How to Avoid Getting Too High: Tips for Beginners

Cannabis can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience when used responsibly. But if you’re new to weed or trying out high THC strains for the first time, it’s surprisingly easy to go overboard. One puff too many, one edible too strong, and suddenly you’re not just high — you’re too high. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I sober up from weed?” or worried about the effects of a weed overdose, you’re in the right place.

At Get Bud Online, we believe cannabis should enhance your life — not overwhelm it. This beginner’s guide will teach you how to avoid getting too high, what to do if you do overdo it, and how to choose the right products for your tolerance level.

What Does “Too High” Feel Like?

Before we dive into prevention tips, let’s define what it means to be “too high.” Being too high is a subjective experience, but common symptoms include:

• Panic or anxiety
  
• Racing heart
  
• Paranoia
  
• Confusion
  
• Nausea or dizziness
  
• Feeling disconnected from reality
  
• Excessive drowsiness or mental fog
  

These symptoms are not usually life-threatening, but they can be very uncomfortable — especially for beginners.

Why Beginners Are More Likely to Get Too High

If you’re new to cannabis, your body hasn’t yet built a tolerance to THC — the main psychoactive compound in weed. Beginners often misjudge dosage, especially with high THC strains or potent edibles. Common reasons people get too high include:

• Consuming too much too quickly
  
• Not understanding how edibles work (they can take 30–90 minutes to kick in)
  
• Using concentrates like dabs or vapes without realizing their strength
  
• Choosing strains or products that are too strong for their experience level
  

Tip #1: Start Low and Go Slow

This classic cannabis rule exists for a reason — it works. Beginners should always:

• Take 1-2 small puffs when smoking or vaping
  
• Start with edibles that have 2.5–5mg of THC
  
• Wait at least 1–2 hours before deciding to take more
  

Even if you feel nothing right away, resist the urge to double-dose. With edibles, the effects can sneak up on you later.

Tip #2: Know Your Product’s THC Content

Always check the THC percentage on the label. High THC strains typically have 20% or more THC, while low-THC strains may range from 10%–15%. Concentrates and vape pens may contain 70–90% THC, which is far too intense for many beginners.

Avoid high THC strains until you’re more experienced. Instead, look for products labeled:

• Balanced THC/CBD
  
• Low THC
  
• Beginner-friendly
  

At Get Bud Online, we clearly label all of our products so you can make informed choices.

Tip #3: Choose Strains That Match Your Mood

Not all weed is created equal. Some strains are uplifting and energetic (Sativas), while others are relaxing and sedating (Indicas). Hybrid strains offer a mix of both.

If you’re anxious or sensitive to THC, avoid strains that are known to cause paranoia. Instead, choose calming, CBD-rich, or indica-leaning hybrids for a mellow high.

Tip #4: Avoid Mixing Cannabis with Alcohol

Cannabis and alcohol interact in ways that can amplify the effects of both. For new users, this combination is more likely to result in dizziness, nausea, and disorientation — a recipe for a bad time.

If you’re going to consume cannabis, skip the cocktails and focus on staying hydrated instead.

Tip #5: Understand Edibles Before You Try Them

Edibles are one of the most common culprits of a weed overdose — not because they’re dangerous, but because users don’t understand how they work.

Important edible tips for beginners:

• They take 30–90 minutes to kick in
  
• The effects can last 6–8 hours or more
  
• Start with 2.5–5mg of THC
  
• Avoid eating more if you don’t feel anything right away
  

Be patient and plan ahead — don’t take edibles right before an important event or social gathering.

Tip #6: Set and Setting Matter

Your mindset and environment play a big role in how you experience cannabis. To avoid feeling too high, make sure you’re in a comfortable place with people you trust. Avoid loud or chaotic environments when trying weed for the first time.

Create a calm setting with:

• Soft lighting
  
• Chill music
  
• Snacks and water nearby
  
• A cozy space to sit or lie down
  

Tip #7: Eat Before You Consume

Cannabis hits harder on an empty stomach — especially edibles. Eating a meal beforehand can help your body metabolize THC more slowly and reduce the chances of getting overwhelmed.

Stick to light, healthy meals with some fat content (THC binds to fat), and drink plenty of water.

What to Do If You Get Too High

Even with all the precautions, it’s still possible to overdo it. If you find yourself uncomfortably high, don’t panic. A weed overdose doesn’t cause permanent harm, and the effects will wear off with time. Here are some proven strategies for how to sober up from weed:

Tip #8: Stay Calm and Breathe

This might sound cliché, but deep breathing really does help. Try a simple breathing exercise:

• Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds
  
• Hold for 4 seconds
  
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds
  
• Repeat for a few minutes
  

This helps regulate your nervous system and reduce anxiety.

Tip #9: Chew Black Pepper or Lemon Peel

It might sound strange, but chewing on black peppercorns or sniffing fresh lemon peel can reduce the intensity of a THC high. Both contain compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in your body to promote calming effects.

Keep these handy if you’re experimenting with high THC strains.

Tip #10: Take CBD to Balance the High

CBD (cannabidiol) is known for its calming, anti-anxiety properties — and it can counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC. If you’re too high, taking a dose of CBD oil, capsule, or edible can help bring you back down.

Look for full-spectrum CBD with no THC or low-THC blends for the best results.

Tip #11: Drink Water and Eat Something

Hydration and food can both help reduce THC’s impact on your body. Drink water slowly, and have a light snack (fruit, crackers, or toast) to stabilize your blood sugar and give your body something to focus on digesting.

Tip #12: Distract Yourself with Something Simple

Sometimes the best thing you can do is distract your mind. Watch a light-hearted movie, take a warm shower, go for a short walk (if safe), or lie down with some music.

Avoid checking the time or googling symptoms — this tends to make anxiety worse. Just remind yourself: you’re going to be okay.

Tip #13: Sleep It Off

If all else fails, rest is the ultimate cure. THC wears off with time, and sleeping can help speed up the recovery process. Settle into a quiet, dark room and try to nap or sleep until the effects subside.

Preventing a Weed Overdose: Final Thoughts

Let’s clear this up: a weed overdose is not the same as an overdose on hard drugs. While getting too high can feel overwhelming, it’s almost never medically serious for healthy adults. That said, it’s always better to avoid it in the first place.

Recap of Key Tips:

• Start low and go slow
  
• Know your THC percentages
  
• Avoid high THC strains until you build tolerance
  
• Learn how edibles work
  
• Don’t mix cannabis with alcohol
  
• Stay in a safe, comfortable setting
  
• Eat and hydrate before consuming
  
• Keep CBD or pepper on hand just in case
  

Best Cannabis Products for Beginners at Get Bud Online

At Get Bud Online, we cater to all experience levels. If you’re a beginner looking to explore cannabis without going overboard, check out our curated selection of:

• Low-THC cannabis flower
  
• CBD-rich pre-rolls
  
• Microdose weed edibles
  
• Balanced THC vape pens
  
• Beginner-friendly tinctures
  

We clearly label THC content and provide honest descriptions so you can shop with confidence. Our support team is always available to help guide your experience.

Final Words: Enjoy Responsibly and Learn Your Limits

Learning how cannabis affects you is a personal journey. What works for one person may be too much for another. By understanding your body, choosing the right products, and taking it slow, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis safely and comfortably.

Whether you’re curious about how to sober up from weed, trying to avoid a weed overdose, or just want to steer clear of high THC strains for now — you’re already on the right track.

Explore safe, beginner-friendly cannabis products today at www.GetBudOnline.com — and enjoy the high without the overwhelm.

REFERENCES:

Web MD. (2020). How Pot Affects Your Mind and Body. Available At: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-use-and-its-effects#1

Williams, B. C., Carmona, M., Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Wandler, K. (2021, August 9). Marijuana Overdose. Available at: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/marijuana-addiction/marijuana-overdose/ 

Dr. Dan Roden, MD