Understanding Greening Out
What Does Greening Out Mean?
“Greening out” is a colloquial term that indicates using too much cannabis, overloading the brain and body with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main chemical ingredient in marijuana.
How much THC is required to experience greening out will vary from person to person, depending on underlying factors, frequency and intensity of use, tolerance, or whether using particularly potent strains that can lead to more intense effects or higher concentrations of THC.
Is Greening Out the Same as a Cannabis Overdose?
Yes, greening out is a form of cannabis or marijuana overdose.
While this form of overdose is not typically life-threatening like an overdose on opioids may be, it is still highly uncomfortable, coming with an array of adverse symptoms and discomfort.
Experiencing an overdose indicates the need for change or professional help to address a person’s relationship with marijuana.
What Happens to Your Body When You Green Out?
Greening out can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms and challenges that are difficult to navigate, including:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Paranoia and disorientation
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood sugar
- Cold sweats
- Depersonalization
In rare cases, visual, auditory, or olfactory hallucinations are possible. This can also occur as a combination of both greening out and concurrent experiences with panic, anxiety, dehydration, and dizziness, all creating this difficult situation.
Why Does THC Cause Some People to Feel Sick or Overwhelmed?
THC affects the brain, and using too much of the drug can lead to overloading the brain and body’s ability to process the chemical, causing the body to react negatively to excess THC.
A person’s sensitivity to THC can also vary, with similar amounts of cannabis affecting two people very differently. Tolerance, personal experiences, potency of a particular strain of marijuana, method of use, and use of other substances alongside marijuana can all impact individual experiences, including feeling sick or overwhelmed.
Can You Green Out From Marijuana Without Using Too Much?
Some chronic users may experience greening out without using much marijuana, or experience it from unexpectedly small amounts.
Marijuana can become embedded in the fatty tissue in the body, leading to slowed, extended release that continues to affect the brain and body. Using more marijuana before it has been processed can decrease the amount necessary to experience a green out.
What Causes Someone to Green Out?
What Causes a Greening Out?
Greening out is a term that describes having too much THC in the body and bloodstream for the body to process, typically occurring when using excessive amounts of marijuana, more potent strains than usual, using more than intended in a single sitting, or when combining cannabis with other substances.
How much cannabis is needed to cause a green out will vary from person to person, and can even change over time and with other factors, meaning using a certain amount of marijuana does not mean that a certain level is always “safe.”
How Does THC Affect the Endocannabinoid System?
THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, disrupting normal function and changing the signals sent throughout the system, which can destabilize and create an array of different effects.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex system in the brain that regulates a person’s emotional state, appetite, pain receptors, and sleep functions.
Why Does Cannabis Cause Anxiety and Panic Attacks in Some People?
THC can commonly lead to increased anxiety, rather than relieve it.
Cannabis can affect the brain’s ability to effectively regulate mood. Changed perceptions, racing thoughts, and decreased emotional regulation can lead to intense feelings of anxiety and panic that can be difficult to navigate.
How Does Low Tolerance Increase the Risk of Greening Out?
For those with lowered tolerance or who are just beginning to experiment with marijuana, greening out can be a major risk, as the brain and body are not adjusted to processing any amount of THC, greatly decreasing the amount necessary to experience a green out.
Coupled with peer pressure or lack of experience, greening out can be common and uncomfortable.
Can Edibles Make Greening Out More Likely?
Yes, edibles can make greening out more likely.
Consuming edibles can cause a delayed reaction to cannabis, potentially causing an individual to use more cannabis than intended by continuing to use before the effects have fully set in.
Can Cannabis Concentrates Cause a Greening Out?
Absolutely. Cannabis concentrates contain highly potent levels of THC that are much more intense than typical strands of marijuana, and can greatly increase the risk of greening out.
Can Vaping Cannabis Cause a Greening Out?
Yes. Any form of cannabis use, including vaping, can lead to greening out.
Vaping can also cause the onset of the effects of THC rapidly, bringing an array of challenging symptoms.
Can Mixing Substances Cause Someone to Green Out?
Yes, mixing substances with marijuana can increase each of their effects, leading to more intense side effects.
However, they can also mask each other, making it seem like marijuana isn’t as intense, leading to higher levels of marijuana use than intended.
What Is Crossfading and Can It Cause a Greening Out?
Crossfading is a term used to refer to using both cannabis and alcohol in tandem, leading to more intense effects and impairment, exacerbating negative experiences of each, like nausea and dizziness, and increasing the risk of greening out.
Greening Out Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Greening Out?
Each person will experience a green out differently, but typical symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Altered perception
- Memory problems
An individual does not have to express all of these symptoms to be experiencing a green out. Rather, each one can be unique, and noticing a few of these symptoms can be a reason to contact supports or a professional for more information on how to support a loved one while exploring options for potential treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD).
Can Greening Out Cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Yes, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of greening out as the body becomes overtaxed with THC and attempts to expel it from the body.
Can Greening Out Cause Dizziness and Lightheadedness?
Yes. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and impaired coordination are common symptoms of greening out and can increase the risk of falls or injury.
Can Greening Out Cause Anxiety, Paranoia, or Panic Attacks?
THC can affect the ability to effectively regulate mood, leading to altered perceptions, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks.
Can Greening Out Cause a Rapid Heart Rate?
While a short-term effect of greening out, rapid heart rate is possible and can be a scary experience, especially when paired with anxiety, panic, and altered perceptions.
Can Greening Out Cause Chest Pain?
While chest pain is not a direct symptom of greening out, it can be a symptom of the anxiety, panic, or elevated heart rate caused by a green out.
However, this can happen as a result of vaping any substance or when coping with underlying mental health needs, but it should still be noted when experiencing a green out and making a plan for healing.
How Long Does a Greening Out Last?
How Long Do Greening Out Symptoms Last?
The duration of greening out symptoms will vary from person to person and experience to experience.
On average, they last a few hours before lessening over time. However, some can last up to a day before completely subsiding.
How Long Does THC Stay in the Body?
THC can stay in the body much longer than the symptoms of a green out, embedding itself in fatty tissue and lasting anywhere from one to two days in infrequent users to much longer in chronic users.
Using more marijuana before the THC from previous use has been processed can further lengthen these times.
Why Do Edibles Last Longer Than Smoked or Vaped Cannabis?
Edibles take longer to process because they must go through the digestive tract as the body absorbs them gradually.
This causes delayed symptoms and longer-lasting effects as opposed to smoking or vaping.
Does THC Metabolism Affect How Long a Greening Out Lasts?
Yes. Each person will metabolize and process THC at different rates, with personal metabolism, amount of cannabis used, and method of use all impacting how long a green out can last.
When Should Greening Out Symptoms Start to Improve?
It depends on personal experiences and amount used.
Typically, symptoms should start to improve within hours after last use, but can last up to a day in some circumstances.
It is never too early to contact a professional to learn more about symptoms and healing options for a loved one.
What to Do if Someone Is Greening Out
What Should I Do if I Am Greening Out?
If you are experiencing a green out, it is important to stop using substances of any kind and get to a calm, safe, and less stimulating area to lie down. Contact a trusted family member, loved one, or friend to come provide support, ensure safety, and process symptoms.
What to Eat if Greening Out?
Greening out can increase nausea, so starting with small, healthy snacks and hydrating with water are recommended to help the body process THC.
While this will not remove the effects of greening out, it can provide nutrients that help the body process excess THC more effectively.
What Food Helps Reduce a High?
No food can reduce a high or offset the effects of a green out.
Rather, stop using cannabis and find a safe space to process the high as it wears off.
How Can You Help Someone Experiencing Cannabis-Related Anxiety?
Supports, friends, family, and loved ones can help a loved one experiencing cannabis-related anxiety through:
- Finding a safe, comfortable, and less stimulating space
- Talking slowly and calmly
- Encouraging or modeling steady breathing and breathing techniques
- Stay with them
- Avoid confrontational language, anger, or blame during this time
- Ensure their safety, keeping them away from other substances or high-risk situations like driving
What Should You Do if Someone Is Vomiting After Using Cannabis?
Keeping them in a safe environment, placing them on their side to prevent vomit from blocking airways, and offering water to prevent dehydration from excessive vomiting can all help.
Does the “Start Low and Go Slow” Approach Prevent Greening Out?
While it can help decrease the risk of a green out, it cannot wholly prevent it.
Each person will still have a unique experience or reaction to cannabis use.
When Greening Out May Require Medical Attention
When Should You Seek Medical Help for Greening Out?
If symptoms are severe, such as severe panic or agitation that leads to a high risk of harm, or if symptoms continue to worsen rather than improve, then medical help may be required.
Can Cannabis Overdose Be Life-Threatening?
Cannabis overdose is not typically life-threatening, but it is not entirely impossible.
However, an overdose can still be extremely uncomfortable and can potentially lead to life-threatening situations like compromised coordination and decision-making, panic, paranoia, and more, all potentially presenting personal risk.
What Symptoms Require Emergency Medical Attention?
Loss of consciousness and being unable to wake, difficulty breathing, excessive and worsening symptoms like vomiting, or extreme disorientation may necessitate medical attention.
Can Cannabis Cause Chest Pain or Dangerous Changes in Heart Rate?
Yes, elevated heart rate and chest pain are possible.
This is especially true for those with underlying cardiovascular conditions who may be more susceptible to these challenges.
Can Fentanyl or Other Substances Be Involved in an Apparent Cannabis Overdose?
Yes. Combining other drugs with cannabis can greatly exacerbate their effects and lead to new symptoms and increase the risk of overdose.
In some situations, drugs like fentanyl can even be cut into cannabis without a person’s knowledge, creating a dangerous situation that demands professional support.
How Is a Cannabis Overdose Different From Other Drug Emergencies?
Cannabis intoxication commonly involves altered perception, impaired coordination, anxiety, confusion, rapid heart rate, dizziness, nausea, and sedation, but is not typically life-threatening in the way that opioid overdose or alcohol poisoning can be.
That does not mean that cannabis use is “safe,” and cannabis poisoning is still possible.
Greening Out and Cannabis-Related Health Conditions
What Is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a form of substance use disorder where a person’s use of cannabis becomes consistent, excessive, and difficult to control, despite mounting negative consequences to physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as impacting the lives of loved ones, friends, and family members.
An individual may experience intense urges and cravings to reengage with marijuana even after experiencing negative consequences like greening out, and may continue to use despite concern from loved ones, academic or professional consequences, or compromised personal goals and motivations.
Can Repeated Greening Out Be a Sign of Marijuana Addiction?
Yes, continuing to use marijuana despite experiencing repeated green-outs can be a sign of a problematic relationship with marijuana or marijuana addiction.
What Is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by repeated bouts of nausea, vomiting, and discomfort tied to long-term, frequent cannabis use.
How Is CHS Different From a Greening Out?
While greening out is typically tied to a single excessive use of marijuana overtaxing the body and brain’s ability to process THC, CHS is instead the result of a prolonged buildup from frequent cannabis use with intense, recurring symptoms.
Can Frequent Cannabis Use Increase the Risk of Severe Reactions?
Yes, THC can build up in the body, and frequent use can further increase the amount of THC, leading to more severe reactions and symptoms.
Tolerance does not eliminate the effects of cannabis or prevent severe side effects.
Preventing Future Cannabis-Related Problems
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Greening Out?
The only way to prevent greening out is to avoid cannabis use.
Talking to a loved one about cannabis use, never using alone, using low-potency products, avoiding combining substances, and using slowly can help reduce the risk of a green out. However, these solutions do not address the root of a person’s relationship with the drug or other adverse effects.
Does Cannabis Potency Affect the Risk of Greening Out?
Absolutely. More potent strains or high-potency products like cannabis concentrate can increase the risk of greening out.
Are Edibles, Dabs, and Wax More Likely to Cause Severe Effects?
Yes, they can.
Edibles can cause a delayed reaction, potentially causing a person to use more cannabis before the effects of the edible have kicked in, increasing the amount used. Dabs and wax can also be much more potent, contributing to severe effects.
How Does Cannabis Use Affect People With Low Tolerance?
Cannabis use affects people in similar ways; tolerance only affects the amount of drug used to experience these effects, with lower amounts needed to experience its effects or severe symptoms.
What Are the Risks of Mixing Cannabis With Alcohol or Other Substances?
Mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs can cause more extreme, unpredictable effects, while making it difficult to determine the cause of these symptoms.
Increased nausea, vomiting, disorientation, impaired decision-making, and blacking out are all common, with additional substances presenting an array of other risks.
When Should Someone Consider Getting Help for Cannabis Use?
If cannabis use seems difficult to control, past attempts at decreasing or stopping have been unsuccessful, or if cannabis dominates daily routines, thoughts, or impacts personal life, academic or professional success, or important relationships, then professional care may be necessary.
Treatment and Recovery From Problematic Cannabis Use
When Is Cannabis Use a Problem?
Cannabis use is a problem when it becomes difficult to control or interferes with daily life, academic and professional performance, or mental, physical, or emotional health.
Talking to a professional about your expectations, use, and effects of cannabis can help you explore your unique relationship.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Cannabis Use Disorder?
Common and effective treatment options at Resilience Recovery Resources include evidence-based care like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), individual and group programs, and holistic healing options.
We address not just surface-level symptoms and challenges with CUD, but underlying stresses, needs, and goals for a transformative approach to lasting change.
How Can CBT Help With Cannabis Use Disorder?
CBT empowers an individual to identify triggers, explore the connection between their thoughts, beliefs, and actions, and understand how thought patterns can inform certain attitudes.
By changing the thoughts and beliefs behind cannabis use, a person can become further empowered to change their relationship with the drug and create a healthier life.
How Can Family Support Help Someone With Problematic Cannabis Use?
Listening with understanding, providing education and support, stopping enabling behaviors, and healing alongside a loved one can all create a unified approach to change.
Providing transportation, helping a loved one manage expectations, separating the person and the addiction, and creating an empowering, accepting, and sympathetic atmosphere at home can all go a long way in supporting a loved one’s journey of overcoming CUD.
What Does Recovery From Cannabis Use Disorder Look Like?
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it involves learning new coping strategies to deal with persistent urges and cravings.
In recovery, individuals build new daily routines focused on empowerment and healthy living, set new goals and milestones for addiction recovery and daily life, and develop life skills to build personal agency and autonomy while navigating stress and preventing falling back into previous routines.
It is still common to experience urges, cravings, or challenges throughout the journey. This does not mean someone has failed, but rather that healing is an ongoing process that needs new updates as new hurdles and triggers are identified. Changing goals reflect the need for changing strategies.
Resilience Recovery Resources is here with you, updating strategies as you reach new levels of care and milestones in your journey.
FAQs About Greening Out
Can you die from greening out?
Greening out is not typically life-threatening, but altered perceptions, paranoia, and panic can produce risky situations.
Can you green out from THC edibles?
Yes. Edibles can increase the risk of greening out because they have a delayed reaction, causing a person to use more before the original effects have set in and inadvertently using more than intended.
Does greening out mean you have marijuana addiction?
Not necessarily. Greening out can be a one-time event.
However, experiencing multiple greening out episodes can prompt a person to take a critical look at their relationship with marijuana.
Can greening out cause permanent damage?
Not typically. However, risky situations caused by greening out can present new risks, such as excessive vomiting causing damage or falls leading to injury.
Can you green out from cannabis with a low THC dose?
Yes. Those with heightened sensitivity and lower tolerance can still green out, even from a relatively low THC dose.
What is the difference between greening out and an overdose?
Greening out is an informal term tied to an array of symptoms and challenges of excessive THC consumption.
An overdose is a more medical term and can indicate not just symptoms but also reflect THC toxicity and poisoning in the body, even if the two terms are related.
Greening out can indicate a dangerous relationship with marijuana. Call Resilience Recovery Resources today to learn how we can help your son confront the effects of cannabis addiction and begin the journey to lasting, transformative change while building skills for academic and professional success.
