How To Recover From Being Greened Out

Feeling too high and overwhelmed after smoking or having some edibles?

Take a deep breath. You're not alone, and you will feel better! The adverse effects are usually temporary and can be managed with the right strategies.

Stick with us! We'll guide you through everything you need to know about greening out—how to recover and tips to prevent it in the future.

Let's get you feeling better!

What Does Greening Out Mean?

Greening out happens when you take too much cannabis and start feeling bad. Just like getting sick from drinking too much alcohol. You might feel nauseous, anxious, or just really uncomfortable. This happens when large amounts of THC—the psychoactive cannabinoid of cannabis—overwhelm your body's endocannabinoid system and its receptors.

There are several ways people can end up greening out:

• Eating too many edibles: Those brownies can be sneaky!

• Vaping high-dose cartridges: A little too much can lead to trouble.

• Trying cannabis for the first time: Not knowing your limits can backfire.

• Using super-potent concentrates: Products like shatter or wax can pack a potent punch.

• Mixing weed with alcohol: This is called "crossfading" or being “twisted”.

It’s important to know that while greening out can feel scary, it’s not life threatening. Research shows it's very unlikely to overdose fatally on marijuana. Still, that doesn’t make the experience any less unpleasant.

The good news? Greening out doesn’t last forever. Understanding what it is and how to spot the signs is key to managing it.

Symptoms Of Greening Out

Here are some common symptoms and side effects to look out for:

Physical Symptoms:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness: It might feel like the room is spinning.

• Nausea: You could feel sick to your stomach or even throw up.

• Increased heart rate: Your heart may be racing.

• Excessive sweating: You might sweat more than usual.

• Dry mouth: It can feel like you've eaten a mouthful of cotton.

• Balance issues: You might have trouble staying steady or coordinated.

• Heavy limbs: Your arms and legs may feel unusually heavy.

• Vision impairments: You could have trouble seeing clearly.

• Extreme fatigue: You might feel really tired.

Some people might also notice:

• Pale skin: Your skin tone could change.

• Headaches or migraines: You might experience pain in your head.

• Changes in blood pressure: Your blood pressure could fluctuate.

Psychological Symptoms:

• Sudden anxiety: You may feel sudden panic or anxiety.

• Paranoia: It's possible to feel like something terrible is about to happen.

• Confusion: You might struggle to think clearly.

• Difficulty focusing: Concentrating on what's happening around you can be challenging.

• Disconnection: You may feel detached from your body.

• Mild hallucinations: You could sense things differently than usual.

• Discomfort or unease: An overwhelming feeling of discomfort or disorientation might occur.

• Panic attacks:Intense fear or panic may come on suddenly, accompanied by rapid breathing and chest tightness.

You don't have to experience all of these symptoms—everyone reacts differently. The important thing is to recognize when you're not feeling right and take steps to feel better.

How To Stop Greening Out

Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix, detox pill, or magic cure to stop greening out. The only real solution is time. But don’t worry—there are a few things you can do right away to make yourself and loved ones feel better:

Find a Safe Space

First things first: find a safe spot. If you're at a party or in a crowded area, ask a friend to help you move to a quieter, more comfortable place or take you home. Being somewhere familiar can make a big difference. Look for a spot where you can sit or lie down—like a bedroom, a quiet corner, or even outside if the weathers nice.

Once you're settled, try to minimize anything that could make you feel worse. Dim the lights and turn down the music. The goal is to create a calm environment that helps you relax and feel better.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is super important when you're greening out. Drinking water not only helps with the dry mouth that can come from cannabis use but also helps you feel more balanced. Here's how to hydrate effectively:

1. Grab a glass or bottle of water.

2. Take small sips regularly. Avoid big gulps, which might make you feel even more nauseous if your stomach is upset.

3. Add some flavor! If plain water doesn't sound good, add a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves for a refreshing twist.

Sometimes, you need more than just water. If you're feeling shaky or weak, it could be a sign that your blood sugar has dropped. In this case, drinking fruit juice can help raise blood sugar levels. However, if you're unsure or have health conditions, it's best to check with a healthcare provider first.

Practice Deep Breathing

When you're greening out, it's common to feel your heart racing or experience panic. Deep breathing can help calm those feelings and bring you back to a relaxed state. Here's a simple technique you can try:

1. Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a spot where you feel at ease.

2. Close your eyes: This can help you focus better.

3. Breathe in: Take a slow breath through your nose for a count of 4.

4. Hold it: Keep your breath held for another count of 4.

5. Exhale: Slowly breathe out through your mouth for a count of 4.

Repeat these steps several times until you start to feel calmer.

As you breathe, focus on your breath and try to let go of any anxious thoughts. If you find it hard to concentrate, that's okay! Gently bring your attention back to your breath whenever you can.

These steps can make the experience more manageable. Be patient with yourself and remember not to "fight" the feelings—sometimes, accepting what's happening and staying calm is the best approach.

However, it's essential to know when to seek help. If you or someone with you experiences severe symptoms, like extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, don't hesitate to call emergency services. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Recovery Tips When Greened Out

Alright, you've taken the first steps to stop greening out! Now, let's dive into some helpful tips to speed up your recovery:

1. Black Pepper: It might sound strange but chewing on a few peppercorns or even just smelling ground black pepper can ease anxiety. Science shows that pepper has compounds that can counteract some of the effects of THC.

2. Lemon: Feeling anxious? Lemons can help! They contain a stress-relieving terpene called limonene. Try smelling a fresh lemon or sipping on some lemon water. The citrus scent can make you feel more alert and less nauseous.

3. Shower It Off: Take a cool shower if you can. It can help you feel refreshed and alert, and the change in temperature and the sensation of water can ground you. Just be cautious if you're feeling dizzy!

4. Distract Yourself: Engaging in a light activity can take your mind off the discomfort. Watch a funny show, listen to some chill music, or chat with a trusted friend. Avoid anything too intense—this isn't the time for deep philosophical debates or scary movies.

5. Sleep It Off: If you can, take a nap. You'll likely feel better when you wake up. Just make sure you're in a safe position so you don't choke if you feel nauseous.

6. Use CBD: Some people find that CBD can help counteract THC effects. If you have CBD oil or other products, they might ease your anxiety and other symptoms.

7. Try Ginger: Ginger is excellent for nausea! Sip some ginger tea, enjoy ginger ale, or munch on a piece of candied ginger if you have it.

8. Grounding Techniques: If you're feeling anxious or disconnected, try grounding exercises. A simple one is the 5-4-3-2-1 method: Name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

9. Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself that this feeling is temporary and that you'll be okay. It may feel awful now, but it will pass!

READ:How to sober up from weed quickly

How Long Does Greening Out Usually Last?

Greening out can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on how much cannabis you consumed, how you consumed it, and your body's unique response. Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect:

Acute Symptoms:

When smoking or vaping, the worst symptoms typically last between 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, if you consume edibles, the effects can stick around much longer—up to 6-8 hours.

Lingering Effects:

Even after the intense symptoms fade, you might still feel some residual effects like fatigue, grogginess, or mild anxietyfor up to 24-48 hours.

Edibles:

If you greened out from edibles, be aware that the effects can last even longer. This is because THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is processed differently when ingested. Some people report feeling off for a day or two after consuming too many edibles.

READ: How long does weed stay in your system after a couple of puffs?

Factors Influencing Greening Out

Now that you know what can cause greening out let's talk about how to prevent it in the future. Here are the key factors that can lead to a green out:

Your Tolerance

Regular cannabis users tend to have a higher tolerance, making it less likely for them to green out. However, even experienced users can sometimes overdo it.

Consumption Method

How you consume cannabis can significantly affect your experience:

• Smoking or Vaping: These methods deliver effects quickly but don't last as long.

• Edibles: take longer to kick in but can produce stronger, longer-lasting effects.

• Dabbing Concentrates: Very potent and can easily lead to greening out if you're not careful.

Strain Potency

Not all strains are created equal! Strains with high levels of THC are more likely to make you green out, especially if you're new to cannabis.

Your Physical State

Feeling tired, hungry, or dehydrated can increase your chances of greening out. Your overall health and any medications you're taking can also play a role.

Mixing with Alcohol

Combining cannabis with alcohol can intensify the effects and increase the risk of greening out. This mix can also make you feel nauseous and dizzy.

Your Environment

Being in an unfamiliar or stressful place can heighten anxiety and make you more prone to greening out.

Your Mental State

If you're already anxious or stressed, you're at a higher risk for the negative effects of overconsumption.

Understanding these factors can help you make more informed choices about your marijuana use and reduce the chances of greening out in the future.

How To Prevent Yourself From Greening Out

You know the saying: it's better to prevent than to fix! Now that we know what causes greening out, let’s look at how to stop it before it happens. Check out these easy tips!

Start Low, Go Slow

This is key, especially when trying new strains or products. Begin with a low dose and wait at least an hour and a half before consuming more. Remember, the effects can take time to kick in!

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Don't smoke or eat cannabis on an empty stomach. Make sure to drink plenty of water during your session to stay hydrated.

Avoid Mixing with Alcohol

Combining cannabis with alcohol or other drugs can intensify the effects and increase the chances of unpleasant reactions. Keep it simple!

Choose the Right Strain

Opt for lower THC strains or products that have a balanced THC

ratio. CBD can help tone down some of the intense effects of THC.

Find the Best Method for You

If edibles tend to hit you hard, stick to smoking or vaping. These methods allow you to control your dose more easily.

Take Breaks

In social situations, it's easy to overindulge. Don't feel pressured to keep up with others—take breaks when you need to. It's perfectly fine to wait or say no if you're unsure about taking another hit.

Educate Yourself

The more you know about different strains, products, and how cannabis affects you personally, the better you'll be at steering clear of greening out. Knowledge is power!

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy your cannabis experience without the worry of greening out. Happy smoking!

FAQ:

How much THC can cause a green out?

No set amount of THC guarantees a green out. It varies based on factors like tolerance, metabolism, strain, and consumption method. Start low (2.5-5mg for edibles) and go slow.

What should you do if someone greens out at a party?

If someone greens out at a party:

• Move them to a quiet, comfortable area.

• Stay with them and reassure them the effects will pass.

• Offer water and a light snack if they can eat.

• Encourage deep, slow breaths.

• Monitor their symptoms and get medical help if things don't improve but get worse within 2-5 hours.

• Don't leave them alone, especially if they're vomiting.

How can you avoid greening out?

To prevent greening out when indulging in cannabis products, remember these key things:

• Know your limits and stick to them.

• Start with a small dose, especially with new products.

• Wait between doses (at least 2 hours for edibles) to gauge the effects.

• Stay hydrated and eat beforehand.

• Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other substances.

• Be mindful of the potency.

What should you do if you're greening out?

If smoking weed turns into greening out, here are some things to do:

• Find a safe, quiet place to rest.

• Drink water to stay hydrated.

• Take deep breaths to ease anxiety.

• Eat a light snack to stabilize your blood sugar.

• Remember, the feeling will pass—try to stay calm.

• Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or persist.

Is it okay to sleep when greening out?

Yes, sleep can be helpful, as it allows your body to process the THC and ease discomfort. However, falling asleep might be difficult if you're experiencing intense symptoms, and it's better to stay awake and seek help. If you sleep, ensure you're in a safe position, like on your side if you're feeling nauseous, and have someone check on you if possible.