Marijuana use doesn’t always result in euphoria.

Sometimes, while smoking weed, you feel strange. You experience an anxiety attack, head spinning, paranoia, and every terrible feeling you could imagine. This sometimes happens when you haven’t developed a certain tolerance to cannabis yet.

That’s what it means to have a bad high.

But not to worry, it’s not life-threatening. However, it’s certainly not a feeling you ever want to experience often.

If you wonder what a bad trip is and how to avoid it, you are in the right place.

Let’s get into the details below.

What Is A Bad High?

A bad cannabis trip can be a terrifying experience that leaves you with panic attacks, anxiety, and out of control. It’s a type of “greening out” that occurs when you consume too much cannabis or a strain too potent for your tolerance level.

Symptoms of a bad cannabis trip can include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and feelings of impending doom. It’s often associated with psychedelic drugs.

In severe cases, it leads to hallucinations and temporary psychosis. So, if you plan on consuming cannabis, start low and go slow to avoid a bad trip.

Always know your limits and stick to them to ensure you’re safe and comfortable. Remember, cannabis cause an enjoyable experience, not a scary one.

What Can Trigger a Bad Trip on Cannabis?

Too Much THC

One of the most common causes of a stronger high is too much THC. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that makes users high.

Consuming it in high quantities causes anxiety, paranoia, and other adverse side effects. If you’re new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, start with a small dose and slowly increase it until you find your sweet spot.

Strain Potency

Another factor that can trigger an intense trip is the cannabis strains’ potency. Marijuana strains have different levels of THC. Hence, some strains are more potent than others.

Taking a stronger train than you are accustomed to can trigger a bad trip.

Set and Setting

Your environment and mindset can also play a significant role in whether or not you have a negative experience. For example, being in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable environment can increase anxiety and paranoia.

Similarly, if you’re already feeling anxious or stressed, cannabis can amplify those feelings.

Mixing with Other Substances

Mixing cannabis with other substances, like alcohol or prescription drugs, may trigger an unpleasant experience during cannabis use. So, be aware of potential drug interactions and don’t mix substances unless you’ve consulted with a healthcare provider.

Dabbing

Dabbing, which involves inhaling concentrated cannabis extracts, results in bad trips. The high concentration of THC in dabbing is overwhelming for some people, especially those who are new to cannabis or have a low tolerance.

Also, dabbing has immediate effects, intensifying the high and leading to a bad trip. Some users have reported feeling paranoid, anxious, or experiencing hallucinations after dabbing.

However, it’s important to note that not everyone who dabs will have a bad trip. It largely depends on the individual’s tolerance, the quality and potency of the concentrate, and their mental state at the time of consumption.

Symptoms of a Bad Cannabis Trip

How do you know you have a bad trip? Here are the common symptoms of adverse marijuana trips.

Anxiety

One of the usual symptoms of trips is anxiety. When consumed in large amounts, THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, causes a racing heart rate and high breathing. It can trigger feelings of anxiety.

Paranoia

Paranoia is another common indicator of a bad marijuana trip. This can manifest as irrational fears, suspicions about others, or a sense of being watched or monitored.

Hallucinations

In severe cases, unpleasant trips lead to hallucinations, which are perceived experiences not based on reality. Such feeling is often frightening and disorienting, making users feel like they have lost touch with reality.

Rapid Heart Rate

A bad trip also causes a rapid heart rate. Sometimes it comes with sweating, shaking, and feelings of panic.

Nausea and Vomiting

Consuming too much cannabis causes nausea and vomiting. It’s an unpleasant experience for any user.

Confusion and Disorientation

Finally, a bad cannabinoid trip manifests as confusion and disorientation. This can make it difficult for users to navigate their surroundings or communicate with others.

How to Prevent a Bad Cannabis Trip From Occurring

How can you prevent bad weed trips while smoking cannabis? Consider the following:

Start Low and Go Slow

The first rule in cannabis consumption is: to start with low doses. It saves you from experiencing bad highs. This is especially important if you’re new to cannabis or have a low tolerance.

Starting low and going slow allows you to gauge your tolerance and avoid consuming too much.

Create a Comfortable Environment

Your environment also plays a significant role in whether or not you have a good or bad cannabis experience. So, create a comfortable and familiar environment when consuming cannabis. For example, you can dim the lights, play calming music, and have snacks and water at hand.

Be Mindful of Your Mental State

If you’re already anxious or stressed, cannabis can amplify those feelings. Thus, take note of your mental state before consuming cannabis. So, avoid marijuana if you’re feeling particularly anxious or stressed.

If you have underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression, you should talk to your healthcare provider before consuming cannabis.

Avoid Mixing with Other Drugs

Mixing cannabis with other substances, such as alcohol or prescription drugs, can trigger a bad trip. It’s crucial to consider potential drug interactions and avoid mixing substances unless you’ve consulted with a healthcare provider. Mixing drugs could cause drug abuse if unchecked.

How to Stop a Bad Cannabis Trip

If you are having a bad reaction after smoking weed for any of the previously mentioned reasons, there’s a way out.

Stay Calm

The first step in stopping a bad weed trip is to stay calm. Remind yourself that the effects are temporary and that you will start to feel better soon. Also, take deep breaths and focus on breathing to help calm your nerves.

Change Your Environment

Changing your environment can have a calming effect during bad weed trips. If you’re in a noisy or crowded place, try to find a quiet, comfortable spot to relax. You may take a walk and get some fresh air.

Hydrate

Drinking water may leave relieving effect. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids will flush the cannabis out of your system.

Distract Yourself

Another tip is to distract yourself. You can engage in calming activities like reading a book or watching a movie. You may also try to talk to a friend or family member who can help you feel more grounded.

Take a Cold Shower

Also, you can take a cold shower. The shock of the cold water will snap you out of your bad trip and help you feel more alert and focused.

Seek Medical Attention

If you’re experiencing a severely bad cannabis trip, seek professional help. You can call a trusted healthcare provider or medical professional who can help you manage your symptoms and provide the necessary care.

How Long Does A Bad Trip Last?

The duration of a bad drug trip varies. It depends on factors like the individual’s tolerance, the amount and potency of cannabis consumed, and the method of consumption.

In general, the effects of marijuana last between 2-10 hours. But the duration of a marijuana trip can be shorter or longer, depending on the circumstances. The peak of the effects typically occurs within the first 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption.

However, note the symptoms of a bad marijuana trip, like anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. It could persist for several hours, even after the effects of the cannabis wears off.

It’s not uncommon for individuals to feel “off” for several hours or even days after a bad trip.

Can You Overdose On Cannabis?

Although it is unlikely to fatally overdose on cannabis, it’s possible to consume too much cannabis and experience uncomfortable or even dangerous side effects.

The main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, THC, has different difficulties. They include increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure, impaired coordination, and cognitive impairment.

These psychoactive effects intensify when a person consumes a large amount of cannabis or if they consume cannabis that is more potent than they are used to.

Summary

Whether it’s caused by cannabis, psychedelics, or other psychoactive substances, bad trip symptoms are overwhelming– sometimes dreadful. However, understanding the potential triggers reduces the risk of having one.

Moreover, approach substance consumption cautiously, be aware of your limits, and seek support from trusted individuals.

While bad trips can be challenging, recovering from them with proper self-care and help is possible.

Ultimately, prioritize safety and well-being when consuming weed.