Tips to Avoiding a Negative Marijuana Experience
The way marijuana is viewed—especially as medicine—has changed drastically over the last decade. Marijuana is no longer just a flower or an edible with varying levels of strength and trustworthiness. Today, dispensaries offer a wide variety of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products, from tinctures to vaporizable oils, in a selection far broader than what was available in previous generations.
As the array and potency of cannabis products have increased, so too have the chances of overwhelming effects. Individuals who casually used cannabis in the 60s or 70s may find modern products significantly more potent and intense. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid the negative or overwhelming effects of cannabis use.
Trick #1: Relax, Hydrate, and Stay Calm
One of the most reassuring facts about cannabis is that you cannot fatally overdose on it. So even if you’re feeling paranoid or anxious, it’s important to remind yourself that the likelihood of physical harm is extremely low.
Mental state matters. Thoughts like “Will this last forever?” or “When will this end?” can amplify anxiety. Instead:
Relax – Listen to calming music, take a walk, or watch a familiar movie.
Hydrate – Drink water or juice to stay refreshed.
Nourish yourself – Having a snack or light meal may help balance your system.
Trick #2: Hot Showers & Capsaicin Cream
If you experience nausea, vomiting, or cramping after cannabis use, you might be reacting to high doses or, in rare cases, experiencing symptoms of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
What may help:
Hot showers – Steam and heat appear to relieve symptoms like nausea.
Capsaicin cream – A topical pain-relieving cream that works similarly to heat for CHS sufferers.
Note: Experiencing nausea once or twice doesn’t necessarily mean you have CHS. Also, high doses of CBG or CBD may cause nausea in some individuals—know your cannabinoids.
Trick #3: Black Peppercorns
If you feel paranoid or anxious after using cannabis, try chewing on black peppercorns or smelling ground black pepper.
Why it works:
Black pepper contains terpenes like pinene and caryophyllene, also found in CBD.
These terpenes are known to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, creating a calming effect.
For those prone to getting “too high” or anxious, consider keeping a 100% CBD tincture on hand. A few drops can help balance out THC’s intensity.
With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without unwanted side effects. Start low, go slow, and stay informed about what you’re using.
