Read This And Breathe
I'm too high. What do I do?
You are safe. No one has died from a cannabis overdose. The feeling is temporary. Right now, do these four things in order. The whole protocol takes about 5 minutes.
Right now, in order:
- Sit or lie down. Somewhere familiar. Lights low.
- Breathe. In through nose 4 seconds. Hold 7. Out through mouth 8. Four times.
- Sip cool water. Slowly. A few sips, not a whole bottle.
- Look around and name out loud: 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
Repeat the breathing if your heart is still racing. The peak passes. You are okay.
How long until this passes?
Smoking or vaping: The intense feeling fades within 30 to 90 minutes. Full sober within 2 to 4 hours.
Edibles: The peak lasts longer. Plan to ride it out for 4 to 8 hours. Sleep is the best fast-forward.
Either way: You will not stay this high forever. Cannabis cannot kill you the way alcohol or opioids can.
Things that actually help
- 4-7-8 breathing
- 5-4-3-2-1 grounding
- Cool water sips
- A small carb snack (toast, crackers)
- CBD oil under the tongue, if you have it
- Black pepper chew or sniff
- Cold shower or a wet washcloth on the neck
- A familiar comfort movie
- Lying flat, eyes closed, slow breath
- Sleep
When to call for help
Cannabis on its own is not fatal, but call a professional if you have any of these:
- Chest pain that does not pass after 20 minutes of rest
- Repeated vomiting
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Hallucinations that genuinely frighten you
- Mixed cannabis with alcohol, opioids, or other substances
US: SAMHSA helpline 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7). Poison control: 1-800-222-1222.
Canada: Health Link 811. Poison control varies by province.
Calmer things to do while you wait