What to Do If You Accidentally Get Too High in Public

People walking briskly on a sunlit street with shadows on the pavement. Some are in shorts and sandals, others in dark pants and shoes. — Photo by Andreea Ch

You took a hit—or five—thinking you’d be fine. Maybe that edible you underestimated is now working overtime, or perhaps that pre-roll hit harder than expected. Whatever the case, you suddenly find yourself in public, feeling like an astronaut lost in space.

Your heart is racing, the world is way too loud, and every stranger’s glance feels like they know. Relax. You are not the first, nor will you be the last, to experience this moment of cosmic cannabis-induced overdrive. Let’s get you through this—smoothly, discreetly, and with minimal secondhand embarrassment.

Step One: Breathe and Accept the Situation

First things first—take a deep breath. No, seriously. Inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds, hold it for four, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple trick engages your parasympathetic nervous system, which is fancy talk for “it helps you calm the heck down.” You are not dying. You are just temporarily too high. No one is about to call the authorities on you, and you definitely won’t be stuck like this forever. THC-induced paranoia loves to whisper ridiculous thoughts into your brain, but remember: it’s all temporary.

Step Two: Find a Safe Space

Benches in a park surrounded by trees with red and green leaves. Ground covered with fallen leaves, evoking a calm, autumn mood. — Photo by Vishrut Bajpai

Now that you’ve convinced yourself that you’re not starring in a real-life episode of Panic: The Weed Chronicles, it’s time to find a place to chill. If you’re in a park, find a bench. At a mall? Head for a quiet corner, a restroom, or a café where you can blend in. If you’re with friends, let them know you need a minute. If you’re alone, find a comfortable, non-crowded area where you can ground yourself. Bonus points if you can locate a spot with fresh air—it does wonders.

Step Three: Hydrate and Snack Like a Pro

Cottonmouth is real, and a dry mouth only adds to the sense of unease. Water is your best friend right now. Take slow, small sips and let the hydration work its magic. If you have access to food, opt for something light and grounding—fruits, nuts, crackers, or even a piece of chocolate. Black peppercorns are known to help tone down THC’s effects due to a compound called beta-caryophyllene, so if you’re near a restaurant, request some freshly cracked black pepper and take a gentle sniff. It sounds bizarre, but it works.

Step Four: Distract Your Mind

Woman in a gray coat and headphones stands on a bus, holding a handrail. The interior is modern, with orange accents and large windows. — Photo by cottonbro studio

The worst thing you can do when you’re too high in public is hyper-focus on how high you feel. Give your brain a task—scroll through your phone, listen to calming music, chew gum, or count objects around you. If you’re near a store, browse casually as if nothing is happening. Engaging your mind in something simple and repetitive helps redirect your focus away from your own internal monologue of “I AM TOO HIGH” and back to reality.

Step Five: Call a Trusted Friend If Needed

If your internal dialogue still isn’t playing nice, don’t be afraid to phone a friend. A quick conversation with someone who understands can bring you back to earth. Even a simple text saying, “Hey, I got way too high, tell me something funny,” can provide the reassurance you need. If you’re around people you trust, let them know you need support. Most seasoned cannabis users have been in this exact scenario before and will likely guide you through it with humor and kindness.

Step Six: Ride It Out and Stay Cool

Woman in a white hoodie walks dog on a leash in a park, holding a coffee cup. Brick path, green grass, and trees in the background. — Photo by Samson Katt

Here’s the golden rule: The only way out is through. THC will eventually metabolize, and the overwhelming high will fade. If you need to stay put for a while, do so. Avoid making big decisions, oversharing on social media, or texting exes (seriously, don’t). Instead, embrace the weirdness. You’re in the middle of a very intense cannabis journey, and someday, this might just be a hilarious story to tell. Stay calm, ride the wave, and trust that you’ll be just fine.

Getting too high in public can feel like a one-way ticket to panic city, but with a few simple tricks, you can reclaim control and come out the other side unscathed. Remember to breathe, find a comfortable spot, hydrate, distract yourself, and lean on trusted friends if needed.