This article originally appeared on Colorado High Life Tours and has been republished here with permission.
Smoking weed, then suddenly feeling dizzy, nauseous, or soaked in a cold sweat? You’re likely experiencing what’s known as “greening out.”
Simply put, greening out happens when you’ve had a bit too much THC for your system to handle at that moment. While it can feel overwhelming while it’s happening, it is entirely temporary. Here is a straight-forward guide on what greening out actually is, why it happens, and exactly how to handle it if it happens to you or a friend.
Understanding Greening Out
Greening out refers to the experience of consuming too much cannabis, particularly THC, leading to various adverse effects. New users or those not accustomed to high THC levels are more vulnerable to greening out. You get sweaty, dizzy, feel like throwing up, heart rate increases, paranoia increases.
Symptoms of Greening Out
The experience of greening out varies, influenced by factors like the dose of cannabis, THC tolerance, previous experience, and individual endocannabinoid systems. Symptoms can include dizziness, lack of focus, nausea, anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, mild hallucinations, heavy limbs, chills, loss of balance, and dry mouth.
Causes of Greening Out
Greening out occurs when THC overloads the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This can last until the body metabolizes or excretes the THC. Factors increasing the risk include being a new or infrequent user, sleep deprivation, dehydration, or consumption on an empty stomach. Edibles and concentrates, being more potent than flower, also pose a higher risk.
Risk Factors
A significant risk factor is combining cannabis with alcohol. This mix can impair memory and reaction time, and increase THC levels in the blood and brain, making the greening out experience longer and more disorienting. Also, those new to cannabis can have bad green outs.
Duration of Greening Out
The duration of greening out is subjective, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. It varies based on the method of consumption, with smoking leading to a faster onset but shorter duration, while edibles and other ingested forms result in a longer experience due to prolonged presence in the bloodstream.
Is Greening Out Dangerous?
Greening out is typically not life-threatening if experienced with cannabis alone. However, combining cannabis with alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous and might require medical intervention. Persistent vomiting may also necessitate medical attention to prevent extreme dehydration. Most of the time just getting them calm down, take a nap, or eat helps quite a bit.
Preventing Greening Out
To prevent greening out, start with low doses and go slow, especially if new to cannabis. Avoid consuming on an empty stomach, stay hydrated, and be mindful of the strength of edibles. Edibles last longer as THC is converted to a more psychoactive compound in the digestive system.
Managing Greening Out
If you or someone you know starts greening out, remember it’s temporary. Ensure a safe, comfortable space, stay hydrated, and keep blood sugar levels stable. Deep breathing, using food to help counteract THC’s effects, finding distractions may help alleviate symptoms. Fresh air and rest are also beneficial.
“The general consensus from experienced smokers is simple: eat something solid, take a nap, and you’ll feel like a new person when you wake up.”
Greening out with cannabis can be an unsettling experience, especially for those new to cannabis or trying stronger strains. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and how to manage and prevent such instances can lead to safer and more enjoyable cannabis experiences. Remember, everyone’s reaction to cannabis is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.