Stop a cannabis anxiety attack with five steps: sit down, breathe at 4 seconds in and 6 seconds out, drink 8 ounces of water, eat a snack with sugar, and wait. Symptoms peak in 15 to 30 minutes. Most fade in 1 to 2 hours.
Why THC Causes Anxiety
THC binds CB1 receptors in the brain. This can raise heart rate by 20 to 50 beats per minute. A fast heart rate can trigger panic. High doses and edibles cause stronger effects. Edibles take 30 to 120 minutes to peak.
how to stop a cannabis anxiety attack
Steps to Stop the Attack
- Sit or lie down. Keep your feet flat.
- Breathe at 4 seconds in and 6 seconds out. Repeat 10 times.
- Drink 8 ounces of water.
- Eat a snack with sugar, such as fruit or crackers.
- Move to a cool, quiet room. Turn off bright lights.
- Distract with a task. Count 20 objects. Name 5 colors.
- Do not drive. Do not take more cannabis.
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
What Not to Do
- Do not take another hit or eat another edible.
- Do not drink energy drinks or coffee.
- Do not use a cold shower if you have heart problems.
- Do not try to vomit.
When to Get Help
Call 911 for chest pain, fainting, seizures, trouble breathing, or suicidal thoughts. Call US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if a child ate an edible. Call if symptoms last more than 2 hours or get worse.
Timeline
- 0 to 15 minutes: onset. Heart rate and anxiety rise.
- 15 to 30 minutes: peak. Symptoms are strongest.
- 30 to 60 minutes: fade. Anxiety drops.
- 1 to 2 hours: most effects end.
- Edibles: onset 30 to 120 minutes. Effects last 4 to 6 hours.
Prevention
Use low THC products. Use CBD with THC. Start with 1 to 2 milligrams of THC. Wait 2 hours before more. Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol. Keep edibles locked away from children and pets.