Cannabis Science

How to Sober Up From Weed Fast

picture of weed

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned veteran, chances are you’ve needed to get sober quickly at some point. The truth is there is no scientifically proven way to rid your body of cannabis. Whichever way you chose to use it, it will take some time for the high to go away. However, if you talk to a friend they may have some suggestions for you. We’re going to look at the reasoning behind these suggestions. However, first, let’s look at how long you’ll be high first. 

Photo: Unsplash 

How long does it take to sober up from weed?

Marijuana can be detected in a variety of body fluids up to months depending on how much weed was used. However, you won’t feel high for months, thankfully. There are many factors that determine how long you experience a high. According to Healthline, a high can last between 2-10 hours depending on the following factors:

  • Quantity of THC
  • Tolerance of weed
  • Quantity of weed
  • Body weight
  • Percentage of body fat
  • If you’ve eaten
  • Method (herb vs edibles) 
  • Metabolism

Medical News Today has echoed similar sentiments about the factors that affect your high. They mentioned the type of weed used, the combination of weed with other substances and the method by which you use weed. 

How long will I be high?

The table below shows the average length of time you’ll be high based on the method of delivery. 

Method of DeliveryTime it Takes To Feel EffectsTypical Length of High How Long The High Could Last
Smoke or Vape 2-10 minutes1-3 hours8 hours
Eating30-60 minutes2 hours24 hours 
DabbingAlmost instantly1-3 hours24 hours
Source: Healthline 

Weed Tolerance 

Your tolerance affects how long you’ll be high. According to Medical News Today, people who use weed more often may have a higher tolerance. The article said, “a person with a higher tolerance for cannabis may find its effects are weaker and do not last as long.” Therefore, if you’re a novice you may experience a longer, more intense high. 

Weed and food you’ve eaten

Did you know it’s believed that the food you eat may affect your high? It’s commonly thought that whether or not you’ve eaten plays a role in how marijuana affects your body. However, Medical News Today says that “anecdotal reports suggest mangoes can have this effect [of increasing one’s high]. In contrast, other food items may reduce the effect of weed, such as those rich in fat.”

How to sober up from weed fast

If you need to sober up from weed, there are a few tips that have been suggested. Here’s what we found:

Give black pepper a try

We’ve mentioned black pepper in our “Can You Overdose On Weed?” article but it’s relevant to bring it up again. According to a study, caryophyllene, which is found in black pepper, can provide mental clarity and sedation. Β-caryophyllene is also a terpenoid found in cannabis. The idea is that black pepper can decrease the high because it reduces the effects of THC, which is the component responsible for the high. Healthline suggests sniffing some black pepper (without inhaling it) or chewing on a couple of peppercorns. 

Take a nap

Taking a nap when you’re having a problem may not always be a wise decision but in this case, it is. Healthline recommends taking a nap because, “sleeping can help you relax if your high has you feeling anxious or paranoid. It also gives your body time to process and eliminate the cannabis. You’ll likely wake up feeling refreshed and more alert after a few winks.” Medical News Today says that sleeping is the best way to sober up. 

Get some CBD

CBD can work as an antagonist for THC and can therefore dull the high. 

Shock it out of your system

Don’t worry this does not involve any electricity. Medical News Today says that people report that a cold bath or shower can seemingly dull a high and make you more alert. The article also mentioned that the sourness of a lemon could make a person more alert as well. 

Have some pine nuts

A study mentions that pine nuts contain pinene and limonene which can make you more alert. Of course, if you have a nut allergy it’s best to sit this one out. 

Grab some lemons

Besides the sourness of the lemon making you more alert, the peel can also be beneficial. Fatherly says, “lemon peels are particularly rich in limonene, the chemical that helps in recovery from marijuana.” Healthline suggests steeping lemon peels in hot water for a couple of minutes, then removing them before you enjoy.

Tips on preventing a long high 

While most people look for ways to extend their high, some people may need to cut their high short for a myriad of reasons. If you think you may be able to stay high for only a short period of time, here are some things to do before you blaze up. 

Opt for weed with less THC and more CBD

THC is responsible for the high so naturally, weed with less THC should give a less intense high. As we’ve said, CBD dulls the effect of THC so having more CBD in the weed will result in a less intense high. 

Don’t mix your weed

Some people like to mix weed with other substances such as alcohol; however, if you don’t want a long high, just stick to weed. According to Medical News Today, “drinking alongside cannabis use also causes the THC to stay in the body’s system for longer than usual, as the alcohol slows down the metabolic process. This extends the duration of the high.”

Maybe skip edibles

Edibles are known to give you a longer high. So if you really don’t want a long high, smoking a blunt maybe your best bet.

Conclusion 

Everybody reacts to weed differently. Certain factors that are unique to you may cause you to have a longer high or the opposite. Even the way you consume weed can affect how quickly it will take you to sober up. Letting some time pass is really your best bet to sober up but if you’re in a pinch it’s worth trying black pepper or some of these other recommendations.

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About Trevann

Trevann is Stoner Rotation’s Jamaica-based lead writer for the Science section of our cannabis blog. She graduated with honors receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology from the University of West Indies, Mona. For the last three years, she has covered some of the biggest questions around cannabis and health underpinned with research from supporting studies, medical journals and scholarly articles. Got something on your mind? You can reach her at [email protected].