Lifestyle

How to Hide Your High: 6 Ways to Stop Looking High

March 27, 2025 08:00 am ET Estimated Read Time: 9 Minutes

Fact checked by Precious Ileh Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Benavides

How to Hide Your High: 6 Ways to Stop Looking High

Cannabis can alter your appearance and behavior, even if the effects feel mild. Red eyes, dry mouth, and slower reactions are easy to spot.

You can reduce those signs. You may not completely erase a high, but you can make it less noticeable with the right steps.

This guide breaks down what makes you look high and how to fix it. You’ll learn what others notice, how long those signs last, and how to look more composed in a short amount of time.

Signs You Look High: What Others Notice

THC affects how your body looks and how you respond in real time. These changes are often easy to notice in social settings. Research shows that THC impacts memory, coordination, and attention, which can shape how you speak and behave.

Red eyes are among the most visible signs. THC lowers blood pressure, expanding eye blood vessels. This causes the whites of your eyes to turn red or bloodshot.

Dry mouth often appears at the same time. Reduced saliva can make your lips feel sticky, and your speech sound less clear. The American Dental Association links cannabis use to oral dryness.

Stoned eyes have a distinct look. Your eyes may seem heavy, with drooping lids and slow blinking. THC impairs alertness and muscle control, causing this. These signs often last a few hours. For many, redness and heaviness persist for 3 to 4 hours.

Behavior also changes in ways others can notice. Speech may slow down, and responses can take longer. Some people become quiet, while others talk more than usual.

Other signs include a faster heart rate or slight dizziness when standing. These effects usually aren’t dangerous but contribute to the overall impression.

How Long Does a High Last?

The length of a high depends on how you consume cannabis and how your body processes THC. Smoking or vaping produces effects lasting 1 to 3 hours. Edibles last longer, between 4 and 8 hours, with some effects of cannabis lingering beyond that at higher doses.

Visible signs follow a similar timeline. Bloodshot eyes and heavy eyelids often remain noticeable for about 3 to 4 hours after use. Dry mouth and slower responses may fade within a few hours, though this varies based on dose and tolerance.

However, greening out can last longer than a typical high. Most episodes resolve in 30 minutes to several hours, which is typical for someone who has consumed a high dose. Edibles may extend this period due to slower absorption and more pronounced body effects.

6 Ways to Hide Your High

Certain signs of a cannabis high are visible but can be concealed with simple adjustments. Most effective ways to hide the fact that you’re high focus on the eyes, mouth, smell, and overall behavior. These steps do not remove THC from your system, but can quickly make its effects less apparent.

Use Eye Drops for Red Eyes

Red eyes are one of the most noticeable signs of being high. Over-the-counter eye drops can reduce redness by narrowing the blood vessels in the eyes. Ingredients such as tetrahydrozoline act on the surface of the eye and can clear redness within minutes.

This effect is temporary, but it can improve how your eyes look during social interactions. Clinical guidance shows that vasoconstrictor drops work quickly for mild eye redness. Relief often appears within minutes and can last for a few hours.

Stay Hydrated to Reduce Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can interfere with speech and appearance. THC decreases saliva production, causing a sticky or parched sensation. Drinking water restores saliva and normal speech.

Hydration also supports overall alertness. Small sips over time can keep your mouth from drying out again. Chewing gum or using alcohol free mouthwash can support this effect by stimulating saliva and improving breath at the same time.

Fix Cannabis Breath and Smell

Cannabis odor lingers on breath, skin, and clothing. Smoke attaches to fabric and hair, making the smell of weed noticeable even after use. Breath can still carry scent, especially after smoking.

Basic hygiene steps can reduce this. Mouthwash and gum can help manage breath, while washing hands and face can reduce surface odor. Fresh clothing can lower the chance of smell carrying into public spaces, since fabric tends to hold onto smoke particles.

Eat Pine Nuts, Lemon, or Black Peppercorns

Certain foods contain terpenes that may interact with how THC feels in the body. Black peppercorns contain caryophyllene, lemon contains limonene, and pine nuts contain pinene. These compounds are also found in cannabis and may influence how the high is perceived.

Some reports suggest these terpenes may reduce intensity. Use small amounts like a few peppercorns or lemon slices. The effect is not guaranteed but is widely discussed in research and consumer reports.

Try CBD to Reduce the High

CBD interacts with the same receptor system as THC but produces different effects. It does not create a high and may influence how THC binds to CB1 receptors. This interaction may reduce the intensity of certain effects associated with THC.

Fast-acting formats include sublingual oils or tinctures, which absorb under the tongue. Effects may begin within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the product. Early research suggests CBD may help moderate THC’s effects, though results vary based on dose and individual biology.

Change Clothes and Rest

Clothing can carry the smell of cannabis, especially after smoking. A change of clothes can reduce how noticeable the scent is in close settings. This is more relevant for smoke exposure, as vapor tends to leave less odor.

Rest can also reduce visible signs. A short nap may help your body process THC and reduce signs like heavy eyes or slowed responses. Sleep research shows that cannabis can influence rest patterns, which may support this effect in some users.

What to Do if a Friend Is Greening Out

Greening out can feel intense, but it is not life-threatening in most cases. It usually happens after consuming a high dose of THC, especially with edibles. Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, sweating, anxiety, and confusion.

You may notice that your friend feels disoriented or unable to stay focused. The effects often peak within a few hours and then fade as the body processes THC. Most episodes resolve within the same day, though edibles can extend the duration due to slower absorption.

In these situations, a calm and steady approach can help reduce distress and support recovery:

Stay calm and reassure them: A steady presence can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of safety while the effects pass.
Move to a quiet and comfortable space: A low-stimulation environment can help ease discomfort and support recovery.
Offer water: Hydration can help with dry mouth and general discomfort, while alcohol and caffeine may worsen symptoms.
Try CBD if available: CBD may interact with THC receptors and reduce the intensity of the high for some people.
Know when to seek medical help: Medical care may be needed if your friend loses consciousness, shows seizure-like symptoms, or cannot respond.

These steps focus on reducing discomfort while the body processes THC. Time remains the main factor in recovery, and most people return to normal once the effects wear off.

Final Thoughts

Looking high often comes down to a few visible cues that others recognize right away. These cues can be managed with simple, targeted adjustments that improve how you appear in social or professional settings.

Your response to cannabis is not the same every time. Factors such as dose, product type, and individual biology shape how noticeable the effects are. Staying aware of these differences can help you better understand what to expect in different situations.

Reliable guidance can help you make informed choices around cannabis use and its effects. A licensed physician can provide clarity on dosing, tolerance, and overall safety. Find a doctor today on Veriheal.

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.

Note: Veriheal does not support illegally consuming therapeutic substances such as cannabis but acknowledges that it transpires because of the current illicit status, which we strive to change by advocating for research, legal access, and responsible consumption. Always consult a physician before attempting alternative therapies.

FAQ

How to Get Rid of Stoned Eyes Fast?

Redness-relieving eye drops work within minutes by constricting blood vessels, making them the fastest way to reduce stoned eyes. Hydration and cold water on your face can also help, and most stoned eyes resolve on their own within 3 to 4 hours.

How Long Does Greening Out Usually Last?

Greening out usually lasts from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much THC was consumed and the method used. Edibles can extend the experience, but they are not dangerous and will pass as your body processes THC.

How to Help Someone Greening Out?

Stay calm, keep them in a quiet and comfortable space, and offer water to support hydration. CBD may help reduce the intensity for some people, and the effects will pass with time.

How Long Does It Take to Get Unhigh?

It usually takes about 1 to 3 hours to feel un-high after smoking, while edibles can last 4 to 8 hours or longer. The exact timing depends on your dose, tolerance, and how your body processes THC.

How To Hide Your High at Work or in Public?

Eye drops can reduce bloodshot eyes, while gum or mouthwash can improve breath, and hydration can ease dry mouth. Fresh clothes can reduce odor, and a calm, steady pace in conversation can help you appear more composed.

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Posted by Jasmine Cook

Jasmine Cook is a Los Angeles copywriter. She’s loved writing since elementary school, and she’s so excited to bring her passion to Veriheal. When she’s not writing, you can find her rewatching Succession and Gilmore Girls, hiking, or frequenting cafes.