If you’re new to smoking marijuana or have never had a green-out before, greening out can be a scary and confusing experience, especially if you have a low tolerance. However, you can take steps to find relief and get through it.
Keep reading for helpful tips on how to feel better during and after a green-out episode.
What is greening out?
Greening out is a common experience among cannabis users who have consumed too much weed. It has various symptoms.
What are the symptoms of greening out?
The symptoms associated with greening out are often linked to the hypotensive effects of marijuana, including:
- Low blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Pale skin
- Anxiety or panic
- Dizziness
- Difficulty focusing
- Fainting
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Sweating
Ways to avoid greening out.
To ensure a positive and enjoyable cannabis experience, it’s important to practice responsible consumption. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
- Start slowly: Whether you’re smoking or consuming edibles, it’s important to take things slow and give your body time to adjust. When smoking, take small hits and wait 10-20 minutes to see how you feel. With edibles, space your doses by at least 90 minutes to avoid overconsumption.
It’s important to remember that consuming edibles delays the effects of THC, as it must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. (In contrast, smoking weed produces a nearly immediate impact as the cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the blood via the lungs.)
While waiting for the effects of edibles to take hold, it is easy for inexperienced users to think they simply need to consume more. Still, caution should be exercised as grabbing another serving of edibles can lead to an unpleasant “green out.”
- Choose the right strain: If you’re new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, it’s best to start with strains with lower THC levels. Look for options with a balanced THC: CBD ratio, and be aware of the THC potency listed on the packaging. Most cannabis sold in dispensaries ranges from 10-35% THC.
- Prepare for your session: Consider the type of experience you want and how long you plan to consume. Ensure you have plenty of hydration and snacks to help with munchies and potential blood sugar changes.
- Consume in a safe and comfortable environment: To avoid anxiety or panic attacks, it’s important to choose a location that makes you feel at ease. Find a relaxing and comfortable place, and avoid consuming in unfamiliar or stressful environments.
Seasoned cannabis users and greening out
Greening out is a phenomenon that can affect any cannabis user, regardless of their level of tolerance.
While it is true that those with lower tolerances, such as newer users, may be more prone to overconsumption and the negative effects that come with it, experienced users can also experience greening out if they are not careful.
To avoid this, all cannabis users need to be mindful of their consumption and seek greening help if needed. Additionally, those with higher tolerances should be aware that they may need to adjust their dosage to avoid overshooting their desired effects.
By following these precautions, anyone can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the risk of greening out.
Duration of a green out
The duration of the green-out experience largely depends on your metabolism. If you typically have a faster metabolism, you may only feel the negative effects for a brief period, such as a few minutes or half an hour.
On the other hand, if your metabolism is slower, you may experience the green out for a longer period. Additionally, the method of THC consumption can also impact the length of the green out.
Smoking THC typically results in a shorter green-out duration, while consuming edibles can lead to a longer experience due to the slower metabolism of THC in the intestines and liver.
In severe cases, the peak high from consuming edibles can last up to 12 hours.
Overcoming a cannabis overdose
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your high and uncomfortable in your current state, try not to panic and remember that it is only temporary. To help you or a friend through this experience, here are some tips:
- Stay hydrated to combat cottonmouth and assist your liver in metabolizing and eliminating THC from your body.
- If you’re feeling nauseous, try to stay still and allow yourself to relax until the feeling passes.
- Find a distraction to take your mind off your high intensity, such as video games or movies.
- If you haven’t eaten in a while, try snacking on something to prevent low blood sugar from worsening your symptoms.
- Although lying down may not be recommended in case of vomiting, it can be helpful for some people to find relief. If you do choose to lie down, make sure to do so on your side.
To avoid getting too high in the first place, be mindful of your consumption and start with a small amount before increasing as needed.
How to manage a green out experience
It is essential for all cannabis consumers, especially those new to the experience, to be mindful of their limits and to understand the differences in the effects of various consumption methods. While it can be tempting to overindulge to achieve a stronger high, it is crucial to remember that the risks of “greening out” or experiencing negative side effects increase as the dosage does.
By being responsible and educating oneself on the potential risks and proper dosing, cannabis can be enjoyed safely and without incident.
