Clinically Reviewed By Brittany Astrom - LMFT
Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings.
What Is Greening Out? Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Introduction to Greening Out
Greening out is a term commonly used to describe a situation where someone consumes too much cannabis and experiences an overwhelming wave of unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms. The term ‘greening out’ is derived from the green color of the cannabis plant. This can happen to both first-time users and seasoned consumers, and it is characterized by nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and sometimes panic attacks. For anyone unfamiliar with cannabis, this experience can be alarming and disorienting.
This article will explore what greening out is, its causes, symptoms, and how to manage it. We will also discuss strategies to prevent it from happening in the first place. Understanding greening out is essential, especially with the increasing popularity of cannabis use in modern culture.
The Science Behind Greening Out
The term “greening out” refers to the body’s response to consuming too much marijuana. Cannabis contains psychoactive compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can lead to mind-altering effects. When THC overwhelms the endocannabinoid system, it disrupts the body’s equilibrium, resulting in what we know as greening out.
Cannabis interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly those responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and pain perception. Overloading these receptors with more THC than the body can handle is the primary cause of greening out. Various factors, such as personal tolerance levels and method of consumption, can influence how severely someone experiences these symptoms.
What Causes Greening Out?
Several factors can contribute to greening out, but the main cause is excessive marijuana use. Consuming too much marijuana can happen in many forms, including smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis-infused products (edibles). The latter, in particular, is a common culprit because edibles often take longer to feel the effects, causing people to overconsume.
Greening out can also be caused by consuming cannabis alongside other substances such as alcohol or other drugs. When marijuana is combined with these substances, it can amplify the effects, increasing the chances of greening out. Furthermore, people with low tolerance or young adults are particularly vulnerable to experiencing these effects.
Understanding Personal Tolerance Levels
One of the biggest risk factors for greening out is a lack of understanding of personal tolerance levels. Cannabis affects each person differently, and while a small dose may be fine for one person, the same dose could overwhelm someone else. Beginners are particularly susceptible to greening out because they often don’t know how much cannabis their bodies can handle.
Even experienced users can green out if they consume more marijuana than their usual tolerance. It’s important to remember that the potency of cannabis products varies, and overestimating your tolerance can lead to unpleasant consequences.
How Much Marijuana Is Too Much?
Determining how much marijuana is too much varies from person to person. Generally, greening out occurs when someone consumes more cannabis than their body can process in a short period of time. This often happens when people underestimate the strength of marijuana products, especially with edibles or concentrates.
The “right” amount of cannabis varies based on several factors, including body weight, metabolism, and previous cannabis experience. Some may green out after consuming a relatively small amount of THC, while others may tolerate higher levels.
Physical Symptoms of Greening Out
When a person experiences greening out, the physical symptoms are often the first to appear. Common physical symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of coordination
These symptoms occur because the body is overwhelmed by the amount of THC in the bloodstream. The body’s natural response is to try and expel the substance, which is why vomiting and nausea are so common. Stabilizing blood sugar levels by consuming food can help alleviate some of the physical symptoms associated with greening out.
Psychological Symptoms of Greening Out
In addition to physical symptoms, greening out can also cause severe psychological symptoms. People often describe feelings of extreme paranoia, anxiety, or fear when greening out. These symptoms include:
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Hallucinations or distorted perceptions
- Feelings of impending doom
Mixing cannabis with other substances can intensify mental symptoms such as anxiety and paranoia.
These psychological effects can be particularly distressing and may cause the individual to seek medical attention, even though greening out is typically not life-threatening.
How Long Do the Symptoms Last?
The symptoms of greening out typically last for a few hours, but this can vary depending on how much cannabis was consumed and the person’s tolerance levels. Most individuals will start to feel better after a period of rest and hydration. However, in some cases, the psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and paranoia, may linger for longer, requiring more time for the person to fully recover.
Marijuana Overdose vs. Greening Out: What’s the Difference?
While greening out may feel like a marijuana overdose, the two terms are not entirely synonymous. A marijuana overdose, sometimes referred to as cannabis intoxication, occurs when someone consumes enough marijuana to produce severe, overwhelming effects. However, unlike with alcohol or other drugs, marijuana overdoses are rarely fatal.
Greening out, on the other hand, is a milder form of marijuana overdose and is typically characterized by temporary, unpleasant symptoms rather than life-threatening consequences. Though the experience can be frightening, it’s essential to remain calm and understand that it will pass.
Can You Throw Up from Greening Out?
Yes, nausea and vomiting are common physical symptoms associated with greening out. The body’s natural reaction to an excessive amount of THC is to try and expel the substance, leading to bouts of vomiting. This reaction is the body’s way of protecting itself from further intoxication.
Preventing Greening Out
Prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of greening out. Here are some practical steps to prevent greening out from happening:
- 1Start with Small Doses: Especially for first-time users, it’s crucial to begin with small amounts of cannabis and increase gradually. This helps you gauge how your body reacts to the substance.
- 1Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen the effects of cannabis, so make sure to drink water before and during cannabis consumption.
- 1Eat a Balanced Meal: Consuming cannabis on an empty stomach can lead to more intense effects. Eating a meal before using cannabis can slow the absorption and prevent some of the physical symptoms of greening out.
- 1Avoid Mixing with Other Substances: Mixing marijuana with alcohol or other drugs can significantly increase the likelihood of greening out. It’s best to consume marijuana on its own to gauge its effects accurately.
- 1Understand the Potency: Not all cannabis products are the same. Some marijuana products, such as concentrates or high-THC edibles, are far more potent than others. Be aware of what you’re consuming.
What to Do If You’re Greening Out
If you find yourself greening out, it’s essential to take steps to manage the symptoms and alleviate your discomfort. Here are some things you can do:
- 1Find a Safe Space: Move to a quiet, calm environment where you feel safe. Loud noises and bright lights can exacerbate symptoms like anxiety and paranoia.
- 1Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush THC out of your system and alleviate symptoms like dry mouth and dizziness.
- 1Remain Calm: Remind yourself that greening out is not life-threatening, even though it feels intense. Taking deep breaths and focusing on remaining calm can help ease psychological symptoms.
- 1Use Grounding Techniques: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by psychological symptoms, grounding techniques like deep breathing exercises can help you regain a sense of control.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In rare cases, the symptoms of greening out may become severe enough to warrant seeking medical attention. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or intense psychological distress that doesn’t subside, it may be best to seek help from a healthcare provider. While greening out itself isn’t typically life-threatening, a healthcare professional can provide guidance and ensure there are no other underlying issues.
Greening Out vs. White Out: What’s the Difference?
White out is another term used to describe a similar but slightly different experience to greening out. While greening out is linked to marijuana, white out typically refers to a situation where someone passes out or becomes unconscious after consuming cannabis. White out often results from a sudden drop in blood pressure caused by THC, leading to fainting or loss of consciousness.
The Connection Between Cannabis and Mental Health
Cannabis use can have significant effects on mental health, especially for individuals predisposed to anxiety or other mental health conditions. Some people may experience heightened levels of anxiety or even panic attacks after consuming cannabis. This makes it essential to monitor your mental health and how cannabis affects it over time.
Those who experience frequent psychological distress after using marijuana may want to seek advice from a healthcare provider or mental health professional.
Cannabis Use Disorder: A Growing Concern
For some individuals, greening out may be a symptom of a larger issue, such as cannabis use disorder (CUD). This condition is characterized by an inability to control cannabis consumption despite negative consequences. People with CUD may find themselves using more marijuana to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of greening out.
Recognizing the signs of marijuana abuse and cannabis use disorder early is important in managing the condition. Treatment options, including therapy and support groups, can help individuals regain control of their cannabis consumption.
Treatment Options for Cannabis Use Disorder
For individuals struggling with cannabis addiction or frequent episodes of greening out, professional help may be necessary. Addiction and mental health treatment providers, like Suncounty Wellness, offer comprehensive treatment programs, including family therapy, group therapy, and individual counseling.
Seeking professional help is a critical step in addressing the underlying causes of cannabis use disorder and ensuring a successful recovery journey.
The Importance of Medical Attention in Severe Cases
While greening out is typically not dangerous, it’s still important to be aware of the health risks associated with cannabis use. In some cases, individuals may require medical attention if their symptoms are severe or if they have mixed cannabis with other substances.
Healthcare providers can offer the necessary support and medical care to manage the symptoms and prevent future episodes.
Final Thoughts on Greening Out
Greening out is an unpleasant experience, but it is preventable and manageable. By understanding your personal tolerance levels, consuming cannabis responsibly, and avoiding mixing with other substances, you can reduce your risk of greening out. If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis addiction or frequent greening out episodes, it’s essential to seek help from a professional addiction treatment provider like Suncounty Wellness.
With the right knowledge and support, individuals can enjoy the benefits of cannabis while minimizing the risks.
Seeking Treatment? We Can Help
At Sun County Wellness, as an in-network provider we work with most insurance plans, such as:
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse, reach out to Sun County Wellness today. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to support your journey towards lasting well-being. Give us a call at 949-993-1149
