The Science Behind Calming a High with Food
When experiencing a cannabis high that feels overwhelming, it's often due to an overstimulation of the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) by THC. The key to calming these effects lies in understanding the entourage effect, a theory that various compounds in the cannabis plant, such as terpenes, work together to modulate the overall experience. Interestingly, many of these same terpenes are also found in everyday foods. By consuming these specific ingredients, you can introduce calming compounds that may help balance out the psychoactive intensity of THC. Additionally, certain foods can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
Key Foods to Incorporate for Relief
Black Peppercorns
The simple kitchen staple, black pepper, contains the terpene beta-caryophyllene. This compound has been shown to act as a selective CB2 receptor agonist, meaning it can produce a calming effect without psychoactive properties.
- How to use: Gently chew a few whole black peppercorns or sniff the aroma directly from the grinder. For added flavor, grind them over a small, comforting snack.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit are rich in the terpene limonene. Historically, limonene has been used as a remedy for the intense effects of cannabis. It is known for its uplifting, anxiety-relieving properties.
- How to use: Squeeze fresh lemon or orange juice into a glass of water. Sipping on this can be both hydrating and calming. The strong, sour flavor can also act as a physical distraction from racing thoughts.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts contain pinene, a terpene that may promote mental clarity and help ground you when feeling disoriented.
- How to use: Grab a small handful of pine nuts for a simple, grounding snack. Their distinct flavor can also provide a distracting sensory experience.
Nuts and Seeds
Many nuts and seeds are excellent sources of magnesium and zinc, minerals that are crucial for regulating nerve function and managing anxiety.
- How to use: Create a trail mix with cashews, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. A small, simple snack can also help stabilize blood sugar.
Complex Carbohydrates
Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole-grain bread or pasta, can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which has a calming and mood-regulating effect.
- How to use: A small bowl of whole-grain cereal or a simple slice of toast can be a comforting and stabilizing choice.
Hydrating Fruits
Keeping a bottle of water handy is essential for combating dry mouth, but water-rich fruits can also contribute to hydration and help ground you with their simple taste and texture.
- How to use: Snack on hydrating options like melons, oranges, or grapes. The cold temperature can also be refreshing.
Quick and Easy Calming Snacks
If you need something fast and simple to help you feel more stable, consider these options:
- A glass of lemon water
- Small handful of pine nuts
- A few black peppercorns (chewed gently or sniffed)
- Whole-grain crackers
- Sliced apples or a small bowl of melon
- A trail mix of nuts and seeds
Comparison of Calming Foods vs. Foods to Avoid
| Feature | Calming Foods | Foods/Drinks to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Reduce anxiety and ground the experience | Can worsen or intensify anxiety and high |
| Key Compounds | Terpenes (limonene, caryophyllene, pinene), Magnesium, Serotonin-boosters | Stimulants (caffeine), Empty calories (simple sugars), High-fat content |
| Examples | Lemons, black pepper, pine nuts, nuts, whole-grains, water | Coffee, energy drinks, soda, candy, fatty snack foods |
| Effect | Helps regulate mood, promotes clarity, physical grounding, hydration | Can increase heart rate, anxiety, and paranoia; may increase THC absorption |
| Best For | Feeling overstimulated, anxious, or paranoid | Preventing unwanted side effects from intensifying |
Beyond Food: Other Calming Strategies
While certain foods can offer relief, combining them with other simple techniques is often most effective. Here are some non-dietary strategies to help you calm down when feeling too high:
- Stay calm and remind yourself it will pass: A cannabis high is temporary. Remembering this simple fact can be a powerful tool against panic.
- Practice deep, controlled breathing: Focus on slow, deep breaths to help calm your nervous system and lower your heart rate. A 4-4-4 breathing technique (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4) can be very effective.
- Change your environment: If your current surroundings are overwhelming, find a safe, quiet, and comfortable space. Sometimes just changing the scenery is enough to reset your mind.
- Take a shower: The sensation of warm or cool water can be a powerful sensory distraction that helps to reset your mind and relax your body.
- Engage in a simple distraction: Focus on an activity that requires minimal effort and is not overstimulating. Listening to calming music, watching a familiar TV show, or coloring can help shift your focus.
For more information on the entourage effect and how cannabinoids and terpenes interact, you can consult research from reliable sources such as the National Institutes of Health.
What to Avoid When You're Too High
Equally important to knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid. The wrong food or drink can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Steer clear of simple sugars, like candy and soda, which can cause a temporary high followed by a crash, potentially worsening your mental state. Similarly, caffeine and alcohol can increase your heart rate and heighten anxiety, making you feel more on edge. Some anecdotal evidence also suggests that consuming fatty foods may increase THC absorption, prolonging or intensifying your high. Therefore, it’s best to stick to light, healthy snacks and water when feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Feeling uncomfortably high is a temporary and manageable experience. While time is the ultimate cure, incorporating specific foods that calm down a high can provide significant relief. By understanding the role of terpenes like limonene and caryophyllene, and the serotonin-boosting effects of complex carbohydrates, you can use common kitchen ingredients to help yourself feel more grounded. Combining these dietary choices with simple calming techniques like deep breathing and environmental changes can help you navigate an intense cannabis experience with greater ease. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid potential triggers like caffeine and sugar, and remind yourself that the sensation will eventually pass.
