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How to Get Rid of High in 10 Minutes
Feel steadier in 10 minutes with simple breathing techniques, cold water, and realistic timelines for how long your high will actually last.
Written by Lorien Strydom
October 8th, 2025
There's no instant off switch for THC, but you can feel noticeably steadier within 10 minutes.
The racing thoughts slow down, your heartbeat calms, and the spiral of worry loosens its grip.
We will walk through what works when you're uncomfortably high.
You'll learn the exact steps that help you regain control, realistic timelines for how long this lasts, and what to avoid that makes things worse.
Most uncomfortable experiences pass within a few hours as your body naturally processes THC.
Until then, simple household actions reduce the intensity and help you ride out the peak.
Table of Contents
Your 10-Minute Plan to Feel Steadier
How Long This Actually Lasts Based on What You Took
Water, Breathing, and Cold Water on Your Face Right Now
What Makes Things Worse and Why to Skip Them
When You Need to Look Normal at Work
Getting a Friend to Help Without Feeling Ridiculous
Black Pepper and CBD If You Already Have Them
Signs You Actually Need Medical Help
Why This Happened and How to Avoid It Next Time
Quick Answers About Coming Down from THC
Your 10-Minute Plan to Feel Steadier
Being too high means THC effects have become uncomfortable but temporary. You're safe, and this will pass.
Here's what to do in the next 10 minutes:
1. Drink water slowly. Sip, don't chug.
2. Breathe in for 4 seconds. Hold for 4 seconds. Exhale for 4 seconds.
3. Splash cold water on your face. Let it drip down your cheeks.
4. Focus on a simple task. Fold a towel, organize your desk, or watch something familiar.
5. Repeat the breathing cycle. In for 4, hold for 4, out for 4.
These steps won't make you sober, but they interrupt the mental spiral.
Your body is already working to process the THC, and these actions help you feel steadier while that happens naturally.
What Cancels Out High?
Nothing instantly cancels THC effects. Time is the only real off switch.
Cold water, controlled breathing, and simple distractions help you feel calmer while the high naturally reduces over 1-3 hours for smoking or 6-12 hours for edibles. Think of these as comfort measures, not antidotes.
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How Long This Actually Lasts Based on What You Took
Smoking or vaping peaks within 10 minutes. You'll usually feel clearer within 1-3 hours.
Edibles build over 1-2 hours after you consume them. They can last 6-12 hours, sometimes stretching into the next morning.
Newer formulations like Mood's Hero Dose Rapid Onset Gummies use nano-emulsification technology to work faster,
They typically work in 15-30 minutes, but they still last longer than smoking or vaping.
Concentrates and high-potency vapes land somewhere in between.
Effects hit faster than edibles but can last longer than flower.
Why Edibles Feel So Much Stronger
When you eat THC in edibles, your liver converts it to 11-hydroxy-THC.
This compound is more potent and crosses into your brain more effectively than regular Delta-9 THC.
That's why the same THC amount feels more intense when eaten versus smoked.
It's not your imagination—it's biochemistry.
How Long Does Being High Go Away?
Being high typically goes away within 1-3 hours for smoking or vaping.
Edibles can last 6-12 hours, depending on the THC amount and your metabolism.
The peak is usually shorter than the total duration.
You'll feel the strongest effects within the first hour or two, then they gradually taper.
Watch: How To Use Cannabis Flower
Water, Breathing, and Cold Water on Your Face Right Now
These three actions work because they engage your nervous system.
They give your body something to focus on besides the racing thoughts.
The Dive Reflex
Splashing cold water on your face triggers the dive reflex.
Your body's automatic response slows your heart rate when it detects cold water.
Your racing heartbeat isn't dangerous—it's just uncomfortable.
The dive reflex naturally brings it down within seconds.
The 4-4-4 Breathing Method
Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold that breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
This pattern is simple enough to follow when you're impaired. You don't need to count higher or remember complex sequences.
Bathroom-Stall Version
If you're away from home, step into a bathroom.
Wet paper towels and press them against your face and the back of your neck.
Stand at the sink and do three cycles of 4-4-4 breathing.
Then return to whatever you were doing with a clearer head.
What Makes Things Worse and Why to Skip Them
Some common instincts backfire when you're already high.
Here's what to avoid.
Alcohol Increases Blood THC Levels
Drinking alcohol when you're high amplifies THC's effects.
Your blood THC concentration rises, making you feel even higher.
Skip the beer or wine until you're completely clear.
It won't help you come down—it does the opposite.
Coffee Amplifies Jitters
Caffeine won't sober you up. It just adds stimulation on top of whatever you're already feeling.
Coffee makes both worse if you're feeling uneasy or your heart is racing.
Stick with water or herbal tea.
Does Coffee Help You Sober Up?
Coffee doesn't help you sober up from THC.
It often makes things worse by increasing jitters and uneasiness without reducing the high.
Driving Needs to Wait
Wait at least 6-8 hours after your last consumption before driving.
Even if you feel functional, your reaction time and judgment remain impaired.
When in doubt, call a rideshare or ask someone else to drive. It's not worth the risk.
When You Need to Look Normal at Work
We've all been there—you consumed before getting an unexpected text about coming in early.
Here's how to get through it.
The Discrete Bathroom Reset
Head to the bathroom first thing. Splash cold water on your face and wrists.
Do three rounds of 4-4-4 breathing while looking at yourself in the mirror.
Then return to your desk or station.
Focus on Routine Tasks
Don't try to be creative or solve complex problems right now.
Stick with familiar, repetitive work that doesn't require innovation.
Answer emails you've answered a hundred times before. File paperwork.
Organize your workspace.
Keep Your Responses Simple
If someone asks how you're doing, give a short answer.
"Good, just focused on getting through this project."
The more you talk, the more likely you are to say something that reveals your state.
Brief and polite works best.
Getting a Friend to Help Without Feeling Ridiculous
There's no shame in asking for help when you're uncomfortable.
Most people who use cannabis have been too high at least once.
Simple Text Script
Send this: "Hey, feeling a bit too high right now. Can you chat for a few minutes?"
That's it. You don't need to explain what happened or apologize.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
If you're alone, use this sensory exercise to anchor yourself.
Name 5 things you can see. Name 4 things you can touch. Name 3 things you can hear.
Name 2 things you can smell. Name 1 thing you can taste.
This pulls your attention away from spiraling thoughts and back into your immediate environment.
It reminds you that you're physically safe.
Black Pepper and CBD If You Already Have Them
These remedies get talked about constantly in cannabis circles.
Here's the honest truth about whether they work.
Peppercorns: Mixed Results
Some people swear that chewing or sniffing black peppercorns helps them feel calmer.
The compound beta-caryophyllene might interact with your body's cannabinoid system.
Evidence is mostly anecdotal. If you have peppercorns on hand, trying them won't hurt—but don't expect a miracle.
Do Peppercorns Help Sober Up?
Peppercorns may help some people feel calmer through beta-caryophyllene, but evidence is mostly anecdotal.
They won't actually sober you up or reduce THC levels.
CBD Might Take the Edge Off
CBD potentially moderates THC's effects for some people. It won't eliminate the high, but it might make you feel less on edge.
Results vary widely from person to person.
If you already have CBD products from Mood, you can try them—but manage your expectations.
Signs You Actually Need Medical Help
Most uncomfortable cannabis experiences pass on their own.
But there are rare situations that need professional attention.
When to Call for Help
Contact medical professionals if you experience chest discomfort that doesn't ease with rest, severe breathing difficulties, or seizures. These are rare with cannabis but warrant immediate attention if they occur.
If you consumed an unknown substance or mixed cannabis with other drugs, that changes the situation.
When in doubt, contact poison control or emergency services.
Is It Dangerous to Be Too High?
THC overdoses rarely cause permanent harm.
The uncomfortable effects will pass as your body processes the THC over several hours.
Most people who feel intensely uncomfortable are experiencing temporary effects, not actual danger.
However, if you have concerning symptoms like chest discomfort or breathing difficulties, contact medical professionals.
Important Disclaimer
We're not a medical authority, and this isn't medical advice. Contact healthcare professionals if you're concerned about your symptoms or need personalized guidance.
Why This Happened and How to Avoid It Next Time
Understanding why you got too high helps you prevent it from happening again.
Most overconsumption comes down to misjudging potency or timing.
Start Edibles at 5mg and Wait
If you're new to edibles or trying an unfamiliar product, start with 5mg of THC.
Mood's gummy selection includes options like the 15mg Delta-9 THC Gummies that you can easily portion into smaller amounts.
Wait at least 2 hours before considering more.
The effects don't peak immediately.
Smoking Hits Faster But Clears Sooner
When you inhale THC from flower, pre-rolls, or vapes, it enters your bloodstream through your lungs within minutes.
You'll feel peak effects quickly, but they also fade faster than edibles.
This faster onset makes it easier to gauge your comfort level and stop before you go too far.
It's harder to overshoot with flower than with edibles.
Why Edibles Feel Stronger
Your liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC when you eat cannabis. This metabolite is more potent and affects your brain differently than inhaled THC.
That's the reason the same THC amount hits harder in an edible than in a joint. It's processing through a different pathway.
Temperature-Controlled Vapes Offer Predictability
Mood's temperature-controlled vapes give you more consistent experiences. You're not guessing at potency with each inhale.
Balanced CBD: THC ratios also create more manageable effects.
When THC has CBD alongside it, the experience tends to feel less overwhelming.
Quick Answers About Coming Down from THC
Can You Speed Up Sobering from Weed?
You can't speed up the process of eliminating THC from your system.
Hydration, rest, and light activity help you feel more comfortable while your body naturally processes it over several hours.
What's the Fastest Way to Get Unhigh?
The fastest way to feel steadier is to apply cold water to your face, breathe in a controlled manner (4-4-4 pattern), and use simple distractions.
These won't eliminate THC, but they reduce discomfort within 10 minutes while the high naturally fades over 1-12 hours, depending on consumption method.
How Long Until You Can Drive After Getting High?
Wait at least 6-8 hours after smoking or vaping before driving.
Wait at least 12 hours for edibles. Even if you feel normal, impairment lasts longer than the obvious effects.
Does Eating Help You Come Down from Weed?
Eating doesn't reduce your high but can make you feel more grounded.
Simple snacks give your body something to process and can reduce lightheadedness if your blood sugar drops.
Will Exercise Make You More or Less High?
Light movement, like a short walk, can help shift your focus and improve circulation. Intense exercise might temporarily increase THC release from fat cells, potentially intensifying its effects.
Stick with gentle activity if you're already uncomfortable.
You Know What to Do Now
You have a plan: cold water, controlled breathing, simple tasks, and patience.
You know realistic timelines—1-3 hours for smoking, 6-12 hours for edibles.
You understand what makes things worse, like coffee and alcohol. You know when to ask for help and what signs need medical attention.
Next time, you'll start with lower THC amounts and wait longer before increasing.
You'll choose products from Mood with balanced cannabinoid ratios and consistent potency that offer more predictable experiences.
This uncomfortable experience will pass.
The techniques we've shared help you feel steadier while that happens naturally.
Remember: we're not a medical authority; this isn't medical advice.
Contact healthcare professionals if you need personalized guidance about your situation.
