While consuming cannabis is often portrayed as a harmless pastime, it’s not always a positive experience. Some unfortunate people have ended up dealing with an unpleasant condition called “greening out” or “whiteying.” This slang term refers to an episode of negative, cannabis-related symptoms. It can happen whenever a person consumes too much cannabis and ends up feeling very ill. Sadly, greening out is on the rise due to the increasing availability of high-potency cannabis products. If you or any loved ones consume cannabis, it’s important to know what greening out is and what you can do about it.

Common Symptoms of Greening Out

Greening Out

Like many other slang terms, there’s no precise definition for greening out. However, most people agree that greening out is more than a brief moment of unease while using cannabis. Instead, this condition is characterized by intense, unpleasant sensations that are not possible to ignore. Some typical physical issues you might encounter while greening out include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Spinning sensations (lightheadedness)
  • Blurred vision
  • Sweating
  • Pale skin
  • Poor coordination
  • Rapid heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Panic attacks
  • Coughing (irritation of the lungs)

In addition to physical symptoms, greening out also causes a host of mental symptoms and side effects. People often feel extreme confusion and anxiety. They may report that it’s hard to understand language or recognize familiar soundings. Intense panic and paranoia are also common. Many people who are greening out say they feel like they might die, and some even seek emergency healthcare because they’re convinced they’re having a heart attack or other fatal issue. Greening out is often associated with memory loss, and people may not remember much of the experience after they sober up.

What Causes Greening Out?

At its most basic level, greening out is caused by consuming more THC than your body can handle. This psychoactive compound is found in cannabis and is responsible for most of the plant’s signature effects. However, there is no specific amount of THC that is associated with greening out. Different people will have different reactions based on their unique metabolism and circumstances. There are a few particular potential risk factors that make greening out more common.

High-THC Products

In the past few years, there has been a shocking rise in people seeking healthcare for cannabis overconsumption. Research suggests that this is due to the rise of high-THC products. A few decades ago, most people’s only exposure to cannabis was dried cannabis flower buds with around 12% THC. Modern cannabis strains often have upwards of 20% THC, and new extract methods also allow people to eat edibles and smoke concentrates with more than 80% THC. This drastic rise in excessive THC content makes it much easier for people to accidentally consume too much.

Interactions With Other Substances

Cannabis can interact very poorly with other ingredients. Alcohol can boost the effects of cannabis use, so a person can easily get sick from small amounts.   Another frequent culprit is nicotine. If people smoke blunts or other products that contain both tobacco and cannabis, they can also get sick from nicotine. Nicotine overconsumption often mimics greening out and has similar symptoms like nausea and an irregular heart rate. Pairing cannabis with other drugs like LSD, cocaine, opioids, and amphetamines can also cause issues.

How to Handle Greening Out

If you or someone you know is greening out, it’s important to stay calm. Though this condition can be quite stressful, it’s good to know that it’s not life-threatening. It’s impossible to consume enough THC to have a fatal overdose, and a green out doesn’t have to last until you are entirely sober again. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of a green out:

  • Find a calm place: Excessive stimulation tends to make greening out worse, so try to find a quiet, peaceful area where you can sit comfortably while taking deep breaths.
  • Stay hydrated: Dry mouth tends to make greening out symptoms worse, so it can be useful to slowly drink water.
  • Take an anti-nausea remedy: If you’re feeling queasy, try to settle your stomach with something like ginger ale or some plain crackers.
  • Have a snack: Low blood sugar due to a empty stomach is another issue that can worsen greening out, so having a light snack is typically helpful.
  • Try breathing exercises: Use calming breathing exercises to help slow and regulate your breathing. Getting some fresh air also helps.
  • Have a soothing distraction: Listening to a favorite song or watching a beloved television show can help some people distract themselves from the symptoms of greening out.

Tips for Preventing Greening Out in the Future

Greening out is deeply uncomfortable, so it’s always best to avoid it whenever you can. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you use cannabis responsibly and prevent greening out.

Practice Moderation

The most important way to avoid greening out is by practicing moderation. Give your body a break in between cannabis sessions and stop using cannabis if you notice yourself feeling ill. Always start with a low dosage and increase it slowly instead of starting with a high dosage. Keep in mind that tolerance levels matter quite a bit, so if you are new to using cannabis, do not take as much as a seasoned user might.

Always Know What You’re Consuming

Avoid smoking or eating substances without learning a little about them first. Research them carefully to see how much THC they contain before consuming them. If you are unaware of how much THC is a reasonable dosage, check up on that too. Keep in mind that even if a cannabis product looks like a single serving, you might need to split it. For example, many THC candies are meant to be divided into multiple pieces.

Avoid Mixing With Other Substances

Greening out is far more common when a person is mixing cannabis with other substances. Therefore, if you want to prevent greening out, you need to make sure you are only using one substance at a time. Always make sure you are fully sober before trying cannabis, and do not consume other mind-altering substances once you start using cannabis.

Stay in a Safe Environment

Greening out is far more likely to happen when you’re feeling stressed and uncomfortable. Things like being in an unfamiliar location, consuming cannabis after not sleeping much, or using cannabis after a day of not eating can all contribute to greening out. It’s often easier to stay calm and feel relaxed if you only use cannabis in familiar settings and situations.

Long Island Interventions Is Here to Help

While greening out may not be deadly, it’s an indication that you may need to evaluate your relationship with cannabis. Ask yourself if cannabis is having a positive or negative impact on your life, mental health, and whether it’s contributing to issues like anxiety, depression, or nausea. If you’re struggling to cut back or are greening out more frequently, it may be time to seek help.

At Long Island Interventions, we provide a safe space for individuals to address cannabis dependency or other drug and alcohol addictions. Our treatment center offers a variety of treatment programs designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Whether you require occasional telehealth therapy sessions or more intensive care, we provide flexible options, including detox, outpatient services and inpatient rehab. Our evidence-based approaches include group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step programs, and more, all delivered in a supportive environment focused on recovery.

Take the first step toward reclaiming your life. Contact Long Island Interventions today to create a custom treatment plan and explore the resources available to help you achieve lasting health and well-being.

Reference section

Published on: 2024-12-22
Updated on: 2024-12-31

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