While the flavors, aromas, and effects of cannabis all make for an enjoyable experience, there can be too much of a good thing. Something called “greening out” can occur. Greening out can lead to various physical and psychological effects – dizziness, nausea, paranoia, and more. It is NOT life-threatening! But it can be pretty unpleasant. Today, we’re covering everything you should know about this phenomenon, including why it occurs, what to do when you are greening out, and how to treat greening out if it happens to you.
What is Greening Out?
You’re at home smoking cannabis when, suddenly, you begin to feel a little nauseous. You’re sitting, yet you feel dizzy. You’re likely experiencing a greenout. This happens when recreational users have too much THC.
Let’s look at the science before discussing how to treat greening out. THC interacts with cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the bodyʻs endocannabinoid system. They handle processes like learning and memory, social behaviors, and anxiety. When you consume THC, it binds to CB1 receptors and causes the so-called high associated with cannabis use. But when you have too much, it essentially sends your neurotransmitters into overdrive—it is like having too many tabs open at once. Your computer doesn’t like it, and neither does your brain!
How to Treat Greening Out: Recognizing the Symptoms
Greening out can feel different for different users. Some may experience lightheadedness. Others may feel uneasy. It depends on your experience, tolerance, and product potency. Other common symptoms you may experience include:
- Elevated blood pressure or heart rate
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Loss of coordination
- Headache
- Nausea or, in severe cases, vomiting
- Increased anxiety and paranoia
- Heightened sensitivity to stimuli (light, sound, or touch)
Though they can be distressing, these symptoms DO pass. They may last for a few minutes or even hours. Again, it depends on the individual.
How to Treat Greening Out
Stay calm. It can feel overwhelming and scary, but remember that those feelings will pass. A greening out remedy could also be beneficial! What to do when you are greening out:
1. Drink Water
Staying hydrated is always recommended when consuming marijuana, even if you’re not greening out. Be sure to drink plenty of water – drink slowly! You could also drink other hydrating beverages like sports, coconut water, or fruit juice. Do NOT drink alcohol; it may make you feel worse.
2. Find Good Distractions
How to treat greening out tip #2: distract yourself. Call a friend. Listen to your favorite music or podcast. Watch a fun movie or show. Take a walk. This will help take your mind off of any symptoms you’re experiencing.
3. Follow Relaxation Techniques
Don’t know what else to do when you are greening out? Find your center! Meditate. Take deep breaths and concentrate solely on your breathing – the sound, the rise and fall of your chest, the entire process. It helps slow your heart rate.
4. Eat Something
Try eating something if your stomach can handle it. Stick to foods like fruits, vegetables, and toast. No fatty foods!
5. Try Herbal Remedies
Our last tip for how to treat greening out herbal remedies. Try a greening out remedy by chewing on black peppercorns or chewing lemon rinds. It may help alleviate symptoms like anxiety. This is due to the terpenes in these items – beta-caryophyllene and limonene. Other foods with these terpenes include orange rinds, rosemary, and cloves!
How to Prevent Greening Out
You know what to do when you are greening out. But how do you prevent it from ever happening? Greening out occurs when you consume too much THC. However, other factors can contribute, such as:
- Dehydration
- Smoking/consuming marijuana on an empty stomach
- Drinking alcohol while consuming marijuana (i.e., crossfading)
- Low tolerance
- Lack of sleep
Have a Buddy
If you’re concerned about greening out, don’t consume cannabis alone! Create a safe space and have a trusted friend or family member nearby. This doesn’t necessarily mean they need to smoke with you; it’s only as a precaution in case you experience any adverse symptoms. This is also a great tip for how to treat greening out.
Start Slow with Dosing
You are dosing matters. Do not consume more than you’re used to! This is important if you’re new to cannabis or using a new product. Start slowly with dosing. Consume small amounts to see how cannabis affects you and wait between doses.
Dosing can be tricky with edibles since it takes longer to feel the effects. This also means that greening out is much more familiar with THC edibles. Inexperienced users misjudge dosing amounts, with some ignoring packaging recommendations for dosing. But you should never take another edible because you don’t feel anything.
Shop from a Trusted Source
While it’s helpful to know how to treat greening out symptoms and what to do when you are greening out, it’s always better to prevent it from ever happening. One of the best ways to do so is by shopping from a trusted source, like Dispensary Near Me. Lower-quality sources often fail to note the THC amounts or other ingredients in their products. Trusted sources make note of potency and adhere to strict standards for quality. Dispensary budtenders can also help you with proper dosage.
How to Treat Greening Out
Prevention is the preferred greening out remedy. But if you need to know what to do when greening out, our guide is always here to help. Remain calm and remember that those uneasy feelings will pass. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are no recorded cases of death resulting from cannabis overconsumption. If you need more help, stop by our D.C. dispensary!
