It’s easy to buy weed online in Canada now, which might be why lots of people are curious about trying cannabis for the first time. One of the most common concerns among first-time users is: can I get a bad high from weed?

It’s an understandable worry – especially if you’ve heard stories of unpleasant experiences from friends. However, while bad highs do happen, they aren’t quite as scary as they sound. And they can be avoided too. Here’s everything you need to know about “bad highs” and how to avoid them.

Why Does Weed Get You High?

The secret to weed’s psychoactive effects is a class of chemicals called cannabinoids. They occur naturally in the cannabis plant. When we consume the plant (by inhaling or ingesting it), the cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system – a group of receptors found throughout our brain and body.

The key to cannabis’ classic high is one particular cannabinoid – THC. THC mostly affects our brain, making us feel euphoric. The other famous cannabinoid, CBD, actually doesn’t make us feel high at all. CBD mostly affects our body, leading to feelings of deep relaxation. That’s why medical marijuana users, who don’t want to feel high, use CBD-heavy products.

What Does A Cannabis High Feel Like?

Everyone will feel a cannabis high in a different way. Typically, people report feeling euphoric, relaxed, and giggly. Some also report that they feel more creative when stoned. Another side effect is, of course, the munchies – chances are, you’ll find yourself feeling hungry as well as high.

You might also experience a “body high” – a feeling of deep relaxation, and the sense that you don’t want to move. The stereotypical image of a stoner superglued to a sofa has some truth in it!

Your high will also be affected by a range of factors, including:

Your chosen strain

Each strain of weed you buy online in Canada has a unique cannabinoid profile. As well as different THC and CBD content, it will contain a range of other cannabinoids and terpenes. These will all affect how your cannabis high feels.

Your method of consuming

If you smoke or vape your weed, you’ll probably feel high within about 30 minutes. On the other hand, if you choose edibles, it could take up to two hours for the effects to set in. Dabbing is perhaps the most intense way to consume – you’ll feel the effects almost immediately.

Your natural tolerance and body chemistry

Everyone has a different tolerance for cannabis. Some of this just depends on your genetics and natural body chemistry. But your tolerance will also depend on how regularly you consume, how long you’ve been using for, and even your age.

Your environment and surroundings

The setting is surprisingly important when using weed. If you’re in an environment you find safe and calming, you’ll have a different experience than if you’re in a loud, stressful place. It can also depend on who you’re with, and what else has been going on in your life.

What Does A “Bad High” Feel Like?

While we all hope to have a fun, uplifting experience when we smoke weed, it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, we get unlucky and end up with a “bad high”. A bad high can feel a lot like a panic attack or anxiety attack. Common symptoms include:

• Racing heart
• Sweating
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Delusions

The good news is, it’s virtually impossible to overdose on cannabis. While a bad high can feel very unpleasant and scary, there’s very little risk involved. That might not help when you’re in the throes of an anxiety attack, but rest assured that the feelings will pass and in a couple of hours, you’ll be feeling fine again.

How To Sober Up From A Bad High

More good news: there are a few simple things you can do to help you sober up from a bad high.

Drink Water

Staying hydrated is always a good idea, and drinking water will help you sober up. Steer clear of alcoholic drinks though – you could end up feeling much worse. It’s also worth avoiding caffeinated drinks – water or juice is the best idea.

Distract Yourself

Because a bad high is all in your mind, distracting yourself can be a great way to ease the symptoms. If you feel able, take a walk – getting your blood pumping will help too. Or watch your favourite TV show, play a video game, or chat with your friends – whatever makes you feel safe and happy.

Relax and stay calm

Try to find a calming, safe environment to help you calm down. If you’re able to fall asleep, that can be one of the easiest ways to ride out a bad high. If that’s not possible, choose a safe spot, put on some calming music, and focus on breathing slowly.

Five Ways To Avoid A Bad High

Of course, it’s better to avoid a bad high in the first place. While you might just get unlucky, there’s lots you can do ahead of time to make a bad high less likely.

1.   Know your limits

If you don’t use very often, be realistic about your tolerance. Start small – you can always have more later if you don’t feel high enough. Even if you’re a regular user, be aware of your tolerance when trying new strains, ways of consuming, or in new environments

2.   Choose a strain that suits you

If you know you’re sensitive to THC, try to choose a strain with higher CBD content, or other cannabinoids that you like. Over time, you’ll get a sense of which strains work well for you, and which ones to avoid.

3.   Use in a safe environment

Remember, the setting can make or break your high. If you’re nervous, make sure you’re using somewhere you feel safe, and with people who you trust. A wild house party might not be the best place to try weed for the first time – instead, try it at home with a few close friends.

4.   Pick the right method of consumption

Smoking, vaping, dabbing, and edibles all affect you very differently. While smoking and vaping can hit you very quickly, edibles can sometimes offer an unpredictable high. Stick to methods you know and like.

5.   Get your dose right

Your dose is key to avoiding a bad high. Start small, and build up if you need to. It’s easier to control your dose when vaping than smoking. And when you buy weed edibles online in Canada, the dose is carefully controlled.

We can’t promise you’ll never experience a bad high – but we can assure you that it isn’t too much to worry about. As you get to know your tolerance, preferred strain, and way of using, you’ll become more confident avoiding a bad high. And even if the worst does happen, there’s plenty you can do to ease your symptoms – and sooner or later, the feeling will pass.