Cannabis Overdose – Green Out

Why Green Outs Are Real

 What does it mean to get Green out?

Greening out” is often referred to as a cannabis overdose. It is when a person feels ill after smoking weed. Common symptoms include turning pale, sweating, getting dizzy or having “the spins,” and sometimes vomiting. In more severe cases, a person might experience a panic attack.

What Causes a Green Out?

Even though it is new cannabis users who generally experience greening out, it rarely occurs in general. When it happens, symptoms are apparent to the person experiencing it or an observer.

Vaping, smoking, or dabbing cannabis results in a faster uptake of cannabis, leading to a quicker onset of effects.

How to Tell a Green Out Is Happening 

Symptoms of greening out include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Paranoia and anxiety
• Limb heaviness (lack of mobility)
• Dizziness and lack of focus
• Chills or sweats
• Breathing problems
• Hallucination (rare)

How Long It Lasts

The duration of adverse effects will vary the same way a cannabis high does. Usually, you’ll experience greening out for the entirety of your high.

A cannabis high lasts anywhere from one to 24 hours. Factors such as how much cannabis you consumed, the level of THC in the product, your body weight, tolerance level, whether you ate before, and your metabolism will affect the high length. Those who consume high amounts of THC (especially via edibles) may experience

longer-lasting effects, sometimes up to 24 hours.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

If you have a pre-existing heart condition, avoid THC. The compound may lead to thinning of blood vessels, leading to an increased heart rate and a drop in blood pressure, causing a potentially lethal medical emergency.

Another side effect common with greening out is hyperventilation. As your heart rate

increases, thanks to high doses of THC, your body struggles to provide enough oxygen, making breathing hard.

Tips for Handling a Green Out

If you experience panic and feel that you are out of touch with reality, a friend can help you get through this situation. A friendly face can reassure you that things will soon return to normal.

Removing yourself from an over stimulating environment is always best if you’re greening out: Find a quiet place to lie down and ride the wave out.

The Bottom Line 

Though greening out doesn’t lead to health risks unless you have a pre-existing condition, it can cause those who have experienced it to associate cannabis with adverse effects. This can be problematic if you take marijuana to manage a medical condition.

The best way to prevent greening out is to build up your tolerance regarding THC dosage. Start with small doses and observe how your body reacts. Eventually, this will give you an idea of what you can handle.