomfort, familiar surroundings and the presence of supportive individuals can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
Comfortable Environment
Being in a safe and known environment can greatly ease the stress of an intense edible experience. Surround yourself with comforting items, whether it’s a favorite blanket or a cherished book, to create a sanctuary that fosters recovery.
Call a Friend
The company of a good friend or a caring family member can be incredibly reassuring. A supportive presence can help you navigate the experience, providing emotional support and practical assistance if needed.
Find a Distraction
Sometimes, the best way to cope with the overwhelming effects of edibles is to distract your mind. Engaging in simple, absorbing activities can redirect your focus and alleviate anxiety. If the anxiety lasts for a longer time, there are some ways to deal with it.
Simple Tasks and Hobbies
Immersing yourself in a hobby or a task can be a great way to distract yourself. Whether it’s painting, knitting, or working on a puzzle, activities that require a degree of concentration can help shift your attention away from discomfort.
Entertainment and Media
Losing yourself in a movie, a book, or music can also provide a welcome distraction. Choose light-hearted comedies or soothing music genres that can help lift your spirits and keep your mind engaged in a positive way.
Meditation Can be a Good Idea
Mindfulness practices can be a powerful tool in regaining your sense of calm and control after consuming too much of an edible.
Try to Reach Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help ground you in the present moment, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. Techniques such as focused breathing or body scans can be performed anywhere and require no special tools or environments.
Try with Guided Meditation
For those unfamiliar with meditation, guided sessions can provide structure and ease into the practice. There are numerous apps and online resources that offer guided meditations specifically designed to soothe and relax.
Can You Eat Too Many Edibles?
It’s crucial to understand that edibles can take longer to kick in, sometimes up to several hours, leading some individuals to consume more in the mistaken belief that they are not working.
Are There Any Risks?
The delayed onset of effects with edibles can indeed lead to overconsumption. Unlike smoking or vaping, where the effects are almost immediate, edibles require patience. Consuming too much can result in an uncomfortable experience, with symptoms ranging from extreme sedation to heightened anxiety or paranoia. It’s important to start with a low dose and wait to understand how your body reacts.
How to Recognize That You Took Too Much?
When you’ve consumed more edibles than your body can comfortably handle, there are several signs and symptoms that may present themselves. It’s essential to be aware of these to take appropriate action.
Physical Symptoms
Overindulgence in edibles can lead to physical discomfort, which may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, impaired motor control, and an uncomfortably rapid heartbeat. These symptoms occur because THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various bodily functions.
Psychological Effects
The psychological impact of consuming too many edibles can be profound. Users may experience intense anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, or in some cases, hallucinations. These effects are due to the psychoactive nature of THC, which can affect brain chemistry and perception.
According to the analysis provided by the Research Triangle Park:
“Episodes of severe cannabis-induced behavioral impairment are common, experienced by 65 percent of medicinal cannabis users. These overdoses are highly aversive experiences that can result in cognitive and motor impairment, extreme sedation, agitation, anxiety, cardiac stress, and vomiting”
If you think that you got too much of it, the first and most important step is to stay calm. Remember that while uncomfortable, the effects are temporary.
Hydration is key; drinking water or electrolyte beverages can help mitigate some physical symptoms. If symptoms are severe or if there is concern for personal safety, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. It’s important to be honest with healthcare providers about the consumption of edibles for the best care.
How to Prevent Overconsumption?
The adage “start low and go slow” is the golden rule with edibles. Begin with a small dose, especially if you are new to edibles or have a low tolerance, and wait at least two hours to gauge the effects before considering consuming more. Educate yourself on how to read the labels of edible products. Pay attention to the THC content and serving sizes to consume responsibly.
Be Responsible
Always use edibles in a safe and comfortable setting, preferably with someone who can assist if you consume too much. Never drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming edibles.
FAQs
What Should You Do If You Feel Sick After an Edible?
Stay hydrated, rest, and eat light snacks. If symptoms are severe, seek medical help.
How Long Do the Effects of Edibles Last?
The effects can last between 4 to 12 hours, with peak effects at 2 to 3 hours.
What Helps After Taking an Edible?
Drinking water, resting, and light activities such as walking can help lessen the effects.
How Do You Get Rid of the High From Edibles?
Hydration, rest, and time are your best remedies. CBD may also help counteract THC effects. If discomfort persists, consult a medical professional.
Conclusion
Yes, it is possible to eat too many edibles, and doing so can lead to an uncomfortable and potentially alarming experience. By understanding potency, recognizing the signs of overconsumption, and knowing how to manage it, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience with edibles.
