Greening Out: The Growing Risks Of Cannabis Use
September 27, 2024
"Greening out" is a slang phrase referencing a state of feeling sick or suffering unpleasant effects after taking too much cannabis, specifically when the THC content is high. As cannabis varieties have grown stronger, this phenomenon has become more prevalent. Greening out usually involves symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, and occasionally even panic.
Below, we’ll examine what greening out feels like, how to avoid it, and the perils of marijuana use. Being aware of the potential health risks and knowing how to use cannabis sensibly is vital.
What Are The Known Risks Of Cannabis Use?
Even though cannabis use can provide health benefits under medical direction, its potential to manifest into a substance use disorder is considerable. Some dangers connected to marijuana include:
- Impacted cognitive ability and memory: Regular cannabis use can make it harder to concentrate, learn, and retain information.
- Elevated danger of psychiatric illness: Cannabis use, specifically in high doses, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and even psychosis in at-risk users.
- Dependency and addiction: Even though it’s considered not as habit-forming as other substances, cannabis might still lead to a dependency, where users feel unable to go about life without it.
- Respiratory difficulties: Cannabis use through smoking might cause irritation of the lungs and additional respiratory ailments, much like the results of smoking tobacco.
Being aware of these hazards is critical, specifically for those more vulnerable to substance use or mental health disorders.
What Is Greening Out?
Greening out, also called "whiteying," refers to the physical side effects of consuming too much marijuana in a short time. Whiteying is how the stoner subculture looks at, and occasionally mocks, the visible greening effects. Users could feel uncomfortable, very tired, and unable to enjoy the high they were after.
In low doses, cannabis may relax the body and amplify senses. Slightly increased doses could give rise to new perspectives and the infamous "munchies." However, sizeable amounts increase the risk of greening out, prompting a variety of unwanted symptoms.
How Does Greening Out Appear?
Greening out usually arises with a combination of these symptoms:
- Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting: An overindulgence of THC might make you feel ill. While this often passes, in some instances, it can prompt vomiting, especially if the user has taken a significant quantity of cannabis.
- Distinct paleness, sweating, and shaking: Muscle twitches and shakes, particularly in the legs, are common after consuming too much THC. Sweating and a lack of color in the face are also typical symptoms.
When Is Greening Out Most Likely To Take Place?
Greening out can arise with any marijuana user, regardless of experience. But, new users are more likely to experience it. Here is when greening out is most common:
- New users: Individuals new to cannabis are still figuring out how it influences their bodies. This might cause excess consumption, specifically when users are determined to get the full effect of the drug.
- Empty stomach: Taking cannabis on an empty stomach can enhance the likelihood as there isn’t any food to help absorb the drug.
- More powerful products: Experienced smokers seeking more intense highs might turn to dabs or high-strength edibles, which might result in greening out.
- Edibles: Edibles are known for causing greening out. Different from smoking, which delivers a quick high, edibles take longer to kick in but last a good deal longer—sometimes as long as 8 hours. The strong, lasting effects can cause the experience to be overwhelming.
What Actions To Take If A Person Is Greening Out
Although it’s usually short-lived, greening out isn’t pleasant. If you've endured it, you may have asked yourself, "Could I possibly die from this?" Thankfully, while it might feel horrible, it’s not a threat to your life. But, there are a few things you might do to help yourself or a friend feel better:
- Stop smoking: If you or someone you’re with is greening out, quit takingcannabis right away.
- Get some air: Taking a break outside for a bit of air can lower feelings of dizziness and nausea.
- Relax and breathe: Breathe deeply and make an effort to stay calm. Losing control will only worsen the situation.
- Lie down: Find a comfy area to recline and let the effects subside. Resting can help your body recover.
- Stay calm: Know that the unpleasant feelings will end. Don’t let panic set in and speak with a friend for help.
Request Help For Cannabis Use Near Boston
Are you repeatedly greening out? Do you feel like you aren’t able to stop ingesting cannabis regardless of the negative ramifications? If you would like to end this cycle, Sunrise Detox Millbury is here to help. Call 508-506-8940 at any hour, and we’ll provide the support you need, whether that’s outpatient treatment, inpatient rehab, or detox.