What is a comedown?
Basically, a comedown is the negative effects you feel after getting high. The effect and intensity depend on the substance, with drugs like Heroin, Cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol having quite an intense comedown while the after-effects of other substances are milder (such as Magic Mushrooms, GHB or even sugar.)

Cannabis is considered by many to be the mildest drug of all, but it too has very definite after-effects. 

Educating one's self and being aware of these effects, and knowing how to deal with - and perhaps reduce them is essential for a healthy relationship with MaryJane. The way of the true Connoisseur.

Why does it happen?
While there may be lengthy and complex scientific explanations for comedowns, the basic concept is of chemical imbalance. When we get high, certain chemicals in our body (and particularly our brain) get consumed faster than normal. This results in the usual feelings of euphoria, well-being, heightened awareness, etc. But once the drug's effects wear off, the brain is left with a deficiency or imbalance of the various chemicals - which leave us feeling some negative effects while the body tries to replenish and restore to normal levels.

What are the effects?
The most common effects of a Cannabis comedown include emotional instability, depression, paranoia, anti-social behaviour, lethargy or laziness, grumpiness and the common fuzzy or 'burnt' feeling where we may have difficulty concentrating or staying alert. These effects can last for various periods, starting from about 3 hours after toking and lasting up to one or two days afterwards.

What can I do about it?
Firstly, before you toke, be aware that there will be a comedown and that your performance will be somewhat reduced. Do you have an exam, meeting or lots to do the next day? If so, either pass the joint on or perhaps have a smaller amount than usual.

If you are already coming down and you start to feel cranky, lazy or depressed, remember why you are feeling these effects and be aware that they'll pass. You may try some exercise, have a cup of coffee or do something you enjoy to help you to feel better.

Also, a healthy diet and regular exercise goes a long way in generally reducing the effect of comedowns in the long term.

What not to do
Many folks believe that the negative effects can be eliminated by having another joint ... while this may be true in the short term, you'll only increase the comedown when you eventually do stop toking.

A lot of folks have built up a dependency this way and soon they become chain smokers.

So take it easy and always bear these laws in mind:

1. What goes up must come down

2. The higher you go, the lower you'll fall

and lastly,
3. Enjoy everything in moderation ...including moderation itself!

written by: Ali M
http://cannabis.hivemind.net

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