Answered: What is Greening Out? Explaining “Cannabis Overdoses”
Disclaimer: This post is not meant to serve as medical advice. Consult a medical professional with any questions about cannabis and its reactions with the body.
Overdosing on alcohol and other narcotics is well-known, but what about cannabis? If you’re here, you’re curious about the term “greening out” – also known as a cannabis overdose.
So is it possible to overdose from smoking weed?
In this post, we’ll define the adverse effects of greening out, explain what causes it, and give you tips to avoid a green out all together.
What is a weed green out?
Often referred to as a cannabis overdose, greening out happens when a person ingests too much weed. Following consumption the individual may experience nausea, dizziness, anxiety, passing out, or even vomiting.
Some reports find that cannabis overconsumption can lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, which can make you feel weak and pale. Others say you can experience an increased heart rate and even panic attacks when greening out.
While there are zero reported cases of permanent damage caused by consuming large amounts of cannabis, there are still drawbacks to pushing your limits with weed.
The reality of a green out is that it’s generally very uncomfortable and can be quite disorienting. It’s also avoidable if you understand the causes and symptoms of a green out.
What causes a green out?
The most common cause of a green out is ingesting too much marijuana. In today’s era of higher potency cannabis products and flower, it’s easy to accidentally overdo it. Unfortunately, you can end up paying the price for that extra toke or edible.
When you ingest too much THC, there’s a chance the excessive amount of cannabinoids will bind to anandamide receptors throughout the body. These receptors are part of your endocannabinoid system and help regulate bodily harmony and balance. If you skew the receptors too far, they can overcompensate and lead to a green out.
Greening out is especially common for newer cannabis users or those taking high-potency edibles or cannabis concentrates (dabs). These products can be surprisingly powerful, especially for first time smokers.
Also, dehydration, lack of sleep, empty stomach, and high doses of other drugs or alcohol can also lead to a green out.
Mixing alcohol with cannabis is one of the most likely causes of a green out. While they are often served in similar settings, the two drugs can be risky to consume together. Too much cannabis while you’re drinking alcohol is likely to lead to greening out.
How to tell you’re greening out
It’s helpful to recognize the symptoms of greening out so you can take care of yourself if it happens.
Here are a few signs you’re greening out:
- Turning pale
- Starting to sweat
- Feeling dizzy and nauseous
- Lightheadedness
- A “spinning” feeling
- Sudden vomiting
- Anxiety
- Numbing or tingling sensation
These side effects are not pleasant, but they typically don’t last long and are not life-threatening, although it’s important to consult medical help if needed.
How long does a green out last?
Luckily, green outs don’t last too long. At most, they will last a few hours, no matter how unpleasant.
Your weight, height, and tolerance can contribute to the length of the green out. How much you rest, drink, eat, and the THC content or the product(s) you consume will also impact the experience.
If you green out, keep yourself away from overstimulating areas. Lie down and find a quiet place to rest while you recover from the symptoms.
What to do if you or someone you know is greening out
Here are some home remedies for someone greening out:
- Try chewing black peppercorns and drinking lemon juice, TikTok users are doing it to help with weed-induced paranoia
- Drink juice to help raise blood sugar
- Avoid being alone
- Find a safe space
- Lay down and get comfortable
- Take deep breaths
- Try taking straight CBD oil, or CBD products that include calming terpenes
- Turn on calming music or a television show
If you feel the situation getting out of control, seek medical attention.
Never leave someone who is greening out alone. Keep them safe while they work through the symptoms.
What about CBD? Can you take too much?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is very different from the cannabinoid THC because it does not have intoxicating effects.
There are very few studies out there about high doses of CBD, but it’s highly unlikely that high doses of CBD will lead to intoxication and individuals can generally tolerate it.
The FDA reports that individuals may experience adverse reactions to high levels of CBD, such as drowsiness, altered alertness, diarrhea, reduced appetite, irritability, and agitation.
Learn more about weed!
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