Greening Out – What it is & How to Avoid it

If you have ever consumed too much cannabis, you probably know how unpleasant and dreadful greening out can be.

When enjoyed in moderation, weed can be highly therapeutic and beneficial. However, if taken in excess, it could lead to opposite results that induce unpleasant side effects, including paranoia, anxiety, increased heart rate and sometimes nausea.

This state is also known as a green out.

While it may sound scary, the good news is that cannabis is not dangerous to you if consumed responsibly. What’s more, people don’t die from consuming too much weed. However, it also does not mean that you should disobey simple rules and consume more than necessary.

Keep on reading to learn more about greening out, its symptoms and how to avoid it.

What Exactly is Greening Out?

Do you remember those times when you consumed too much of a substance, and it caused you to blackout or even experience nausea, anxiety and vomiting? Consuming too much weed can cause similar results.

When you consume too much THC, your endocannabinoid system and its CB1 receptors become overwhelmed, causing you to feel weak and sick.

These include feelings of dizziness, severe anxiety, vomiting and paranoia, and they are all symptoms of greening out.

That said, what you feel while greening out largely depends on your physiological makeup, how potent the weed you’ve consumed is, and your overall tolerance level for THC.

Everyone is different, and an amount of weed that may lead to greening out for some people may not in others. 

What are the Symptoms?

Even though everyone is unique, greening out can still happen to all of us, even if it displays with different symptoms. However, there are still some similarities in how people feel after smoking cannabis in excessive doses.

Below are a few examples of greening out symptoms that you may experience:

• Paranoia and anxiety
• Reduced blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cold sweat
• Dizziness
• Panic attacks
• Dry mouth (cottonmouth)

These side effects can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Generally, it will not require any medical assistance if the cannabis was consumed alone without the intervention of other substances.

However, if you ingested weed alongside alcohol and experienced severe symptoms, you might want to seek medical attention.

How to Prevent & Avoid a Green Out

As we briefly covered before, cannabis affects people differently, and for some, a small dose may be all it takes to experience a green out, while for others, it will feel like they have not consumed anything.

That said, most seasoned tokers already know how much weed they need to feel the desired effects and get high. Yet, for consumers who get high from just a few hits or those who are smoking weed for the first time, it’s better to start with low THC doses.

By doing so, you will ensure that the bud won’t knock you out right away and allow yourself some time to feel the effects and increase the dose if needed.

If you are also considering trying edibles, keep in mind that they affect people differently than joints or vapes. Edibles are known to be more potent and have a delayed effect when consumed orally. 

This process is due to the fact that our digestive system needs some time to process edibles through the stomach and then metabolize THC by the liver, converting it into a chemical known as 11-Hydroxy THC. This chemical is much more reactive and potent, lasting for 8 to 12 hours.

Lastly, to avoid greening out, make sure you are well hydrated and full before smoking pot. Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can make you very drunk, and when consumed alongside reefer, it can also make you very high and sick. 

In this way, it’s best to try not to mix the two during your next smoke sesh.

If you do end up suffering from greening out, here’s what you can do to ease the symptoms.

How to Deal With Greening Out

If you or someone you know is experiencing a green out, the first thing that you need to know is that greening out may be unpleasant, but it will eventually go away.

Here are some tips and tricks you can follow to help you manage symptoms and sober up from weed.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is paramount when you are greening out.

Water helps us flush toxins from our bodies, and it transports nutrients to where they are needed. It also allows us to prevent symptoms of greening out in the first place.

Continuously flush out your body with water, and it will help you get through a green out faster.

Create a Soothing Environment

Panicking and anxiety can only worsen your condition and make your experience overwhelming thoughts.

To avoid this, make sure to create a soothing environment that will help you relax and take time for yourself.

Listen to calming music or watch your favourite TV show to distract yourself from negative thoughts.

Remember, it will go away!

Increase Your Blood Sugar Levels

Low blood sugar levels are known to cause nausea, anxiety, sweating, shakiness and weakness, which are all symptoms of greening out.

If you are looking to increase your blood sugar, it’s a good idea to drink sugary juices or eat some carbs to restore your blood sugar to a normal level.

Take CBD

While it may sound contradictory that consuming more cannabis can help with greening out, in reality, consuming CBD helps with anxiety and paranoia.

According to a study from 2013, CBD oil can protect from the effects of THC.

What’s more, the study also indicates that CBD can help with cognitive impairment, anxiety and paranoia.

Greening Out – It’ll Wear Off Eventually

Getting too high from weed and greening out is uncomfortable. There is no denying that. However, it is also entirely avoidable.

The next time you plan on indulging in some gorgeous green, remember to smoke weed within your tolerance limits, avoid consuming alcohol and other substances, and stay hydrated and eat something so there’s something in your stomach to prevent greening out.

If it still ends up happening, do your best to stay calm and try to create a chill environment to help you get through this unpleasant canna experience.

Stay safe and healthy!