While there are many remedies you can try when you’re too high, sometimes the only thing you can do is wait it out. And one of the best ways to pass the time is by watching soothing, low-stakes television. We’ve gathered a few shows you can try out when you need to distract yourself from the effects of consuming too much marijuana.
You won’t find “Black Mirror” or “The Handmaid’s Tale” on this list. We’re not trying to blow your mind or send you on a trippy, cerebral experience—that’s the last thing you need. This list is all about easy-to-follow, feel-good TV that’s meant to help get you through tough times. So relax, breathe, drink some water and remember that all of this will pass.
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1. “The Great British Baking Show”
If your mind is scattered, unable to focus and panicking as a result of cannabis over-consumption, an episode of “The Great British Baking Show” is sure to draw you in and lull you into a state of tranquility. This is riveting, low-stakes television at its finest—the perfect distraction.
The show centers on 12 amateur bakers who gather in a tent in the English countryside to partake in a baking competition that involves no cash prizes and very little glory. This might be one of the few—if only—competitive cooking shows where the contestants actually help each other, a mentality that gives you an idea of the show’s aesthetic.
The bakers’ trials and tribulations are insignificant, yet inexplicably compelling. Will the mousse set in time? Will the pastry be crisp enough? You’ll be so caught up in whether someone’s cake will be baked all the way through that you’ll forget about feeling too high.
Where to watch: Netflix
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2. “Hidden Kingdoms”
“Planet Earth” and marijuana were meant to be paired together—there’s something about witnessing the glory of nature that’s both awe-inspiring and soothing. That’s why this stunning documentary series is on every cannabis enthusiast’s must-watch list—regardless of whether you’re too high or perfectly elevated. But if you’ve already seen every episode of “Planet Earth” and “Planet Earth II,” watching “Hidden Kingdoms” is the way to go.
While most nature documentaries concentrate on large, charismatic animals and the places they roam, “Hidden Kingdoms” focuses on the earth’s tiniest creatures and the secret worlds they inhabit. If you’re looking for a silly, light-hearted story about chipmunks gathering acorns for the winter, this is the documentary for you. You might also find yourself fixated on the concept of scale or lost in a dense jungle that’s actually made up of blades of grass. Wherever your mind goes, it won’t be thinking about how uncomfortably high you are.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. “Dogs With Jobs”
If you’re in one of those moods where everything is somehow anxiety-inducing, “Dogs With Jobs,” a wholesome Canadian documentary series about working dogs, might be the thing to calm you down. The show features canines from a variety of professions—from traditional search and rescue dogs to many others who’ve created special niches for themselves, like Kelsey, a rodeo performer and Duncan, a freestyle dancer.
This family-friendly series features two to three dogs per 30-minute episode and includes footage of the dogs working, their relationships with their handlers and their various back stories. Film critic Matthew Hays of The New York Times calls the show, “as simple and as slightly absurd as its name.” While the series itself has a bit of a dated look, its heartwarming antics will surely help you relax and realize that everything’s going to be alright.
Where to watch: YouTube
4. “Parks and Recreation”
Sitcoms can be hard to watch when you’re too high—following a plot and dealing with the idiosyncrasies of the characters can be overwhelming. However, “Parks and Recreation,” with its never-ending optimism, deserves a place on this list.
If you’re looking to be engrossed in a world filled with goofy, loveable characters, you might want to give this show a shot. While the show is episodic, each season can stand on its own and begins with a recap—so you can often jump in at the beginning of a season and follow along. And if you’ve already seen this popular series in its entirety, it’s easy to watch again and again. Overall, “Parks and Recreation” is comfort TV at its finest, which is what you need when you’ve consumed too much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu
5. “Slow TV”
For those times when you can’t follow a plot, “Slow TV” has got your back. This Scandinavian television series is dedicated to airing long, minimally edited footage of mundane events in real time. Their first production, “Slow TV: Train Ride Bergen to Oslo” was a surprise hit, ultimately garnering 1.2 million views in Norway—an impressive feat for a country of 5 million people.
“Slow TV” can give you exactly what you need when you’re on the verge of a marijuana-induced panic attack: tranquility without the need to focus or follow a story. Move over “Seinfeld”; this is truly a show about nothing. There are many options for you to choose from: take an 11-hour journey through Norway’s Telemark Canal, join some folks as they go salmon fishing for the day, or just watch people build a fire. Whatever you decide, no judgment here—we’ve all been there.
Where to watch: Netflix
Main photo credit: Parker Byrd
If you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it’s easy, private and 100% online.