There’s a common myth in the cannabis community that drinking milk can instantly get rid of a marijuana high.
As more people use cannabis, they want to find ways to reduce or control its effects. Some suggest using milk as a remedy.
But how much truth is there to these claims? In this article, we will explore the science behind the myth, examining the interactions between cannabis and milk. We also explore alternative methods that could help moderate the effects of a cannabis high.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives a high sensation. It’s soluble in fats, and since milk contains fat, some people believe that it can absorb THC and nullify the high.
However, there is not much scientific evidence to back up this claim. When you consume cannabis, THC quickly enters your bloodstream and travels to your brain. There, it interacts with certain receptors called cannabinoid receptors.
Drinking milk, whether before or after, won’t significantly affect this process. While milk may slightly slow down the absorption of THC due to its fat content, it is not an effective method for reducing the effects of a cannabis high.
For people who seek to lessen the impact of THC, it’s recommended to consume less, choose strains with lower THC content, or consider other mitigation practices like staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and consuming a balanced diet.
Why doesn't milk neutralize THC?
The reason milk doesn’t neutralize THC lies in the way the human body processes these substances. As mentioned earlier, THC is fat-soluble. This means it is stored in the fat cells of the body, not in the digestive system.
So, even though milk has fat, drinking it doesn’t mean the THC will stick to the fat in the milk and get flushed out. Instead, after you drink it, THC quickly goes into your bloodstream and travels to your brain, where it makes you feel high.
Over time, your body metabolically processes the THC stored in fat cells. However, this process occurs over days or weeks, not immediately.
Furthermore, the concentration of fat in milk is not high enough to significantly impact the THC processing mechanism in the body. Therefore, while milk might offer some nutritional benefits, its impact on counteracting the effects of THC is minimal at best.
Does milk get rid of your high? The science behind the claim
The simple answer is no, milk does not get rid of your high. The majority of existing scientific studies suggest that there’s no straightforward way to ‘sober up’ from a cannabis high instantly.
While milk contains fat, and THC is fat-soluble, that doesn’t mean it can draw out THC from your system rapidly.
Once THC is absorbed into your bloodstream and reaches your brain, it’s there until it’s metabolized, which takes time. Drinking milk may delay the absorption of THC into the bloodstream, but it won’t cancel out the high.
According to Dr. Robert Mann, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, the belief that consuming milk can mitigate a cannabis high is a myth. “I think it’s more wishful thinking than anything else,” he says. “I’ve never seen any scientific evidence that would lead me to believe that there’s any validity to that.”
So, the best and most efficient way to manage the impact of cannabis is by using it responsibly. This means understanding your limits, selecting strains with appropriate THC levels, and avoiding mixing it with other substances.
Does milk make you sober up?
No, milk does not make you sober up. While milk contains fats and proteins that can slightly slow down the absorption of THC into the bloodstream, it does not have the capacity to remove it from your system or counteract the high.
Therefore, the claim that milk can make you sober up from a cannabis high is largely a myth unsupported by scientific evidence.
What foods help get rid of a high?
While there isn’t a quick fix to instantly end a cannabis high, some foods and drinks might help you come down faster.
- Lemons: Citrus fruits, especially lemons, have been used traditionally to counteract the effects of intoxication. They contain a terpene known as limonene, which is also found in certain cannabis strains and is believed to have calming properties.
- Black Pepper: Another home remedy is black pepper. According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, black pepper contains a compound called beta-caryophyllene that may help alleviate the effects of THC.
- Pine Nuts: Pine nuts contain pinene, a terpene that is believed to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. Other sources of pinene include sage, basil, and rosemary.
- Water: Staying hydrated can help your body process THC. While it won’t eliminate the high, it can help to alleviate some of the side effects like dry mouth and dizziness.
- Coffee: Some people find that drinking coffee helps them feel more alert. However, combining cannabis and caffeine can also increase feelings of anxiety or paranoia in some people.
What are the signs and symptoms of a high?
The effects of a cannabis high can vary from person to person, depending on factors like dosage, consumption method, and THC content.
Several research studies have demonstrated that THC, in doses ranging from 40 to 300 μg/kg, leads to a decline in performance on memory, attention, reaction time, tracking, and motor function tests.
Usually, being high on cannabis feels good. But, if you consume excessive amounts of highly potent weed, it can lead to negative effects.
Common symptoms of cannabis intoxication include:
- euphoria
- altered perception of time and space
- feelings of extreme happiness
- increased appetite
- enhanced reactions to colors, touch, or s
- dry mouth
- bloodshot eyes
Taking large doses of marijuana can lead to acute psychosis. Other, more severe effects of being high can include:
- anxiety
- paranoia
- panic attacks
- elevated heart rate
- hallucinations
- disorientation
- vomiting
- psychotic reactions
- inability to recognize yourself or others
Factors that may contribute to the perception of milk reducing the high
Some people think that drinking milk can help lessen the effects of being high on cannabis.
Although these beliefs are mainly based on personal experiences and don’t have scientific evidence, it’s important to consider them within the broader cannabis culture and how people use it.
- The Placebo Effect: The belief that milk can neutralize a high might stem from what is known as the placebo effect. If a person strongly believes that drinking milk will reduce their high, their belief could influence their perception of their high intensity.
- Nutritional Content of Milk: Milk is rich in proteins, fats, and vitamins, which help nourish the body and may enhance its natural metabolic processes, including the metabolism of THC. While this doesn’t necessarily mean milk makes the high go away, it can help your body feel better and process things more efficiently.
- Cultural and Personal Beliefs: Cultural beliefs and personal experiences play a significant role in shaping perceptions around substance use and its effects. Some people may have been told that drinking milk can counteract a high, or they may have experienced a perceived reduction in their high after drinking milk. These personal experiences and cultural stories add to the overall belief.
What factors should be considered in managing THC's effects?
To manage the effects of THC, it’s essential to consider several factors:
- Dosage: The amount of THC you consume will directly impact the intensity and duration of your high. Consuming smaller amounts of THC can result in milder effects while consuming large amounts can cause more intense and potentially uncomfortable effects.
- Tolerance: If you use cannabis often, you might build up a tolerance to THC. This means you’ll need to use more to feel the same effects. Cutting back or taking breaks can help manage this.
- Strain Selection: Different cannabis strains have different levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Some strains may produce a more intense high, while others are more mellow. Understanding the strain you’re using can help you predict and manage its effects.
- Mode of Administration: The method you choose to consume cannabis also impacts the effects of THC. Smoking or vaping gives you quick absorption and immediate effects, while edibles take longer to start working but can make you feel stronger for a longer time.
- Set and Setting: Your physical environment and mental state can also affect your cannabis experience. Being in a comfortable, safe environment and having a positive mindset can help ensure a more enjoyable high.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help your body metabolize THC more efficiently. This can help reduce the duration and intensity of your high.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effects of THC can be influenced by various factors like dosage, tolerance, strain selection, mode of administration, and an individual’s physical and mental state. While anecdotal evidence suggests some natural remedies, like milk, may alleviate a high, more scientific research is needed. The key to managing THC’s effects lies in understanding your own body, knowing the strain of cannabis you’re using, and employing mindful consumption habits.
FAQ
Does milk help you bring down the high?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that milk can reduce the effects of a cannabis high. Some people think it helps, but it could be because of the placebo effect or because milk has nutrients that are good for the body. The best way to handle the effects of THC is to be mindful of how much you consume and to stay hydrated.
Is there any food that can help bring down a high?
Foods rich in healthy fats like avocados or nuts can potentially help to bring down a high. These foods may help by absorbing some of the THC content. Also, the smell of black pepper or lemon peel has been reported to help combat anxiety if the high becomes too intense.
What can you eat to stop a high?
Eating a balanced meal and staying hydrated can help mitigate the effects of a high. Foods rich in healthy fats like avocados or nuts may help absorb some of the THC, while the scent of black pepper or lemon peel can potentially reduce anxiety.
Does gum make your high go away?
No, chewing gum does not scientifically reduce or make your high “go away”. It might be helpful for dry mouth, a common side effect of cannabis use, but it won’t decrease THC’s impact on your body.
Does milk cut the effect of drugs?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that milk can lessen the effects of drugs. While some people may perceive a decrease in their high after consuming milk, this is likely due to the placebo effect or the nutritional content of milk, rather than any drug-neutralizing properties. It’s always a good idea to use substances responsibly and talk to your doctor when necessary.
How Long Can A High Last?
Generally, a high from inhaling THC (via smoke or vapor) can last from 1 to 3 hours, while a high from ingesting THC (as in edible form) can last several hours, often 4 to 6 hours, and even up to 12 hours in some cases.
Resources
- Theunissen, E.L., Kauert, G.F., Toennes, S.W. et al. Neurophysiological functioning of occasional and heavy cannabis users during THC intoxication. Psychopharmacol, 2012, 220, 341–350.
- Roth, William, et al. Tryptophan metabolism and gut-brain homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci, 2021, 22, 2973
- Probiotics. National Institute of Health.
- Maqsood, Raeesah, and Trevor W. Stone. The gut-brain axis, BDNF, NMDA and CNS disorders. Neurochem res, 2016, 41, 2819-2835.
