Hide Your High: Six Ways to Stop Looking High

Cannabis is an indulgence that has piqued the curiosity of millions of people worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that there are 147 million global consumers. However, Statista researchers pin the number of global weed consumers at 219 million! As legalization continues to paint the world map green, more people are introducing marijuana as a staple ingredient in their daily routines. This means that there are a lot of people out there looking high.

A cannabis “high” is the term used to describe the mind-altering journey that people venture on after indulging in psychotropic compounds, aka “cannabinoids.” One such example is tetrahydrocannabinol THC, which can be detected as a metabolite in the system for some time after getting high (i.e. THC-COOH). While it’s not necessary to slip into a state of bliss to reap the plant’s benefits, cannabis’s psychoactive element, THC, sure does present consumers with some therapeutic enjoyment.

Although many people seek the feeling of getting high when choosing a weed strain, looking high is not always ideal. Not to worry, because we’ve compiled a list of hacks on how to hide your high to help you maintain a fresh face ahead of a family gathering or social outing.

What Does Being High Look Like?

Once THC enters the bloodstream, passes the blood-brain barrier, and binds to CB1 receptors, the high kicks in. Remember that the rate at which a high kicks in depends on the method of consumption. Activation can emerge seconds after dabbing concentrates, minutes after inhaling smoke from a joint, or one hour or more after indulging in a cannabis-infused edible.

A typical weed consumer will be overcome by red eyes or “stoned eyes” and dry mouth (“cotton mouth”), so if you see someone with their lips stuck to their gums and a pair of bloodshot peepers, they may be experiencing the aftermath of a spliff session! 

The American Dental Association claims that there is a link between using cannabis and oral dryness. The scientific basis for this is the fact that THC activates CB1 receptors on salivary glands, too, reducing saliva production and potentially causing complications associated with dry mouth (e.g. caries, periodontal disease, etc.) if not addressed properly.

It’s not just the physical signs that suggest someone might be under the influence of cannabis. Certain actions or behaviors can also indicate a cannabis high, such as feasting on more food than usual, falling into a fit of giggles, or, in some cases, forgetfulness. THC can also cause anxiety or tension. This can be especially intense when “greening out,” which is when you consume too much cannabis within a short time. 

While THC may also cause more subtle physical symptoms like fast heart rate, dry eyes, and lightheadedness upon standing, overconsuming THC itself is not fatal.

How to Hide Your High

Want to hide your high? There are a handful of preventative measures that will aid you in your quest to look less stoned. For example, guzzling plenty of water within recommended limits will hydrate you, give you a burst of energy, boost overall health, and help form saliva to keep those cotton-mouth situations at bay! 

For chronic dry mouth, use alcohol-free mouthwash products and toothpaste containing xylitol (a sugar substitute, present in Biotene mouthwash and zero-alcohol mouthwash), as well as sports drinks, acidic drinks, or candies (e.g., fruit juices, lemonade, sour hard candy) can also help stimulate salivary receptors directly. Just be sure not to overdo it on the ingestible.

Learning how to get rid of the smell of cannabis is also imperative for someone who doesn’t want to offend people in public, at work, while traveling, or be exposed to their weed pastimes. Instead of scurrying to find a solution post-smoke, make sure you’ve got your smell-eliminating supplies at the ready beforehand. You might also want to prepare a change of clothes and a safe spot to smoke or take a refreshing nap before a social gathering.

Furthermore, anecdotal evidence and research indicate that the pinene in pine nuts, limonene in lemon peel, and the caryophyllene in black peppercorns may help to sober up and reduce the effects of a cannabis high. A dose of cannabidiol (CBD) may also counteract the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is ideal if you’re trying to stop looking high.

6 Ways to Hide Your High

How long does marijuana usually last? According to Healthline and the WHO, a cannabis high can linger for up to 24 hours, depending on how much you ingest, your chosen method of consumption, the THC percentage and terpene composition, your body weight and metabolism, and your tolerance. Your high may also be affected by how much food you’ve eaten that day.

You need not disrupt your level of enjoyment when consuming cannabis. Instead, try out the following tips to keep up appearances:

Eat Food

To get “clear-headed,” or sober up from weed, try eating. The perfect way to satisfy a case of “the munchies” is to use food that can help to ease a cannabis high. This was suggested in an article published by the British Journal of Pharmacology, which reveals that certain terpenoids can act as an antidote for a cannabis high. However, you may want to avoid foods renowned for amplifying a cannabis high, such as mango, nuts, and broccoli.

Take a Cold Shower

If you want to look less high instantly, getting rid of stoned eyes will help, and to do so, you can opt for a cold shower. For centuries, humans have been practicing water therapy (otherwise known as hydrotherapy), which can enhance the immune system, increase blood circulation, and improve relaxation. Increased alertness is one of the main benefits of taking a shower with cold water, as well as increased energy levels and mental clarity.

Wear Sunglasses

Wondering how to get rid of stoned eyes fast? Slip on a pair of sunglasses! Not only will sunglasses provide you with UV protection on sunny days, but these fashion accessories can also be used to protect your eyes from dust and other allergens that could potentially transform the sclera (the white part of the eye) into a more obvious shade of red!

Use Eye Drops

Lubricating eye drops are useful for replacing the eye’s natural moisture and relieving dryness and irritation or stoned eyes caused by a heavy smoke session. Some redness-relieving drops contain an antihistamine and imidazoline derivatives (e.g., tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline, etc.) that cause constriction of the blood vessels in the eyes. 

As a result, you will look less stoned within seconds to minutes. This is likely the fastest, easiest, and most effective way to do so on this list.

Sleep

Only time determines when the psychotropic compound THC exits the bloodstream, but a good nap could help the effects wear off much faster. The Sleep Foundation website notes that cannabis may improve sleep, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting some shut-eye while high.

Change Your Clothes

The final tip on our list involves a swift outfit change. Fortunately for those who like to vape, the smell of weed or smoke won’t be a problem. However, for those who prefer a good old joint or bong, the plant’s pungent scent can become trapped in clothing fibers. 

Opt for a change of clothes or wash your clothes with baking soda to eliminate the stench of smoke. If you’re wearing leather, rub it with some baby wipes or pet wipes and allow it to dry. If your dab or cannabis oil falls on your clothes, treat the spot with diluted alcohol or vinegar (1:1 dilution with water) and then air dry. Professional dry cleaning services may also be helpful, and probably best for high-end leather goods.

Final Takeaway

Now that you know how to look less high, you can make the most of your marijuana experiences without lying low. It’s important to consume cannabis wisely, especially if you’re a new consumer and want to avoid greening out. 

Refrain from consuming the plant with alcohol, since this can intensify the high and increase the obviousness of intoxication. The same goes for consuming weed with sedating medications; studies show that certain medications and chemical compounds can magnify the drowsy effects of cannabis, so proceed with caution to avoid looking and feeling overly high.