What Does Greening Out Mean?
What is greening out? Greening out occurs when someone ingests too much cannabis, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. When people green out, 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, and may sometimes result in severe, prolonged vomiting. Hotboxing is also one of the primary reasons of 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.
Cure for Greening Out
If you or your friend experience green out symptoms, there are several steps to ease and calm this overwhelming feeling.
These are;
- taking deep breaths,
- drinking water,
- and lying down to avoid injury.
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.
It’s important to remember that there is no fatal dose of cannabis consumption. However, if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or intensifies, it’s crucial to talk to a medical specialist about your situation.
Don’t forget, seeking medical assistance is the best course of action to ensure your health and well-being.
Conclusion
When experiencing a green out, it’s crucial to maintain calmness and prioritize safety. Staying relaxed helps you better tune into your body’s needs.
If you find yourself in a green out situation, consider the following steps:
- Hydrate by drinking water.
- Lie down and aim for as much rest as possible.
- Practice deep breathing exercises.
- Smell crushed black peppercorn, believed to contain terpenes that might alleviate some discomfort.
- Seek medical assistance if necessary.
There is a big wrongdoing in this occasion. The more you consume cannabis does not balance out the effects of a green out. This usually prolongs or intensifies the experience. Avoid introducing any additional substances, including over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal drugs, during this period.
Marijuana
When you eat THC-infused edibles, it takes longer for the effects to begin because the THC needs to travel through your digestive system before it’s absorbed into your bloodstream.
This not only delays the onset of effects but also extends how long the THC stays in your system.
The amount of THC in the edibles, how often you consume them, and personal factors like;
- your metabolism,
- height,
- age,
- and weight,
all play a role in how long THC can be detected in your body.
Regarding drug tests, THC from edibles can be found in your system anywhere from a week to a month after consumption. Most of the THC, about 80–90%, is usually eliminated through feces and urine within the first five days. The remaining THC takes longer to exit your system, and how quickly it does so varies based on individual characteristics and consumption habits.
Blood Test
The THC from the edibles can be detected in the blood after its consumption within 3 to 4 days.
Saliva Test
An edible can be detected in the saliva for 1 to 3 days.
Urine Test
The THC traces can be detected in urine for around 3 to 30 days. (depending on the quantity of consumption)
Hair Follicles Test
Edibles can be traced back for 90 days after consumption.
THC from edibles could remain detectable for a few days up to around three months, making these factors important to consider if you’re concerned about drug testing.
If you or your friend are trying to recover from the effects of edibles, you should keep in mind that edible effects can last for several hours.
Water can help with this process, and staying hydrated can ease symptoms like dry mouth.
You might also feel more grounded and less anxious when you eat a nutritious meal.
If you are anxious or uncomfortable from the powerful effects of edibles, a quiet space may be a good option; listening to soothing music or doing deep breathing exercises can help ease the discomfort.
You can reach out to a friend or family member if you feel really overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Having someone you trust around can make a huge difference emotionally and help you get through the recovery period more easily. It’s important to note that these effects won’t last forever and will fade over time.
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