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Greening Out: The Growing Dangers Of Cannabis Use

September 27, 2024
"Greening out" is a slang term referring to a state of feeling ill or suffering unpleasant effects after overindulging on cannabis, specifically when the THC concentration is high. As cannabis has become more powerful, this phenomenon has become more widespread. Greening out typically features symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, sweating, and occasionally even panic attacks.
We’ll explore what greening out can feel like, how to avoid it, and the hazards of marijuana use. Being aware of the potential threats and knowing how to use cannabis in a sensible manner is vital.

What Are The Potential Hazards Of Cannabis Use?

While marijuana can offer benefits under medical guidance, the chances of it leading to a substance use disorder are considerable. Some dangers linked to marijuana include:
  • Impaired memory and cognitive ability: Ongoing marijuana use may make it challenging to learn, retain information, and maintain concentration.
  • Heightened threat of psychiatric disorders: Cannabis use, particularly in higher doses, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and bouts of psychosis in certain individuals.
  • Dependency and addiction: Although it’s thought to be not as habit-forming as other substances, cannabis might still result in addiction, where a person feels unable to go about life without consuming it.
  • Respiratory difficulties: Cannabis use through smoking might cause irritation of the lungs and more respiratory problems, much like the effects of smoking tobacco.
Awareness of these hazards is crucial, specifically for individuals more prone to dependency or mental illness.

What Does Greening Out Mean?

Greening out, also called "whiteying," refers to the physical effects of consuming too much cannabis in a short time. Whiteying is how the stoner subculture looks at, and sometimes mocks, the visible greening ramifications. Users might feel distressed, overly tired, and unable to enjoy the high they were after.
In low doses, cannabis is able to relax the body and sharpen the senses. Medium doses might lead to new perspectives and the well-known "munchies." But, sizeable doses pose the danger of greening out, causing a variety of distressing symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Greening Out?

Greening out typically presents with a mix of these symptoms:
  • Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting: An overindulgence of THC can make you feel ill. While this often goes away, in some situations, it might prompt vomiting, specifically if the user has taken a large amount of cannabis.
  • Distinct paleness, shaking, and sweating: Muscle shakes and twitches, especially in the legs, are common after taking excessive THC. A loss of color in the face and sweating are also frequent symptoms.

When Will Greening Out Most Likely Take Place?

Greening out can happen to anyone who uses marijuana, regardless of experience. But, eager beginners are more likely to experience it. Here are scenarios when greening out is more likely to take place:
  • New users: Individuals new to cannabis are still finding out how it influences their bodies. This might result in taking too much, particularly when individuals are determined to feel the full effects.
  • Empty stomach: Smoking on an empty stomach can enhance the likelihood as there isn’t any food to help absorb the THC.
  • High-potency products: Long-time smokers searching for new highs might try dabs or high-potency edibles, which can result in greening out.
  • Edibles: Edibles are often linked to greening out. Dissimilar to smoking, which delivers a quick high, edibles take longer to kick in but last much longer—often 6-8 hours. The intense, enduring effects may make the experience overpowering.

What To Do If A Person Is Greening Out

Even though it’s fleeting, greening out isn’t pleasant. If you've been through it, you may have thought, "Is there a chance I could die from this?" The good news is that, while it may feel terrible, it’s not lethal. But, there are steps to help yourself or a friend feel better:
  • Quit consuming: If you or someone else is greening out, stop the use ofcannabis right away.
  • Get fresh air: Taking a break outside for fresh air may decrease feelings of nausea and dizziness.
  • Breathe and relax: Breathe in slowly and make an effort to stay calm. Panicking will only make things worse.
  • Lie down: Find a comfortable spot to lie down and let the effects go away. Resting will facilitate the recovery process.
  • Stay calm: Know that the uncomfortable feelings will end. Don’t let panic take hold and chat with a friend for support.

Request Guidance For Cannabis Use Near Long Island

Do you sometimes green out? Do you feel like you are unable to stop taking cannabis regardless of the unpleasant consequences? If you would like to halt this pattern of use, Sunrise Detox Long Island is standing by to help. Dial 631-857-3800 day or night, and we’ll find the care you require, whether that’s inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, or detox.