“Greening out” is a slang term some people use to describe the unpleasant effects of consuming too much cannabis. While it’s not usually life-threatening, it can be a very uncomfortable experience.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does greened out mean?” or if you’re curious about how to avoid it, you’re in the right place. Responsible cannabis consumption starts with understanding the risks and how to manage them.
This article will explore:
- What “greening out” means and what causes it.
- The physical and psychological symptoms.
- How to manage a “greening out” episode.
- Tips to prevent it from happening.
- When to seek medical help.
What does “greening out” mean?
“Greening out” is a slang term for the unpleasant and unwanted symptoms that can occur after using cannabis. It essentially means having a bad reaction to marijuana.
Greening out usually happens when someone consumes too much cannabis, especially THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. You can think of it as a sort of cannabis overdose or toxic reaction.
It’s important to remember that greening out, while uncomfortable and distressing, isn’t usually life-threatening. However, people do sometimes visit the emergency room for cannabis-related issues, although greening out may not be the only factor.
Symptoms of Greening Out: Physical and Psychological Effects
Greening out can trigger a range of physical and psychological symptoms, some of which can be unpleasant.
Physical Symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Visual disturbances
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
Symptom Severity and Duration
The duration and intensity of these symptoms can vary widely, depending on the person and the dose. For some, a green out might last only a few minutes. For others, the effects can linger for hours, or even longer.
Individual factors like tolerance, metabolism, and even mood can play a role in how intensely and how long you experience these symptoms. It’s also worth noting that the method of cannabis consumption can affect the duration and intensity of effects. For example, edibles tend to have a delayed onset and longer duration compared to smoking or vaping.
What causes greening out?
If you’ve ever taken too much cannabis, you may have experienced some of the symptoms of greening out, but what are the factors that can lead to this unpleasant experience?
THC dosage and potency
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis. The higher the dose of THC you ingest, the greater the chance you’ll green out.
Different cannabis strains and products have vastly different levels of potency, so it’s important to know how much THC you’re getting in each dose.
Individual tolerance
Everyone reacts differently to cannabis. If you’re new to using cannabis, you’re more likely to green out because your tolerance is lower than someone who uses it frequently.
How often you use cannabis, your genetics, and many other factors can also influence your tolerance.
Consumption method
The way you ingest cannabis can also affect whether you green out. Smoking cannabis produces more immediate effects that wear off relatively quickly. But with edibles, the effects are delayed and tend to be more intense, which can lead to accidentally overdoing it.
Risks of edibles, smoking, and mixing with alcohol
Knowing the risks can help you enjoy cannabis safely, whether you’re using edibles, smoking, or combining cannabis with alcohol.
Edibles
Edibles can be tricky because it takes a while to feel the effects. People sometimes eat more before they’ve felt anything, which can lead to overconsumption and a bad experience.
It can also be hard to know exactly how much THC is in an edible, as the distribution of THC can be uneven.
Smoking
When you smoke, the effects are more immediate, which means you can tell more easily when you’ve had enough. Pacing yourself is key to avoiding that “greened out” feeling.
Mixing with alcohol
Combining cannabis with alcohol is more likely to cause you to “green out.” Alcohol can amplify the effects of THC, leading to greater impairment and a higher risk of adverse reactions.
How to Manage a Greening Out Episode
If you’re feeling greened out, don’t panic! Here’s how to handle it:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Find a calm, safe space. Dim the lights, turn off the music, and ask others to keep the noise down.
- Practice deep breathing. Focus on slow, controlled breaths to help calm your nervous system. Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four. Repeat.
- Stay hydrated. Sip water slowly to avoid nausea.
Other Helpful Strategies
- Boost your blood sugar. A small snack or a bit of fruit juice can help counter dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Engage in grounding techniques. Focus on sensory experiences, like the feeling of your feet on the floor or the texture of a blanket.
- Ask a trusted person to stay with you. Having someone nearby for support and reassurance can be incredibly helpful.
Preventing Greening Out: Responsible Consumption Practices
While greening out isn’t generally dangerous, it can be an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of overdoing it.
Know Your Tolerance
Everyone reacts differently to cannabis. Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to it, to gauge your individual tolerance.
Dosage and Potency Awareness
Pay close attention to the THC content of the cannabis product you’re using. Opt for products with lower levels of psychoactive compounds, especially if you’re prone to anxiety or have a low tolerance.
Consumption Habits
Moderation is key. Avoid overwhelming your system by spacing out your consumption. Give your body time to process the cannabis between uses.
Also, avoid consuming cannabis on an empty stomach, as this can intensify its effects.
Avoid Mixing Substances
Combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances can increase the risk of greening out and other adverse effects. It’s best to use cannabis on its own.
When to seek medical help
Greening out isn’t usually dangerous. However, sometimes medical attention is necessary.
Get emergency help if symptoms are severe or don’t go away, or if you think someone is having a serious medical event.
If you find yourself greening out frequently or severely, it might be time to talk to a professional. Resources and support are available for people who are struggling with substance use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be greened out?
“Greening out” is a slang term, often used when someone experiences negative or unpleasant side effects after consuming cannabis. It generally refers to feeling sick, anxious, or overwhelmed after using marijuana. It’s like the cannabis equivalent of drinking too much alcohol and feeling awful.
What does greening out in school mean?
Greening out in school means experiencing the negative effects of cannabis while at school. This could include feeling paranoid, anxious, nauseous, dizzy, or having difficulty concentrating. It’s obviously not a good situation, as it can disrupt learning and potentially lead to disciplinary action.
How long does greening out usually last?
The duration of a green out can vary depending on the amount of cannabis consumed, the individual’s tolerance, and other factors. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It’s important to stay calm, hydrated, and find a safe and comfortable environment until the effects subside.
What happens when you get green out?
When you green out, you might experience a range of symptoms, including anxiety, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Some people may also experience hallucinations or panic attacks. It’s important to remember that these effects are usually temporary and will eventually pass.
In Summary
“Greening out” isn’t fun. While it’s not usually dangerous, the anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms associated with consuming too much cannabis can be quite unpleasant. Knowing what causes “greening out,” recognizing the signs, and understanding how to manage the symptoms can help you avoid or quickly recover from an episode.
Responsible cannabis consumption is key. Always know your tolerance, pay careful attention to dosage, and avoid mixing cannabis with other substances, especially alcohol.
Finally, if you think you might have a substance abuse problem, please reach out to a healthcare professional for help.