Greening out is the experience of feeling sick or ill after consuming too much cannabis, essentially resulting in an overdose of the drug. Unlike alcohol’s effects, greening out can cause dizziness, nausea, anxiety, and, in some cases, vomiting or hallucinations. This reaction can happen with all forms of cannabis products, including smoking, edibles, gummies, or vaping.
Hotboxing is also one of the primary reasons for greening out.
According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) In 2022, an estimated 8.3% of 8th graders, 19.5% of 10th graders, and 30.7% of 12th graders reported using cannabis/hashish in the past 12 months.
Research shows that greening out is much more likely to occur if the user has been drinking alcohol before smoking cannabis. Alcohol in the bloodstream can result in a stronger and more unpleasant effect than usual.
What Does Greening Out Feel Like?
When someone experiences a “green out,” they might begin to feel unwell. Symptoms can include dizziness, light-headedness, anxiety, an accelerated heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and a lack of coordination.
They might also go through what’s often referred to as “the spins,” a disorienting sensation combining vertigo and nausea. This can give the person a feeling of their head spinning, even when they are stationary or lying down.
Greening Out Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of greening out can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. It may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Paranoia or feeling “trapped” or “out of control”
- Sweating or chills
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
It’s important to remember that while these symptoms may not be life-threatening, they can still be distressing and potentially harmful.
Is Greening Out Overdosing?
While some may refer to greening out as a cannabis overdose and THC toxicity, it’s not technically accurate. Overdosing implies taking a dangerous or lethal amount of a substance, which is not the case with cannabis.
Greening Out Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of greening out are not well understood, but it’s possible that frequent or severe episodes could lead to psychological or emotional problems, such as anxiety, paranoia and unstable emotions.
If you continue to feel anxious about what happened, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional about your situation and your concerns.
The growing anxiety could become a bigger problem than the actual experience you had.
What to do when someone is greening out?
When experiencing a greenout, it’s crucial to maintain calmness and prioritize safety. Staying relaxed helps you better tune into your body’s needs.
If you or your friend is greening out, follow these steps to feel better;
- Hydrate by drinking water.
- Lie down and aim for as much rest as possible.
- Practice deep breathing exercises.
- Smell crushed black peppercorn is believed to contain terpenes that might get rid of some discomfort.
If you’re not feeling dizzy, taking a shower can provide relaxation and an opportunity for the body to cool down.
Eating a healthy meal can also help alleviate green out effects. There is no immediate cure for greening out.
There is a big wrongdoing on this occasion. The more you consume cannabis, it enhances the effects of a greening out. This usually makes the effects last longer or intensifies the experience. Don’t consume any other substances during this period to avoid cross-fading.
Read our research about weed and mental health on Still Mind Florida website.
