Navigating the Cannabis Bad Trip – Immediate Aid and Self-Growth Lessons

You might be having a few tokes too many and finding yourself in the middle of a cannabis-induced nightmare. Feeling like you’re about to kick the bucket and never snap back to reality?

Right from the get-go, know this: There’s never been a recorded case of a fatal cannabis overdose. To achieve that, you’d need to smoke an astounding 600 kilograms of cannabis within 15 minutes. In other words, you can’t smoke yourself to death.

If you have a buddy who’s suffering from a severe cannabis-induced freakout, we offer this guide with invaluable advice to provide immediate help. The first step? Keep calm, read this article, and don’t panic.

What is a Cannabis Bad Trip?

The majority of people tend to giggle, ponder, and get philosophical after consuming cannabis. The sudden bouts of hunger and the pleasant drowsiness that sneaks up on you are also commonly associated with cannabis use.

It sparks creativity, making it perfect for drawing, writing, or simply daydreaming. But there’s another side of cannabis consumption that no one wants to experience yet can lead to a terrifying trip.

This bad trip can range from feelings of discomfort to paranoid delusions and even full-blown panic attacks. You might take some time to recover from your cannabis bad trip fully. That’s why it’s crucial to read our anti-bad-trip guide.

What Causes a Bad Cannabis Trip?

Overconsumption of cannabis, especially when baked or cooked into food, can lead to these seemingly psychedelic effects. This is primarily due to the frequent conversion of THC into 11-OH-THC when consumed in this form.

This so-called THC metabolite, a byproduct of THC metabolism, forms in the body (specifically the liver) during the digestive process. An OH(hydroxy) group is added to the THC during this process.

Smoking cannabis works differently: The THC enters the bloodstream almost immediately, spreading to the brain and throughout the body without any conversion processes.

It’s believed that hydroxylated tetrahydrocannabinol can cross the blood-brain barrier more quickly and easily than THC itself. Additionally, it has more psychedelic effects.

However, you’ll notice the effects later than when smoking, as your food needs to be digested enough to reach the liver. Moreover, you can ingest much more THC in a short time through cannabis-infused cookies than through smoking joints. As a result, an overdose can quickly occur, leading to a cannabis “bad trip”.

Potentially, dehydration combined with THC could also lead to discomfort and even paranoid states or contribute to them. Therefore, always keep plenty of drinks on hand and hydrate regularly.

Understanding the Cannabis Bad Trip Experience

Ever found yourself trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts you can’t seem to control? It can happen even without the influence of weed, especially if you find it challenging to detach and reflect sensibly.

Now, imagine having cannabis in the mix, nullifying your internal censor and leaving you unable to break free from this negative thought cycle.

If you’re already grappling with worries and fears, the last thing you need is to add cannabis into the equation. Acting as a mental magnifier, it can cause your typically suppressed and hidden fears to swell into unrealistic proportions.

Suddenly, you find yourself unable to differentiate between your fears and reality, caught in a frightful spiral. Instead of the usual enlightening moments, you’re faced with fear and terror, resistant to comforting words.

In a nutshell: you should avoid such a horrifying cannabis trip at all costs. Particularly when consuming homemade weed-infused baked goods or edibles, these intense psychoactive effects can occur.

Curious about creating your own cannabis butter and finding your perfect dosage? Check out our detailed guide for all things weed and edibles.

Guide: Preventing or Dealing with a Cannabis Horror Trip

Once you understand the factors that can trigger a cannabis horror trip, you also know what steps to take to avoid one. Here are some tips that could help minimize the risk of an unpleasant cannabis experience:

• • First: Mood Check-In

If your mood is down in the dumps, it’s not the best time to indulge in cannabis. Weed has the power to intensify your current mood state but won’t magically transform bad vibes into good ones.

If you’re battling psychological issues, severe anxiety, or panic attacks, THC-rich cannabis might not be the best choice for you.

• • Second: Avoid Drug Cocktails and Polydrug Use

Mixing different substances can lead to them interacting with each other, resulting in unpredictable effects. The combined impact can be vastly different from what you’d experience with each substance individually.

• • Third: Enjoy Cannabis Around True Friends

Always consume cannabis in the company of like-minded, experienced friends. Feeling uncomfortable within a group can negatively influence your cannabis trip.

• • Fourth: Less is More When it Comes to Cannabis

With cannabis edibles – whether homemade or not – you can never be sure of the precise amount of transformable THC in each bite. Eating cannabis causes a delayed onset of effects compared to smoking, so you might be tempted to consume more than what’s advisable.

 

So, remember, start slow and keep the portions small. Also, ensure others don’t finish off everything while you’re patiently waiting, or they might be the ones experiencing a miserable cannabis trip.

Navigating a Cannabis Downer: A Survival Guide

Despite your best cautionary measures, if you find yourself in the middle of a cannabis-induced fright fest, don’t panic! There are steps you can take to gradually regain your footing:

1. Keep Calm and Breathe

First things first: if you’re experiencing rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath, paranoia, or a general feeling of unease, try to focus on your breathing.

As your breath steadies, so will your heartbeat, and your mind will also start to calm down. Stepping into the observer’s role can help you distance yourself from your fears. Remember, it’s impossible to be both the observer and the victim of fear at the same time.

2. Fresh Air and Relaxing Tunes

Secondly, sometimes just getting some fresh air or listening to some soothing music can do wonders. But it’s best to step out with a friend.

3. Distraction is Key

Thirdly, distraction is the magic word when dealing with a cannabis horror trip. Keep yourself busy or allow others to distract you until you start to feel better.

4. Seek Comfort in a Good Friend

Fourthly, lean on a good friend for support. Your friend could try to divert your attention, tell you jokes, or simply offer comforting words – anything to help you get your mind off your panic. It might not always work but it’s definitely worth a shot. Who knows? Your unsettling cannabis trip might just turn into an experience filled with laughter and profound conversations.

First Aid: Overcoming A Cannabis Downer

The following five tips will guide you to safely navigate your way through a cannabis downer:

1. It’s Only Temporary

Firstly, reassure yourself that this won’t last forever. Generally, the unsettling effects wane off in a couple of hours.

2. Practice Deep Breathing

Secondly, take deep and conscious breaths. This can help you relax both mentally and physically.

3. Take a Walk

Thirdly, a walk in the fresh air can do wonders. Physical activity promotes a quicker metabolism of THC.

4. Consider CBD Oil

Fourthly, consider taking CBD oil. Research in cannabis shows that CBD can act as an antagonist to THC.

5. Have Some Lemon Balm Tea

Fifthly, drink a few cups of lemon balm tea. Lemon balm contains the aromatic terpene ß-Carophyllen, which has a calming effect on the body, mind, and soul.

In conclusion: A cannabis downer is avoidable. But even if it does occur, you now have the tools to deal with it effectively!

Handling a Weed Freak-Out – How to Assist Your Buddy

Being amidst a cannabis-induced bad trip can be an incredibly distressing experience for your friend. Knowing how to assist them through this unsettling ordeal can make the journey as bearable as possible. Let’s dive into some steps you can take:

1. Arrange a calming environment:

Make sure you’re both in a quiet, safe, and comfortable space. Minimize noise, bright light, and other stress triggers. A relaxed atmosphere can aid in making your friend feel better.

2. Maintain calm and patience:

Your own tranquility and patience are infectious. Stay cool and composed to give your friend the sense of security and trust they need. Exhibit understanding and patience as they ride out the unpleasant trip.

3. Communicate empathetically:

Speak with a soothing, friendly voice and ask targeted questions to understand what your friend is feeling and experiencing. Let them know you are there for them, and they are not alone in this tough situation.

4. Remind them about the consumption:

Remind your friend that the freak-out is a possible outcome of the cannabis they’ve consumed and it’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. Assure them that these disturbing sensations are temporary.

5. Help them focus on reality:

Divert your friend’s attention to everyday things like the time or familiar objects around them. This can help them ground themselves in reality and lessen any time distortions or hallucinations

6. Offer distraction:

Sometimes, it’s helpful to divert focus away from distressing feelings. Suggest activities you can do together like listening to music, taking a walk, or watching a calming movie. Make sure the activity isn’t too stimulating or strenuous.

7. Encourage relaxation techniques:

Teach your friend breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques to release stress. Deep, slow breathing and deliberate muscle relaxation can help reduce the intensity of the freak-out. Remember that everyone reacts differently to cannabis. What may be uncomfortable for one can be safe and pleasant for another. Be patient, empathetic, and supportive – you will weather this tough situation together.

8. Be prepared for possible nausea:

Some people may experience nausea or vomiting during a bad trip. Have a bowl, a bucket, or tissues ready to assist your friend if they need to throw up. Offer them water or soothing tea afterward to replenish fluids and calm their stomach.

9. Stay informed and inform:

Know the duration and possible side effects of cannabis consumption to give your friend realistic expectations of when the unpleasant feelings might subside. This can help them understand the freak-out as a temporary experience and trust that they will feel better soon.

10. Provide support post-trip:

A bad trip can leave lingering effects even after its conclusion. Be there for your friend if they need to talk or require support in processing their experience.

Give them room to express their feelings and thoughts and show understanding for what they’ve gone through.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to be empathetic, patient, and supportive when escorting a friend through a cannabis freak-out. Your calmness and confidence can significantly mitigate their distressing experience.

By following the steps mentioned above, you can help them anchor back into reality and focus on getting through the bad trip.

Avoiding a Cannabis Bad Trip – Purchase Only From Trustworthy Sources

Apart from that, we generally advise against purchasing your weed in a dark Bangkok park.

If you’re not buying your buds from a Weedshop and are unaware of the THC content, it’s wiser to take things slowly and smoke a little first.

You’re not running a race or entering a competition. You don’t need to prove to your friends how much weed you can smoke in the shortest time.

Wait for the effects and take more puffs if necessary. Trust your mind and instincts, and heed warning signals.

On the other hand, mixing drugs can cause unexpected adverse effects. Therefore, avoid combining cannabis with alcohol or even medications.