“Greening out” is a term used to describe the physical and psychological symptoms that some people experience after consuming too much marijuana, specifically THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Unlike “blacking out” from alcohol, greening out doesn’t involve memory loss or unconsciousness, but it can be a very uncomfortable experience.
When someone greens out, they might feel dizzy, anxious, nauseous or paranoid. The body’s reaction to THC overload can also include sweating, vomiting and a racing heart. While it’s not usually life-threatening, greening out can be overwhelming, especially for someone who’s not used to marijuana or who has consumed too much too fast.
Understanding what greening out means and how it happens can be important. It reminds us that even substances that are legal or perceived as “safe” can still have negative effects, especially when used in high doses or when mixed with other substances.
The Symptoms of Greening Out
Greening out on marijuana can come with a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can be extremely uncomfortable. Physical symptoms usually hit first and can include:
- Nausea that can lead to vomiting. The likelihood of vomiting is higher when another substance is also combined with marijuana.
- Sudden onset of dizziness or lightheadedness, making it hard to stay upright or feel stable.
- Sweating or a cold sweat where you feel clammy and overheated simultaneously.
Beyond the physical symptoms, greening out also comes with psychological symptoms that can include:
- The sensation of losing control often triggers an overwhelming fear or panic.
- Paranoia includes heightened fears that seem irrational but feel real at the moment.
- Intense anxiety that often includes racing thoughts and trouble calming down.
The symptoms can last from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the person, the amount of marijuana consumed and the method of consumption. Edibles, for example, can cause longer-lasting effects of greening out on marijuana.
In contrast to alcohol blacking out, you don’t lose consciousness. You’re very aware of what’s happening, which can make it more distressing.
Blacking out from alcohol is usually due to alcohol poisoning, but greening out is more about an overload of THC affecting your mind and body.
Causes of Greening Out on Marijuana
Greening out is usually caused by consuming too much THC. Some people can handle higher doses of THC, while others may experience greening out because of a combination of factors. The main causes include:
Overconsumption of THC
Whether it’s through smoking, vaping or consuming edibles, taking in too much THC is the most common cause of greening out.
Edibles, in particular, are notorious for leading to greening out because they take longer to kick in, leading users to consume more than they might realize. Unlike smoking or vaping, which usually have immediate effects, edibles can result in delayed, intensified highs that are harder to control. This can overwhelm your body, especially if you’re inexperienced or don’t know how much THC a product contains.
Mixing Marijuana with Other Substances
Combining marijuana with alcohol or other drugs significantly increases the risk of greening out. Alcohol can heighten the effects of THC, so a user might feel more disoriented, and it can increase nausea or dizziness.
Other substances, like illicit drugs or prescription medicines, can interact unpredictably with THC and amplify the effects.
Tolerance Levels and THC Sensitivity
Every person’s tolerance to THC varies. If you’re new to it or have a low tolerance, even a small amount of THC can overwhelm your system.
Some people are more sensitive to THC and may experience adverse effects even with moderate consumption.
Regular users may have higher tolerance levels, but they’re not immune to greening out if they consume more than their bodies can handle, especially with potent strains or high THC products.
Taking steps to stay hydrated and drinking water can help prevent greening out.
Situational Factors
Situational factors like dehydration, low blood sugar or anxiety can increase the chances of experiencing negative side effects from marijuana.
If you’re already anxious or feeling on edge before you consume marijuana, the THC can heighten the emotions, leading to paranoia or panic. Similarly, using marijuana on an empty stomach when you’re dehydrated or in a stressful environment can make you more vulnerable to greening out.
Depending on the specifics of the situation, when someone consumes too much cannabis, they may need to seek medical attention.
Greening Out vs. Addiction: What’s the Difference?
Greening out and marijuana addiction aren’t the same. Greening out is typically a one-time reaction to consuming too much THC. While it can be distressing, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone is addicted to marijuana. It’s an acute reaction that will usually pass once the THC leaves your system.
Marijuana addiction (cannabis use disorder) develops over time through repeated, heavy use. Addiction is characterized by a compulsive need to use marijuana even when it negatively affects your life.
People who are addicted may not experience greening out but still find it difficult to function without marijuana, leading to significant consequences, socially, physically and mentally.
Warning signs of marijuana dependence and addiction include:
- Cravings or a strong desire to use marijuana regularly, even when it’s harmful or inappropriate.
- Tolerance means larger amounts of marijuana are needed to achieve the same effects.
- Withdrawal includes irritability, sleep disturbances or a loss of appetite when not using marijuana.
- Prioritizing marijuana use over work, personal relationships or school.
- Not being able to quit even with repeated attempts.
- Consuming marijuana in dangerous situations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it could indicate a developing addiction to marijuana. Archstone Behavioral Health offers specialized programs to help individuals struggling with marijuana dependence.
Our treatment options include evidence-based therapy, counseling and holistic approaches to support long-term recovery.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research.
- Science Direct: Marijuana Poisoning
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Marijuana Toxicity
- NIH: Cannabinoid Toxicity
