How to Recover From Cannabis Edibles Fast

It’s easy to accidentally overdo it when consuming edibles, especially if you don’t know your tolerance or wait long enough before taking more. Perhaps your edible high lasted longer than expected, which can potentially happen when you’re trying a new product. No matter the reason, don’t worry — we have some tips and tricks to help you learn how to recover from edibles quickly. Keep reading to learn how to come down from an edible safely and swiftly. 

How Long Do Edibles Last? 

Edibles typically peak at 3 hours, and effects can linger for up to 12 hours depending on your dose and how your body reacts to edibles. This is why you can still feel high the day after consuming an edible.

If you don’t feel any effects and want to re-dose, don’t take more edibles until you wait at least 4 hours. Since edible highs last such a long time, it can be quite unpleasant if you take too much.

It’s important to consider how long edibles last and their delayed onset before consuming them. Time your edible consumption according to your schedule and consume responsibly.

6 Quick Methods to Recover From Edibles

If you accidentally overdo it and find yourself higher than expected, there are ways to recover.

These quick methods may not help you feel 100% better, but they can certainly lessen the intensity of your experience and help speed up the process of getting the THC out of your system.

1. Hydrate

The first way to negate the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) overconsumption via edibles is to make sure your body is well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water assists with edible recovery by giving you energy and helping to soak up and flush out the cannabinoids in your body.

Drink liquids that promote hydration, such as water, lemon water, coconut water, milk, cucumber juice, herbal teas, and aloe water/juice, as per NDTV Food’s list of the most hydrating drinks. Make sure to replenish your electrolytes if you’re drinking a lot of plain water.

2. Eat

For food, try eating clean, healthier options like fruits, nuts, and carbohydrates to assist with soaking up and expelling the cannabinoids from your body. Examples include pine nuts, almonds, lemons, oranges, pasta, peppercorns, and whole wheat bread.

3. Work Out

The next method for recovery is exercise — but there are some things to consider before you jump straight into it. Exercise is a good way to lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and distract yourself. Sweating may help get rid of the cannabinoids in your fat cells, but intense physical activity like running may be too much if you’re not feeling well. Don’t try to exercise if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Listen to your body and what it can handle. If you feel like you can handle working out, go for it. If you think it might make things worse, opt for a gentler activity like yoga or walking. Simply getting some fresh air can do wonders for bringing you down from an overwhelming edible high. Avoid risky activities like lifting heavy weights or using gym equipment when in an altered mental state.

4. Use CBD 

CBD counteracts some of the psychoactive properties of THC, making it an effective way to help you come down from an edible high. CBD gummies and tinctures both work, but tinctures have a quicker onset and are more potent.

Beginner CBD users should start with a dose of 10-30 mg. Increase every half hour as needed.

If you frequently run into the problem of getting too high when taking edibles, it can be worth looking for edibles that have a high CBD:THC ratio.

5. Take A Nap

Sleeping is arguably the easiest way to deal, or not deal, with too much edible intake. Luckily, cannabis promotes sleep, so even people with hyperactive brains should have no trouble dozing off. Taking a nap can help your body rest and recover from its intoxication. It’ll also make your high feel shorter. Although you might wake up feeling a little groggy, sleep will never make your edible experience worse.

6. Take A Detox Pill 

Weed edibles are processed just like normal food, which can be flushed out with detox drinks (or, as mentioned earlier, by hydrating). Detox pills can assist with getting an edible out of your system by speeding up your metabolism so that the compounds can be expelled faster. The length of time these pills take to work, however, might be a reason to opt for other methods.

There are a variety of detox pills specifically designed for THC, some of which can start to work around an hour after consumption. These pills usually have a variety of herbs, vitamins, and minerals to boost your energy. Some examples of detox pills are Toxin Rid and Nutra Cleanse. Be aware that herbal remedies can also interact with medication levels and alter them, and that not all detox products are manufactured with the same quality and safety procedures.

What To Avoid When Taking Edibles

Avoid caffeinated drinks like green tea, coffee, and energy drinks. Likewise, avoid other intoxicating substances like alcohol.

Don’t operate machinery or drive a car under the influence of edibles.

A strong edible high can last up to 12 hours, so consuming edibles at a responsible and appropriate time is vital.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t any foolproof ways to recover from edibles, but a combination of the above tips should help! Always consume edibles responsibly. If you’re too intoxicated to perform a task safely, don’t bet on drinking water to save you. 

If you’re interested in working edibles into your medical treatment plan or simply learning more about responsible edible cannabis use, get real medical advice from a medical cannabis doctor or cannabis coach today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I come down from an edible?

To come down from an edible, drink water, eat, take CBD, work out, take a nap, or use a detox pill.

How do I stop nausea from edibles?

To stop nausea from edibles, eat a good meal beforehand and have gentle snacks like crackers or popcorn on hand. Drink water or ginger ale slowly in small sips.

Why do edibles make me nauseated? 

Edibles can make you nauseated if you don’t eat enough beforehand, take too high of a dose, or if you don’t react well to the cannabis strain used in the edible.

How do I get normal after edibles?

To get normal after edibles, the main thing you need is time. Hydrate, eat some food, and take a nap. Working out can help too.

What not to do after eating edibles?

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, use power tools, or engage in any dangerous physical activities after eating edibles.

How do you reduce the symptoms of edibles?

To reduce the symptoms of edibles you can hydrate, take a nap, eat a snack, and work out. Ultimately, time is your best friend!

» Learn more about ending an uncomfortable high: How to Stop Being High Fast

This post was first published in August 2022. Information was most recently updated in December 2024.