What Is Greening Out? Understanding Cannabis Overload
Greening out refers to the overwhelming reaction when someone ingests or smokes more cannabis—specifically THC, its psychoactive compound—than their body can handle. Unlike alcohol blackouts, where memory loss dominates, greening out brings acute discomfort without lethal risk. A 2023 NIDA report notes no deaths from cannabis alone, but overconsumption still spikes emergency visits—up 12% yearly from 2006-2014, per a 2021 study. It’s tied to THC potency, which jumped from 4% in 1995 to over 15% in 2021. New users or those trying edibles, which delay effects, are especially prone.
Greening out isn’t just “getting too high”—it’s a signal of overload, demanding attention and care to manage.
What Happens When You Greenout? The Experience
When you greenout, your body and mind reel from excess THC. Physical symptoms hit fast: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, a racing heart (up to 20-50 beats above normal, per a 2020 Journal of Clinical Medicine study), and pale, sweaty skin—hence “green” out. Mentally, it’s a storm—panic, paranoia, and confusion take over, sometimes with mild hallucinations. Effects peak within minutes if smoked, or hours with edibles, lasting 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on dose and tolerance. A 2022 Addiction Research review notes 1 in 5 novice users may face this.
People describe greening out as feeling trapped—physically sick and mentally spiraling—making it a wake-up call for many.
Why Does Greening Out Happen? Causes and Risks
Greening out stems from THC overwhelming the endocannabinoid system, flooding CB1 receptors in the brain, per a 2021 Neuropsychopharmacology study. Key causes include high-potency products (e.g., dabs at 60-90% THC), low tolerance in beginners, or misjudging edibles’ delayed onset—patients often redose too soon. Mixing with alcohol amplifies risks, raising heart strain and sedation. Dehydration, low blood sugar, or stress can worsen it. While not deadly, it’s risky—falls from dizziness or panic-driven accidents loom, especially with underlying heart issues.
You can greenout from overconfidence or ignorance of THC strength—it’s preventable with awareness and moderation.
How to Handle Greening Out? Still Detox’s Guidance
When greening out hits, stay calm—panic fuels the spiral. Lie down in a quiet, safe spot, sip water or juice to hydrate and stabilize blood sugar, and breathe deeply to slow your heart. Symptoms fade as THC metabolizes—faster if smoked (hours) than eaten (up to a day). For recurring use or addiction (10% of users per NIDA), Still Detox offers medical detox—using sedatives if needed—then therapy like CBT, cutting relapse by 40%, per a 2022 study. Holistic care (nutrition, exercise) rebuilds resilience, tackling cannabis’s toll.
