What is "Greening Out"? Understanding the Symptoms and How to Recover

What is "Greening Out"? Understanding the Symptoms and How to Recover

Cannabis consumption is becoming more common, and while most users enjoy a pleasant, relaxing high, some may experience the opposite: greening out. "Greening out" is a term used to describe a bad reaction to marijuana, typically associated with excessive consumption, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and vomiting.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what greening out is, what causes it, how to recognize the symptoms, and what you can do to prevent or recover from it.

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What Does "Greening Out" Mean?

"Greening out" refers to an overwhelming or unpleasant reaction to marijuana that can occur when someone consumes too much cannabis. The name comes from the idea that the person might turn pale or greenish, reflecting how unwell they feel. While it’s not a medically recognized term, it’s commonly used to describe symptoms like nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and vomiting that can arise after consuming too much THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Unlike a mild case of overconsumption where someone might feel a bit too high, greening out is often associated with a more severe, negative experience that can be unsettling. While not typically dangerous, greening out can be distressing and uncomfortable, particularly for those new to cannabis or who have consumed a higher THC dose than they’re used to.

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Symptoms of Greening Out

The symptoms of greening out can vary depending on the person and how much cannabis was consumed. Common symptoms include:

1. Nausea and Vomiting: One of the hallmark signs of greening out is feeling nauseous and sometimes vomiting. This can be caused by the body’s reaction to an overwhelming amount of THC, which can upset the stomach.
   
   
2. Dizziness and Lightheadedness: A feeling of spinning or imbalance is common, especially if the cannabis was consumed quickly or in high doses. This is often associated with a drop in blood pressure.
   
   
3. Anxiety or Paranoia: Excessive THC can induce feelings of anxiety or panic, causing the person to feel anxious, paranoid, or fearful. These feelings can exacerbate the other symptoms of greening out.
   
   
4. Dry Mouth and Sweating: Some people may experience dry mouth (commonly called “cottonmouth”) along with increased sweating, particularly as the body attempts to cope with the overwhelming effects of too much THC.
   
   
5. Increased Heart Rate: Some individuals may notice their heart rate speeding up, which can cause further anxiety and discomfort.
   
   
6. Paleness or "Green" Complexion: While not always the case, some individuals may appear pale or even take on a greenish tint to their skin, which is where the term "greening out" comes from.
   
   
7. Extreme Fatigue or Sedation: Once the peak effects of the cannabis wear off, some people may feel excessively tired, lethargic, or even faint.
   
   

Why Does Greening Out Happen?

Greening out generally happens when someone consumes too much THC, especially if they are not accustomed to cannabis. Here are some factors that contribute to greening out:

1. High THC Concentration: Modern cannabis products, such as concentrates, edibles, and potent flower strains, can have very high levels of THC. If someone isn’t used to these higher-potency products, it’s easy to consume more than the body can handle.
   
   
2. Edibles: Edibles are often associated with greening out because they take longer to kick in (typically 30 minutes to 2 hours) compared to smoking or vaping. As a result, some people may eat more than they should, assuming they haven’t consumed enough, only to experience an overwhelming high once the effects set in.
   
   
3. Inexperience or Low Tolerance: New cannabis users or those with a low tolerance are more likely to green out, as their bodies haven’t developed the capacity to process higher amounts of THC. Inexperienced users may also consume more cannabis than they realize, leading to negative effects.
   
   
4. Empty Stomach: Consuming cannabis on an empty stomach can lead to stronger effects, as there’s less food to absorb the THC. This can heighten the likelihood of greening out, especially with edibles.
   
   
5. Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, particularly those related to the cardiovascular or nervous systems, may exacerbate the effects of THC, making greening out more likely.
   
   

How to Recover from Greening Out

If you or someone else experiences greening out, don’t panic. While it’s uncomfortable, it’s generally not dangerous. Here are some steps you can take to help recover:

1. Stay Calm: Anxiety can make the situation worse. Remind yourself (or the person experiencing greening out) that the effects will eventually wear off. Try to stay calm and breathe deeply to manage panic or anxiety.
   
   
2. Hydrate: Drink water or an electrolyte drink to rehydrate and help with dry mouth. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can make dehydration worse.
   
   
3. Eat Something: Eating a small snack (especially something with fat) can help absorb the THC and reduce nausea. Avoid heavy or greasy foods, as they can upset your stomach further.
   
   
4. Find a Comfortable Space: Lie down in a quiet, comfortable space. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and make sure the room is cool and relaxing. Sometimes, closing your eyes and focusing on deep breathing can help reduce dizziness and anxiety.
   
   
5. Peppermint or Ginger: These natural remedies can help alleviate nausea. Ginger tea or sucking on a peppermint candy can have a soothing effect on your stomach.
   
   
6. Time: Ultimately, the best cure for greening out is time. The effects of THC will naturally wear off after a few hours. Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid any more cannabis until you’ve fully recovered.
   
   

How to Avoid Greening Out

The best way to avoid greening out is by being mindful of your cannabis consumption. Here are some tips:

1. Start Slow: Especially if you’re new to cannabis or using a new product, start with a low dose. If you’re smoking or vaping, take a small hit and wait 10-15 minutes to gauge how it affects you before taking more. If you’re consuming edibles, start with a 5-10 mg dose.
   
   
2. Know Your Tolerance: Understand your personal tolerance to THC. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and go for a lower dose until you can gauge how your body responds.
   
   
3. Choose Lower-THC Strains or Products: If you’re prone to greening out, opt for cannabis strains or products that are lower in THC and higher in CBD. CBD can help counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, potentially preventing anxiety and discomfort.
   
   
4. Avoid Edibles on an Empty Stomach: If you’re eating cannabis-infused products, avoid doing so on an empty stomach. A full stomach will help you metabolize the THC more slowly and prevent the high from becoming too intense.
   
   
5. Know Your Limits: Always listen to your body. If you start to feel too high or uncomfortable, stop consuming cannabis and give yourself time to recover.
   
   

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Greening Out Is Uncomfortable, But It’s Not Dangerous

Greening out is a temporary and often uncomfortable experience that happens when someone consumes too much THC. While it can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and vomiting, it’s usually not harmful and will pass with time. By starting with small doses, understanding your tolerance, and choosing the right products, you can minimize the risk of greening out and enjoy cannabis safely.

If you do experience greening out, stay calm, hydrate, and give yourself time to recover. With a little patience, you’ll be back to feeling normal in no time!

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