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How do you prevent greening out from cannabis? There are more ways than one and we have found them for you. Most smokers do have the experience of greening out while some do not.

This experience might not be quite pleasant for many because of the symptoms, which include dizziness, paranoia and at times, nausea.

Greening out is an experience that you have when you have consumed too much cannabis, even though you know that it will make you have those symptoms. It is like an overdose, but not technically. There are certain things you can do when this happens. What does greening out mean?

The Cannabis Experience

hand holding a joint, prevent greening out

Most people know what will happen to them when they consume too much cannabis. The experience could make you want to quit smoking cannabis, if you are not careful. Of course, this is certainly not the worst thing that could have occurred.

However, if you can avoid it, then that would be the best thing to do. The good thing is that cannabis greening out only last for a few hours and can be fixed if you have a way to relax. However, if you are using other substances with the cannabis, then your symptoms could worsen.

If you smoked the cannabis while drinking alcohol, it could make you feel worse. If you cannot handle certain cannabis strains that have a high level of THC then you don't want to add alcohol into the mix either.

The Symptoms of Greening Out

What is greening out from cannabis? Cannabis greening out is a term used when an individual consumes too much cannabis and starts to feel sick to the stomach. Be reassured that even though you may have consumed too much pot, you won't die from it as could probably be the case if you overdosed on hard drugs.

Here is some other cannabis greening out symptoms that you should pay attention to.

  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • Lack of mobility
  • Chills and sweating
  • Upset stomach and vomiting

These symptoms usually subside in a few hours, but some people have had them last up to six hours. It depends on how your body reacted to the cannabis consumption.

If you only used cannabis in your joint, then you don't have to worry about the symptoms lasting for six hours. If you have been drinking or doing other drugs, it is best to seek the care of a physician. Greening out after effects are usually mild and not long lasting.

No Peer Pressure Can Prevent Greening Out

No two people react the same with cannabis consumption. For that reason, cannabis greening out affects each individual in a different way. If you are an active smoker, you will be aware of what to expect. But, if you are a beginner, you may not know and that is why we are here to inform you.

One thing to note is that your bodyweight does not have anything to do with cannabis greening out. Let's say that you only need a few hits to get your high, never allow anyone to pressure you into consuming more. Don't worry if you are made fun of.

It is going to be more embarrassing and awkward, if you do too much and then go through those symptoms. You should be aware of your limitations and don't give in to peer pressure. What is a good greening out cure?

Food and Water Helps Prevent Greening Out

Be sure that you have eaten and are fully hydrated prior to smoking cannabis. This will certainly help cannabis greening out. You wouldn't drink alcohol without having something in your stomach.

The same is true for cannabis. If you have nothing in your stomach and you have consumed too much cannabis, the greening out effect will be stronger.

Fastest Solutions to Prevent Greening Out

If you smoke indica dominant strains that are known to have higher THC levels try to limit your consumption. If you like edibles, before you consume those, you should be sure of the dosage level.

Once you are experiencing cannabis greening out, sit down and relax, turn down the lights, watch a favorite television show and eat some snacks.

One fast solution to get back to reality is to consume black pepper balls. This is a myth that does work because the black pepper has beta-caryophyllene, which is an essential oil that is often used for treating anxiety. If you are a diabetic though, be forewarned that black pepper balls could lower your blood sugar level. So don't consume too much either.

How to Prevent ‘Greening Out' from Cannabis

For many cannabis enthusiasts, there's a fine line between a pleasant high and an overwhelming experience.

The term ‘greening out' refers to the uncomfortable feeling that can arise after consuming too much cannabis.

Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, paranoia, sweaty palms, and anxiety. Here's how to prevent such an unpleasant experience and what to do if you find yourself in the midst of greening out. Why does greening out happen? What can I do to prevent it?

Understanding Your Limits

1. Start Low and Go Slow

If you're new to cannabis or trying a new product or strain, it's essential to start with a low dose and consume slowly. This approach allows you to gauge your body's reaction and prevent overconsumption.

2. Know the Potency

Be aware of the THC content in your chosen product. Higher THC levels typically mean a stronger effect. If you're a novice or occasional user, consider products with lower THC content or a balanced THC to CBD ratio.

3. Be in a Comfortable Setting

Your environment can influence your cannabis experience. Ensure you're in a familiar and comfortable setting, ideally with people you trust, especially if you're trying cannabis for the first time.

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Drinking water and having a meal before consuming cannabis can help reduce the chance of feeling lightheaded or dizzy, two common symptoms of greening out.

5. Edibles: Watch the Delay

Edibles take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping because they're processed through the digestive system. This delay can lead some to consume more, thinking they haven't taken enough, only to be hit with an overwhelming high later. Wait at least 1-2 hours after consuming edibles before considering taking more.

6. Dabbing and Concentrates: Not for Beginners

Dabs and cannabis concentrates have extremely high THC levels. If you're not familiar with these, it's easy to consume too much. Beginners should approach with caution or avoid until they're more experienced.

7. Know the Signs

Recognizing the early signs of greening out (like heightened anxiety or a rapid heartbeat) can help you take action to mitigate the intensity of the experience.

8. Take Breaks

If you're consuming cannabis over an extended period, like at an event or party, take regular breaks to gauge how you feel. This approach prevents the accumulation of too much THC in your system.

In Case You Green Out…

9. Stay Calm

Remind yourself that the feelings will pass and you're not in any physical danger.

10. Find a Safe, Quiet Place

If possible, lie down and try to relax. Deep, slow breathing can also help calm feelings of anxiety or panic.

11. Hydrate and Eat

Sipping water and having a light snack can help. However, avoid caffeine as it may exacerbate anxiety or increase your heart rate.

12. CBD Might Help

Some anecdotal reports suggest that consuming CBD can help counteract some of the adverse effects of THC. Consider keeping a CBD oil or tincture on hand if you consume cannabis regularly.

How To Prevent Greening Out Recap

Greening out is derived from “blacking out” from drinking too much alcohol, except it is consuming too much cannabis.

Because every person’s body and endocannabinoid system is different, greening out is hard to predict. It may be more likely to happen to people new to weed or who don’t consume often.

It could also occur in consumers who are lacking sleep, hydration, or sustenance, or when consuming marijuana in certain forms, such as pot brownies. cannabis gummies and dabs, which are high in potency. Many marijuana consumers have a story about eating a pot brownie that was way too potent.

Thankfully, marijuana in any form or amount is not life-threatening and there have been no cases of overdose, so greening out won’t kill you or damage your body in any way. If greening out, we recommend staying with a close friend you can trust, drinking plenty of H2o, and getting plenty of rest, and the physical symptoms should be gone by the next morning.

Greening out may leave lingering anxiety or negative associations with weed, but every individual may react differently.

Greening Out Symptoms

When greening out occurs, the CB2 and CB1 receptors are activated by the level of THC via the endocannabinoid system, affecting the body, but especially the brain and other bodily functions.

It might also affect your concentration, memory, appetite, and coordination.

Greening out is the opposite of experiencing that perfect high. It gives an unpleasant feeling, physically and mentally. You can also feel some type of paranoia, lack of energy, lack of mobility and even anxiety.

Other things such as dry mouth, shaking, cold chills, burning eyes, upset stomach, and disorientation could be noticeable indicators of greening out.

Fortunately, greening out sounds worse than it really is. It’s extremely unlikely to cause death directly, but can worsen some pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular problems due to an increased heart rate.

For those on sedating medication, cannabis can further enhance the sedation, which can slow down breathing.

Greening out symptoms are generally mild, but we won’t rule out the possibility of death as was the case for a Denver man who fell to death after eating cannabis-infused cookies.

Starting with low doses and gradually building up to your desired effects can keep you safe and happy.

Other Things to Consider

It is important to take deep breaths while you are lying down and relaxing.

Next, you should try to dehydrate yourself by drinking lots of liquid (juice and water). Make sure you put something in your stomach (food). Using black pepper or pepper kernel is a good way to reduce the intense high that marijuana smoking produces.

CBD oil is another solution if you have any handy around the house. CBD is thought to mitigate the negative side effects of taking too much THC.

Get sufficient rest and if you still do not feel well after all of this, make your way to a nearby hospital. Let the doctors at the hospital know exactly what happened to you.

We get it. It’s easy to “green out” every once in a while. Whether you’re new to edibles, mixed alcohol with weed, or just went over your tolerance, getting too high is almost a rite of passage and learning lesson on how never to do it again.

If you’re in the throes of a bad trip, don’t worry. Although all you need is time to come down from the high, these home remedies may tone down the buzz. Here is how to sober up from weed and start feeling better in no time.

How Long Does the High Last?

How long a high lasts and the time until the onset of effects depends on various factors, including the consumption method, amount consumed, and your metabolism. For example, the effects of smoking can last up to two hours when peaking.

Remember that effects of overconsumption are usually associated with THC, not other compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Here is a breakdown of the duration and onset of effects for different intoxicating consumption methods:

Consumption MethodTime Until OnsetDuration of Effects
Smoking30 to 90 seconds2 to 3 hours
Dabbing30 to 90 seconds2 to 3 hours
Vaporizing flower30 to 90 seconds2 to 3 hours
Vape pens with concentrate30 to 90 seconds2 to 3 hours
Inhaler3 to 5 minutesUp to 90 minutes
Edibles60 to 90 minutes6 to 8 hours
Intraoral (sublingual or buccal)30 seconds to 5 minutes2 to 3 hours
Transdermal patch15 to 20 minutes8 to 24 hours

Symptoms of Being Too High

If you’ve never smoked weed or rarely do, it can be difficult to understand the symptoms of excessive cannabis high.

Although everyone experiences THC differently, its intended effects are euphoria and relaxation.

Smoking weed doesn’t have to cause a bad trip. Here are common symptoms associated with consuming too much THC:

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Panic attack
  • Fast heart rate
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Memory problems
  • Low or high blood pressure
  • Coordination problems

Become a Better Cannabis User at Cannabis Training University

Cannabis has been used for many purposes for millennia, including medicinal purposes. Knowing how to dose and avoid side effects is crucial to having the best experience. Learn how to be a better cannabis user, grower, cook, and more at CTU.

Conclusion

Cannabis is enjoyed by many for its therapeutic and recreational effects. However, like all substances, it's crucial to consume responsibly and understand how it affects your body. By taking precautions and knowing what to do in case of overconsumption, you can ensure a more enjoyable and safer cannabis experience.

What is greening out?

“Greening out” is a term that is used within the cannabis community to describe an unpleasant and overwhelming feeling that occurs after eating an excessive amount of THC, which is the major psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis. Greening out is not harmful in the sense that it poses a threat to one's life, but it can be an upsetting experience for the person who is experiencing it.

What are greening out symptoms?

Greening out paranoia

The following are symptoms of greening out:

Individuals may experience an illogical fear or excessive anxiety, which is one of the most typical symptoms. This feeling can be described as intense paranoia.
Lightheadedness or vertigo: Some people may get the sensation that they are ready to pass out.

Nausea and actual vomiting can result from overindulging, which can irritate the stomach and lead to uncomfortable feelings of nausea or actual vomiting.

Heart Palpitations: The feeling that the heart is beating too quickly or skipping beats might be unsettling, but in the context of greening out, it is not normally a life-threatening condition.

Another one of the signs and symptoms of this condition is profuse perspiration or clamminess.

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Disorientation or Confusion: Some individuals may experience a feeling of being “out of it” or may have difficulty comprehending their surroundings.

Visual or Auditory Disturbances: On occasion, a person could experience symptoms that are similar to hallucinations.

What should I do if someone is greening out?

Keep your cool, since anxiety might make the symptoms much worse. If you are around someone who is starting to feel green, try to reassure them and let them know that the feeling will go away eventually.

Locate a Place That Is Comfortable: If it is at all possible, relocate to a calm and comfortable setting.

Staying hydrated is important; drinking water might be helpful, but you should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine.

Lying down can be helpful for some people, particularly when experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.

Stay with Someone: If you notice that someone is losing their health, you shouldn't leave them alone. A friend who is steady and reassuring to have around can make all the difference in the world.

If you are concerned about someone's reaction, you should seek medical attention. This is especially important if the person's reaction appears to be very severe or if the person has an underlying health issue.

How do I prevent greening out?

Be Aware of Your Limits: If you've never used cannabis before or are experimenting with a new way to consume it (like edibles), start with a low dose and observe how it affects you before increasing it.

Take Extra Precautions with Food: When compared to the effects of smoking or vaping, edibles take longer to take effect, but they can be both more intense and persist for a longer period of time.

Consume in a Steady and Secure Setting: Consume cannabis only in settings that make you feel relaxed and secure, particularly in the company of friends you can count on.

Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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