Greening out occurs when someone consumes too much marijuana. This can be worsened if the person combines the drug with other substances like alcohol.

This guide explains what’s involved with marijuana overdose, highlights the signs and after-effects of greening out, and shows you what to do when someone is greening out to help them stay safe. You will also discover how to connect with effective and compassionate treatment for substance abuse.

Where You’d Be Staying

We strive to provide a comfortable, home-like environment during your recovery journey. Browse our facility images below to take a look at our upscale residential facilities.

Tour Our Facilities

What Is Greening Out?

Greening out happens when someone consumes too much marijuana. It’s like an overdose, but it’s not usually deadly. People who green out might feel sick and scared. Understanding greening out can help you stay safe and help others who might experience it.

Greening Out Meaning—What Is Greening Out?

The green out meaning is similar to overdose – it just means that someone is getting too high from marijuana. This can happen if someone smokes, eats, or vapes too much of the substance. The body reacts badly to the extra THC, which is the compound in marijuana that makes people feel high.

What Happens When You Green Out?

Weed green outs may cause you to feel dizzy, nauseous, and extremely anxious. Some people vomit or feel like they can’t move. Your heart might beat faster, and you could feel scared or confused. These symptoms are your body’s way of saying it has had too much marijuana.

How Long Does Greening Out Last?

Greening out usually lasts a few hours. Most symptoms, like dizziness and nausea, will start to fade within this time. However, some people might feel tired or a bit off for up to a day. It all depends on how much marijuana was taken and how your body reacts. Drinking water and resting can help you feel better faster.

Is Greening Out Overdosing?

Greening out is like an overdose but not the same as overdosing on more dangerous drugs. When you green out, it means you have too much THC in your system. This can make you feel sick and frightened but is rarely deadly. It’s still important to be careful and seek help if needed, though. Taking too much marijuana can be harmful, especially if mixed with other substances.

What Does Greening Out Feel Like?

• Feel dizzy: Everything might spin around you, even if you’re sitting still. This can make it hard to stand up or walk.
• Feel nauseous: Your stomach may feel upset, and you might feel like you need to vomit.
• Have a fast heartbeat: Your heart can race, which can make you feel more anxious and scared.
• Feel confused: It might be hard to think clearly or remember things.
• Have heavy limbs: Your arms and legs might feel really heavy.
• Feel panic: You might feel scared or have a panic attack.
• See or hear strange things: Mild hallucinations may occur.

Greening Out Symptoms

• Pale or greenish skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Dry mouth
• Loss of balance
• Extreme anxiety
• Confusion
• Sweating or feeling cold

By knowing these symptoms, you can better understand what’s happening and take steps to help yourself or someone else feel better. If symptoms are severe or don’t go away, get medical help right away.

After-Effects Of Greening Out

• Feeling tired
• Weakness
• Mild nausea
• Headache
• Confusion
• Anxiety

These after-effects usually go away within a day. If they last longer or feel very strong, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.

What To Do If You Or Someone You Know Is Greening Out

1. Stay calm.
2. Find a safe place.
3. Drink water.
4. Eat a light snack.
5. Take deep breaths.
6. Use black pepper.
7. Don’t add more substances.
8. Seek help if needed.
9. Monitor the person.
10. Rest.

Remember, greening out is usually not life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. If symptoms persist or are extremely severe, seek medical attention.

We Accept Most Major Insurance

View our wide selection of accepted providers.
Don’t see yours? Call our admissions team for help.

View our wide selection of accepted providers. Don’t see yours? Call our admissions team for help.

Call Now

Verify Insurance

Struggling with addiction? We can help.

Our insurance-covered rehab offers premier treatment for drug addiction, alcohol addiction, & mental health disorders. Call our friendly team today to get started.

Call Now

Is There A Greening Out Remedy?

There isn’t a specific cure for greening out, but some steps can help ease the symptoms.

Drinking plenty of water helps your body process the THC. A small piece of fruit or candy can help stabilize your blood sugar. Fresh air can also help calm your nerves.

Watching something light-hearted or listening to calming music can distract your mind. Talking to someone you trust can also help ease anxiety.

While there’s no instant fix, these remedies can help you manage the discomfort until the greening out phase passes. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or don’t improve.

How To Stop Greening Out

• Use less marijuana.
• Know your limits.
• Avoid mixing substances.
• Stay hydrated and eat beforehand.
• Use safe products.

How To Help Someone Greening Out

If someone you know is greening out, help them stay safe and calm.

Find a quiet and comfortable spot. Offer small sips of water. Provide a light snack. Distract them gently. Stay with them until they feel better. Encourage slow, deep breaths.

Avoid giving them more substances of any kind. If symptoms become severe, call for medical help immediately.

Cannabis | FAQs

Is Greening Out Real?

Yes, greening out is real. It happens when someone consumes too much marijuana, leading to unpleasant symptoms like nausea and dizziness.

Greening Out And Passing Out—What Should I Do?

If someone passes out after greening out, stay calm and keep them safe. Lay them on their side and call for medical help if needed.

Can You Die From Greening Out?

Dying from greening out alone is rare. However, severe symptoms can be dangerous, especially if mixed with other substances.

Can Greening Out Last For Days?

Greening out usually lasts a few hours, but some symptoms can linger for a day. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

Live A Life Free From Addiction—Start Recovery At Gratitude Lodge

If you have been abusing marijuana or any other addictive substance, we can help you reclaim your life at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California…

• Counseling
• Holistic therapies
• Talk therapies
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Motivational therapies
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Aftercare

Call our recovery experts today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/fentanyl-overdose-facts-signs-and-how-you-can-help-save-a-life/2023/01
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5908416/
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response