What Is Greening Out?
Greening out occurs when an individual ingests or smokes an excessive amount of cannabis or marijuana. This can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms, resulting in mild to severe side effects.
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
It's essential to recognize that specific cannabis products are predominantly employed for recreational purposes, aiming to induce a state of intoxication, while others are primarily utilized for medicinal reasons.
Cannabis products intended for recreational use usually feature delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the sought-after intoxicating effects, as elucidated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Conversely, another prominent cannabis derivative is cannabidiol (CBD), commonly utilized for medical purposes. While CBD products may contain minimal amounts of THC, they don't produce the same intoxicating effects. These products are frequently employed for managing symptoms associated with chronic illnesses or persistent pain.
Throughout this article, our focus will primarily be on cannabis products with elevated THC levels.
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
What Constitutes a Cannabis Green Out?
A cannabis green out occurs when an individual experiences feelings of sickness or discomfort following the consumption or smoking of cannabis products characterized by high THC levels.
What Is the Term Used to Describe Greening Out?
Greening out is alternatively referred to as a "cannabis overdose," signifying a situation where an individual becomes excessively intoxicated or "too high".
How Long Does Greening Out Typically Last?
The manifestations of greening out may endure for a few minutes, hours, or, in some cases, persist throughout the entire day. Generally, these symptoms tend to subside within a 24-hour timeframe.
The duration of these symptoms hinges on factors such as the person's hydration levels, tolerance, the quantity consumed, and the speed at which it was ingested.
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
What Sensations Accompany Greening Out?
Experiencing a green out may induce feelings of illness in an individual. Symptoms can encompass sensations like dizziness, light-headedness, heightened anxiety, an accelerated heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of coordination.
During a green out, an individual might encounter what is colloquially known as "the spins," a combination of vertigo and nausea that can create the sensation of one's head spinning, even while lying down.
What Does Initiating a Green Out Entail?
The initiation of a green out involves the onset of both physical and psychological effects resulting from an excess of cannabis in the individual's system.
What Triggers Greening Out?
Greening out can be triggered by the excessive consumption of cannabis products or marijuana, either alone or in combination with other substances, such as alcohol.\
What Are Indications of Greening?
Common indicators of greening out may encompass pale skin, slurred speech, dry mouth, heightened paranoia, nausea, vomiting, a loss of coordination, dizziness, light-headedness, and even the onset of a panic attack.
How Do You Identify If You've Greened Out?
If you've engaged in activities like smoking weed, consuming edibles, dabbing, smoking wax, or vaping marijuana and begin to manifest any of these symptoms, it's likely that you're experiencing a green out.
The prevalent side effects typically include sensations of dizziness, nausea, heightened anxiety, and an increased heart rate.
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Greening Out?
The duration required to sober up after a green out varies from person to person. Several factors, including body weight, hydration levels, tolerance to cannabis, the potency of the consumed substance, and other health conditions, contribute to the time it takes to eliminate the substances from the system. Typically, symptoms subside within 24 hours or less.
Is Vomiting a Possible Outcome of Greening Out?
Individuals undergoing a green out often experience symptoms of nausea and may vomit due to the excessive consumption of marijuana. Prolonged marijuana use can lead to a condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), characterized by cyclical episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain following cannabis use, as elucidated by StatPearls. Vomiting, if not addressed appropriately, can result in rapid dehydration, posing potential dangers if left untreated.
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
After-Effects of Greening Out Can the After-Effects of Greening Out Extend for Days?
While greening out symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours of consumption, the duration of these symptoms is contingent on factors such as the quantity of cannabis product ingested, the speed of consumption, and the method of entry into the bloodstream.
What Are the Prolonged Effects of Greening Out?
The lasting effects of cannabis product consumption hinge on its potency, quantity, rate of intake, and consistency. Individual reactions to substances vary, particularly in the presence of other health conditions or concurrent substance use.
Though ongoing research is uncovering common long-term side effects of greening out, it is established that developing a marijuana addiction, also known as marijuana use disorder, may lead to:
Memory loss
Impaired learning
Challenges in regulating impulse control
Lowered IQ
Aggravated negative mental health symptoms or conditions
Compromised lung health (most prevalent with smoking or vaping)
Elevated susceptibility to respiratory infections, such as pneumonia (most common with smoking or vaping)
Increased risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart attacks
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
Is Greening Out Dangerous?
Greening out can become dangerous, especially if it is combined with other substances or medical conditions.
Is Greening Out Equivalent to Overdosing?
Indeed, greening out is synonymous with THC toxicity or overdose.
How to Cease Greening Out How to Prevent Greening Out?
Greening out can be averted through various means. The primary approach is to refrain from the use of cannabis or marijuana-related substances altogether.
If these substances are to be consumed, it is crucial to be mindful of their purity, dosage, potency, and method of administration.
For instance, it's essential to recognize that the effects of edibles often manifest more slowly than when the substance is smoked. Smoking typically yields almost immediate side effects, while the effects of edibles may take several hours to become apparent.
Maintaining awareness of the quantity and pace at which cannabis products are consumed is pivotal to ensuring one's safety.
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
What Are Some Approaches to Avoid Greening Out?
Avoid doing it solo.
Ensure you have a supportive friend present in a secure environment to assist if complications arise. This recommendation is not meant to pressure others into joining you but is a crucial precaution for promoting safety.
Source substances only from reliable channels.
Reduce the risk of cannabis products being adulterated with other substances by obtaining them from trusted sources. This practice also facilitates better awareness of potency and potential effects when dealing with familiar sources.
Begin with moderation.
Refrain from exceeding your usual consumption, especially if it's your first time. Greening out often occurs when individuals are overly eager to achieve a high. Starting with small amounts allows you to gauge the effects before considering additional consumption.
(Photograph from Sandstone Care, at Sandstonecare.com)
What To Do When Experiencing a Green Out?
Remaining calm and ensuring your safety are crucial when encountering a green out. Maintaining composure makes it easier to attune to your body's signals.
Moreover, if you find yourself greening out, consider the following steps:
Stay hydrated by drinking water.
Lie down and prioritize rest.
Practice deep breathing.
Inhale the scent of crushed black peppercorn, believed to possess terpene properties that could alleviate some discomfort.
If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
In the event of a green out, the impulse to consume more cannabis to mitigate side effects should be resisted. Adding additional substances, whether over-the-counter, prescribed, or illicit, may lead to adverse interactions with potential irreversible consequences for your well-being. It is advisable to refrain from introducing any further substances and instead focus on rest, contacting medical professionals if concerns arise.
Should Hospitalization Be Considered After a Green Out?
The impact of a green out varies from person to person. While, for some, it may not pose a life-threatening situation, and symptoms may subside with a few hours of quality rest and adequate hydration, individual experiences can differ. If uncertain or concerned, seeking medical advice is advisable.
Thanks for reading! To show how much we appreciate you, we’re going to give you 25% off your next order. Just use code "CBDLEARNING" to celebrate with us!
Good article. Thanks