How To Prevent Greening Out from Cannabis

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

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.

Set the Right Environment

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.

Be Cautious with Consumption Methods

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.

Listen to Your Body

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 & Accidental Overdose

Over the years, cannabis bud potency has increased dramatically. One study on the potency of cannabis products seized by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) found that cannabis potency increased from about 4 percent THC in 1995 to about 12 percent in 2014.

In 2017, another study found that black market cannabis contained up to 17 percent THC. That’s not even considering cannabis extracts that contain between 80 and 90 percent THC.

In a cannabis industry that’s hyper-focused on breeding strains with the highest THC concentration possible, consumers are left to handle these powerful products on their own.

Myths surrounding cannabis still prevail making it harder to find accurate information about how to use cannabis and its many infused products.

For beginners, greening out can be a frightening right of passage that may scare them away from cannabis forever.

It’s never been easier to treat serious medical conditions with high-strength cannabis products, but this has also increased the risk of greening out for unsuspecting individuals or those less able to handle high doses of THC.

Some people will overdose accidentally while others will be so greedy or feel like they can manage to consume higher levels of THC. In some cases, some individuals might choose to consume higher doses of dabs or cannabis concentrates. This might include wax, hash oil and shatter.

In addition, if you were drinking any form of alcoholic beverage prior to smoking weed, it makes the situation even worse as your rate of absorption would be doubled. Greening out is not good news for the person who has to maintain a job or other essential responsibilities.

Edibles are convenient and delicious infused products but are ripe for misuse. Consuming an entire brownie can be temping and doable, but can lead to a really bad experience if you’re a low-tolerance user.

Unlike smoking or vaping, which provides users with fast-acting effects, eating infused edibles takes about an hour for the onset of effects. Inexperienced or impatient users may end up taking more than the desired amount before fully knowing their tolerance.

Plus, beginners can have a hard time dosing or figuring out how much they can handle.

Following some common edible consumption guidelines can keep you, your friends, and your family safe from greening out in any situation.

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.

Common Occurrences of Being Greened Out

Unfortunately, greening out has gotten more common. The side effects are negative. The body is going to react to the high level of THC that will get into the bloodstream.

You won't have a fatal reaction to your overconsumption, but you may get physically sick to your stomach.

There are certain tips that you can follow to avoid over-consuming marijuana or greening out. Let's take a look at what you should do, if you had too much cannabis edibles to eat or if you did not have the discipline to stop when you should.

Surviving the Green Out

If you are in the middle of greening out, you should never go into panic mode. Don't get too anxious because the feelings will eventually pass. If you get too worried or panicky, then the situation will get worse.

Give it a few hours or at least 24 hours for the feelings to go away, after which you will bounce back to your usual self. In the meantime, while you wait, there are certain things you can do such as taking medication, relaxing, not freaking out and going for a walk to free your mind.

Getting up and moving around will help diminish the greening out phase! If you can muster the focus, try taking a few deep and slow breaths through your nose and out your mouth. Close your eyes if needed to become mindful of how you’re feeling.

If you don’t feel too silly doing it, try singing and belting out a few tunes. Research shows that singing can release endorphins that can make you feel happy and at ease.

As far as hydration goes, opt for good old H2O or some juice or caffeine-free tea.

If these tips are futile, try lying down in a quiet and safe space and closing your eyes. Anxiety can make it hard to take a nap and fall asleep, which could help you speed through the green out.

If you’re feeling too anxious to sleep, lie down and listen to some relaxing music, white noise, or anything else that will calm you down.

Sleep or music not working? Try the complete opposite. Exercise can improve your blood flow and reduce stress, albeit, exercise can also release THC from fat cells.

Feeling hot and anxious? Cool down with a refreshing shower or bath.

Massaging your tense muscles can also help bring you down from your bad experience.

Other Things to Consider

It is also 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 Method	Time Until Onset	Duration of Effects
Smoking	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Dabbing	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Vaporizing flower	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Vape pens with concentrate	30 to 90 seconds	2 to 3 hours
Inhaler	3 to 5 minutes	Up to 90 minutes
Edibles	60 to 90 minutes	6 to 8 hours
Intraoral (sublingual or buccal)	30 seconds to 5 minutes	2 to 3 hours
Transdermal patch	15 to 20 minutes	8 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

How to Sober Up From Weed

If you’re too high right now, remember that these feelings will pass in a few hours. In the meantime, there are some (not scientifically backed) methods to handle the high. You can’t stop the high from one moment to another, but you can make it through without feeling too bad.

Here are a few ways you can come down from a high if you’ve consumed too much cannabis.

Stay Calm

One of the most important parts of surviving a bad trip is realizing that these feelings will eventually be over in a matter of hours or less. That may not seem a huge comfort when you’re in the middle of a panic attack, but it can help.

As long as you remain in a safe and comfortable space and take a deep breath, you should not experience any severe side effects or consequences from smoking too much weed. Cannabis is not lethal on its own, so hang in there and try some of the methods below.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water or any refreshing drink helps reduce the dry mouth you may experience, but this won’t sober you up. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which may enhance cannabis’ stimulating effects.

Get Comfortable

Being too high isn’t fun. You need to find a comfortable, quiet space to rest and ride out the high. Go for a walk, listen to music, watch your favorite show, or find other distracting and fun activities that will take your mind off the unfamiliar and uncomfortable effects.

Use Deep Breathing and Meditation Techniques

Slow, focused deep breathing can reduce THC-induced anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. If you’re too high, taking deep breaths can keep you calm. Meditation is another way to relieve stress and anxiety. Just a few minutes of meditation can help reduce anxious feelings, and you can do it anywhere.

Take Ibuprofen

Are you feeling too high, and nothing else is working? Take some ibuprofen. One study on animals found that ibuprofen can offset some of THC’s effects. If you’re feeling too high, consider taking the recommended amount of ibuprofen with water and food.

Take a Hot Shower or Bath

Hot showers can soothe over-intoxication, anxiety, and other psychoactive effects associated with THC. If you can, try taking a hot shower or bath (cold works, too) to relax your muscles and reduce your high. Cold showers can promote deep breathing, lowering blood pressure and improving oxygenation.

Take CBD

Some research shows that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, can reduce side effects associated with THC while enhancing its benefits. CBD works by blocking the cannabinoid receptor that THC binds to, reducing the intoxicating effects.

CBD products are available in many forms, including tinctures, vape cartridges, capsules, and more. 

Inhale Beta-Caryophyllene, or Black Pepper Essential Oil

More clinical studies are needed on its effects on humans, but preliminary research suggests that beta-caryophyllene, a common terpene found in cannabis and black pepper, activates the same cannabinoid receptors as THC and produces relaxing effects. 

Many users claim that chewing on black peppercorns or inhaling beta-caryophyllene or black pepper essential oil helped them sober up.

Call an Ambulance

If you or a friend have chest pain, loss of motor control, loss of speech, loss of vision, or uncontrolled allergic reaction, call an ambulance.

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.

How to Take Care of Someone Who Is Greening Out?

If your friend is the one who is having a bad trip after consuming too much cannabis, there are a few things you can do to reduce panic levels and keep the situation under control.

First, reassure your friend that everything will be alright and the negative side effects will soon pass. Amidst the paranoia and hallucinations, your friend may act in a bizarre manner.

Remain with them throughout the entire time, if possible, to keep them safe and worry-free. If you’re in a crowded or unfamiliar place, it’s best to take your friend to a safe place where they feel comfortable and at home.

Help them into a comfortable seating or lying position and bring them some water to satiate their thirst and get rid of the dry mouth.

If the situation gets too out of hand and your friend is feeling very sick, don’t hesitate to call emergency services.

Greening Out vs. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

It’s important to make a distinction between greening out and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a fairly misunderstood and controversial condition that can cause extreme vomiting, nausea, and stabbing pains in the chest and abdomen.

When you’re feeling the pangs of anxiety and nausea collide, you may be paranoid and disconcert yourself by thinking you have CHS.

CHS is a rare condition, which was first thought to be caused by long-term and heavy cannabis use, but there is limited evidence to support this hypothesis.

CHS continues to elude researchers. As a consumer, you can protect yourself by being aware of the symptoms and knowing the difference between greening out and something more serious.

Final Thoughts on Greening Out

After you have reduced the high, be sure to go on a sabbatical from greening out, meaning you will not consume any more weed for at least three days to a week. If you want to know more about greening out and THC levels, go to the Cannabis Training University now.

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.