What To Do When You’re Having A Bad Cannabis Trip

Let’s just start by saying that a bad trip doesn’t necessarily have to do with your tolerance. So, independently of how long you’ve been smoking for or how much you smoke, this article may be of interest to you. None of us walk into a sesh expecting a bad trip, but being prepared can go a long way in preventing your whole night from collapsing thanks to just a little too much weed.

Unfortunately, no one can yet explain what exactly causes a “bad trip”. It obviously has a lot to do with the quantity you smoke and more specifically, the THC concentration—but not exclusively. People have reported common triggers to be music, a certain conversation, the people around them, or even the strain that was being smoked.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

On some occasions, the cannabis high will feel a little overwhelming. What you experience will be different from what your friend does. However, one common symptom will be a numb feeling on your face, usually paired with sweat and a pale look. If you don’t know what's going on, it is normal that you feel scared—especially when your friends start constantly reminding you how pale you look and asking if you’re ok.

This will be followed by some stomach discomfort. The anxiety resulting from this is sometimes what leads people to throw up. This is why being prepared is important. Feeling anxious during a bad trip will only worsen the situation. Our stomachs are very deeply connected to our nervous systems, and these psychological responses will morph into physical ones if your ruminate over them.

It may be hard to believe this when you feel unbelievably high, but the feeling will soon pass. It’s highly unlikely you will become the first person to lethally overdose from weed, so there’s no need to fear of death. Remind yourself that you took a psychoactive substance and that your anxiety is taking over. Just relax, distract yourself, take deep breaths, and you’ll be fine. More on that later.

HOW TO PREVENT A BAD TRIP

With such a wide range of triggers for this discomforting situation, no recommendation will be 100% effective for every person, however, these tried and tested techniques have been known to help more than a few stoners in their time of need.

Considering your environment is key. This means, if you’re worried about having a bad trip, don’t smoke with people or in places you feel uncomfortable with. Wait until you’re settled in an atmosphere that feels right, with people you feel safe and happy around. Also, music can make a big impact. If you’re in a noisy club with a group full of strangers, this can make a bad trip even worse. For many, listening to one’s favourite music at a reasonable level is a good way to keep the vibes equalised.

Let us take this opportunity to say that if you’re out partying, stick to only one substance. Don’t mix alcohol with weed if you're not used to doing so.

If you know you have a tendency to feel overwhelmed when high, it can be nice to be at home or a location that feels like home. Having a quiet room where you can go lie down in a bed is very important. Just staying in there for 30 minutes can help you reset.

HOW TO STOP A BAD TRIP

Even though you did everything right, there you are, playing monopoly and you can barely see your little wheelbarrow anymore. It’s time to stop this bad trip before your friends start building hotels, or else you’re bound to go bankrupt 8 rounds in.

First of all, get away from your friends for a while and sit down somewhere peaceful. Grab a sugary drink or just some water on the way. Relax and try to take slow, deep breaths. Have something sweet to eat like cookies or a piece of cake. Sugar will always help in these situations. You may also try coffee if you’re a regular drinker. If not, stay away from it as it might worsen the situation.

Avoid loud music and loud conversations. Go outside and get some fresh air if you have that option. Close your eyes, as long as it doesn’t make you feel dizzy. Spending too long focussing on yourself won’t help the situation either.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR FRIENDS

Now that you know what you have to do for yourself, it’s easier to see what you can do to help a friend in the same situation. Bring your friend a soda or something to eat. Ask them if they want to talk to you, and if so, be patient. This is a person dealing with a lot right now, so don’t ask anything too specific and make sure to give them time to answer. Remind them of what they just smoked and that it will only last for a couple of hours, max.

But everyone’s bad trip will vary. You never truly know what’s going in your friend’s mind during a situation like this. Be respectful of what they’re going through. Let them know you’re there for them, but also give them space. People will sometimes feel sensitive and ashamed of being in a bad trip and will want to be left alone. Just make sure they know it’s ok and leave if that’s the case.

We hope that this has helped you and that you’re now more prepared and relaxed than ever. Good luck in your next smoke sessions!