I took what I thought was a normal dose of an edible (10mg) but it's been 2 hours and I feel way too high. My heart is racing, I'm anxious, and everything feels overwhelming. I'm not in danger am I? What can I do to feel better faster?
Medical Science Editor, PharmD
You are going to be okay. No one has ever died from a cannabis overdose. What you are experiencing is uncomfortable but not medically dangerous for a healthy adult.
1. Find a safe, comfortable place to sit or lie down. Don't drive or operate anything.
2. Remind yourself: "This will pass." The peak of edible effects is typically 2–3 hours after consumption. You are likely near or at the peak. It will get better.
3. Breathe slowly and deliberately. Slow, deep breaths activate your parasympathetic nervous system and reduce the anxiety response. Try box breathing: inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4.
4. Drink water. Staying hydrated helps. Avoid alcohol — it dramatically increases THC absorption.
5. Eat something. A light snack (crackers, fruit) can help slow absorption and ground you.
6. Change your environment. If you are alone, call a trusted friend to stay with you. If you are in a stimulating environment, move somewhere quieter and darker.
7. Distract yourself. Watch a familiar, comforting show. Listen to calming music. The more you focus on the anxiety, the worse it feels.
If you have CBD oil or a high-CBD product available, taking 25–50mg of CBD can reduce THC's psychoactive effects. CBD partially blocks CB1 receptors, reducing the intensity of the high.
This sounds strange but has anecdotal support: chewing or smelling black peppercorns may reduce cannabis anxiety. Black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene and pinene, terpenes that may modulate the endocannabinoid system.
Go to urgent care or call 911 if you experience: chest pain (not just racing heart), difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or if you are with someone who cannot be roused. These are rare but warrant medical attention.
10mg is actually a standard dose, but edible potency varies enormously by product and individual metabolism. Some people are very sensitive to edibles. Start with 2.5–5mg next time and wait the full 2 hours before taking more. Our Dosing Calculator can help you find your right dose.
Community Member
Adding to the excellent advice above: the "too high" feeling from edibles is almost always anxiety about the experience, not the cannabis itself. The physical sensations (racing heart, heightened awareness) are real but not dangerous.
One thing that really helps me: put your feet flat on the floor and focus on the physical sensation of the floor under your feet. This grounding technique pulls your attention out of your head and into your body in a calming way.
Also: tell someone you trust what happened. Being alone while too high amplifies anxiety. A calm friend who knows what's happening can make a huge difference.
You'll be fine. Most people who have this experience laugh about it later.
Community Member
Update: I'm okay! It took about 4 hours total but I followed the advice here — slow breathing, water, a familiar TV show — and it gradually got better. The black pepper thing actually seemed to help, which is wild. Thank you all so much. I'll definitely start much lower next time.