As cannabis becomes more socially and legally accepted, it’s easy to overlook the potential risks associated with its use. This is especially true for individuals with a history of substance use disorder or those supporting someone in recovery. One of the more alarming but under-recognized effects of modern cannabis use is a phenomenon known as greening out.
Greening out is a term used to describe a negative physical and psychological reaction to too much cannabis, particularly products with high levels of THC. It typically involves a sudden onset of unwanted symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness, panic attacks, distinct paleness, chills, and, in some cases, a feeling of detachment from reality known as cannabis depersonalization. While the effects are usually not life-threatening, they can be extremely distressing and may require medical supervision, especially for individuals with underlying psychiatric disorders or those who have combined cannabis with other substances.
If you or a loved one has experienced an episode of greening out, it might be time to attend an addiction recovery program. At Pax Memphis, we can connect you with a reputable facility that suits your needs.
In this article, you will learn:
What you will learn:
- What greening out is
- Why does greening out occur
- How greening out relates to broader issues like cannabis use disorder, psychiatric illness, and the need for outpatient recovery services
What Is Greening Out?
Greening out is the term used to describe a set of adverse effects that occur after consuming too much cannabis. It is common when someone consumes marijuana with excessive THC content. You could have a green out after smoking flower, wax, vapes, or eating edibles.
It typically involves symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Panic attacks, anxiety, or paranoia
- Lightheadedness and distinct paleness
- Disorientation or cannabis depersonalization
- Cold sweats, chills, or dizziness
- Sudden fatigue or fainting
These various unwanted symptoms can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. While the effects are not usually life-threatening, they are deeply unpleasant and can be dangerous if the person also uses other substances or has an underlying psychiatric disorder.
What Causes Someone to Green Out?
A cannabis user may green out after ingesting high-potency edibles, smoking marijuana on an empty stomach, or misjudging the strength of cannabis. The dramatic rise in THC levels in today’s cannabis has made excess consumption more common, even among experienced smokers.
Additional factors that can trigger greening out include:
- Smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol with cannabis
- Using cannabis with other drugs
- Lack of tolerance or consuming high doses
- Emotional vulnerability, especially in those with psychiatric illness
- Consuming cannabis in unfamiliar or high-stress environments
The Modern Risks of Cannabis Use
While cannabis is often seen as a safer alternative to other substances, the modern risks of cannabis need to be discussed. Today’s products often contain higher doses of THC than ever before. According to a study, the average THC concentration in cannabis has tripled over the past two decades.[1]
This increase in potency has led to a spike in distressing symptoms, especially among at-risk individuals, such as people with a family history of mental illness, adolescents, or individuals currently undergoing outpatient treatment or inpatient rehab for addiction. Additionally, this high level of potency makes marijuana more addictive.
Is Greening Out a Sign of a Bigger Problem?
Greening out occasionally doesn’t automatically indicate that you have an addiction. However, noticeable greening ramifications of repeated marijuana use can spiral into cannabis dependence or even full substance use disorder.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, around 30% of cannabis users develop some form of cannabis use disorder.[2] If someone continues using cannabis despite repeated unpleasant effects, or uses more despite intentions to opt out of marijuana use, it may signal a deeper issue requiring addiction support.
What to Do During a Green Out
Greening out can be incredibly distressing. While it would be nice to be able to stop the effects immediately, unfortunately, healing from a green out is a waiting game. If your friend is greening out on marijuana, you’ll need to offer them support until the side effects subside.
If someone is greening out, remain calm and offer support. Helpful actions include:
- Guiding them to fresh air
- Having them lie down in a quiet, safe place
- Offering water or an electrolyte drink
- Reassuring them that the effects will eventually subside
- Ensuring they avoid other substances like caffeine or alcohol
If symptoms intensify or persist, especially if they involve hallucinations, unconsciousness, or self-harm ideation, seek medical supervision immediately.
Cannabis Use and Mental Health
The link between marijuana use and mental health conditions is well established. For individuals already diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, even low doses of THC can worsen symptoms like anxiety, depression, and depersonalization. Cannabis depersonalization, for example, is a disturbing sense of detachment from reality that can follow a green-out episode and linger.
Using cannabis without understanding these health risks, especially as a form of self-medication, can derail emotional stability and complicate recovery from addiction and mental health conditions.
Recovery Resources and Treatment Options
If greening out is becoming a pattern or if your cannabis use is interfering with work, relationships, or your physical health, it may be time to consider professional help. Both inpatient rehab and outpatient recovery services can be effective, depending on the severity of your substance use disorder.
Many people begin with services at the counseling center or reach out to programs that send outpatient treatment materials or provide telehealth therapy. Your treatment options include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy for substance use disorder
- Individualized recovery plans
Family support and education
Finding a trusted counseling center can be the first step toward breaking the cycle of excessive THC use.
Preventing Greening Out and Using Cannabis Sensibly
For those not seeking complete abstinence, the key to avoiding adverse effects is to use cannabis sensibly. That means:
- Avoiding high potency edibles or products with higher doses
- Never use cannabis with other drugs or on an empty stomach
- Being cautious with unfamiliar cannabis strains
- Taking breaks between sessions to gauge the effects you are experiencing
- Avoiding regular use if you have a history of mental illness or addiction
Responsible use, self-awareness, and medical supervision when needed can help individuals avoid the common symptoms of greening out.
Get Connected to a Marijuana Addiction Recovery Center
Greening out the modern cannabis way is a stark reminder of how potent and unpredictable today’s marijuana can be. For many, it’s a wake-up call, one that points to deeper struggles with cannabis use disorder or co-occurring mental health issues.
If you or a loved one is dealing with the effects of abusing too much marijuana, don’t wait for your situation to worsen. Reach out to a recovery center like PAX Memphis today. Whether you seek outpatient treatment, attend a counseling center, or just talk to someone trained in addiction support, recovery is possible.
FAQ: Greening Out and Cannabis Overuse
1. Can greening out happen from CBD products?
No, greening out is specifically linked to THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. CBD (cannabidiol) is not mind-altering, which means it does not produce the same physiological or psychological effects. However, mislabeled or full-spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC, so it’s important to read labels carefully, especially if you’re THC-sensitive or in recovery.
2. How can I tell if someone is just high or greening out?
A typical cannabis high may involve the following symptoms:
- Euphoria
- Altered perception
- Relaxation
- Increased hunger
- Drowsiness
On the other hand, greening out includes physical distress (nausea, dizziness, sweating), mental panic (anxiety, fear, disorientation), or involuntary physical symptoms (vomiting, fainting). If the person seems unable to function or communicate clearly, they may be greening out.
3. Is greening out a sign of cannabis addiction?
Not necessarily—but it can be a warning sign. While anyone can experience a green out from excess weed consumption, repeated episodes may indicate loss of control over dosage or frequency, which are hallmarks of cannabis use disorder. If greening out happens regularly, it’s worth consulting a mental health or addiction professional.
4. Can greening out cause long-term health problems?
For most healthy individuals, the effects wear off without permanent harm, but repeated or intense episodes can impact mental health, contribute to panic disorders, or aggravate underlying psychiatric conditions. Rare cases involving high-potency cannabis or other substances may result in hospitalization, dehydration, or long-term psychological trauma.
5. Why is greening out more common now than it used to be?
Today’s cannabis is stronger, more concentrated, and often available in edible or vaporized forms that deliver THC more rapidly. Legalization has also made products more accessible, sometimes leading users, especially those new or returning to cannabis after years, to underestimate dosage or potency.
6. Should I be concerned if I’ve greened out once?
A single episode doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a bigger issue. However, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on your patterns of use, triggers, and whether cannabis healthily fits into your life. If greening out leads to shame, secrecy, or continued use despite bad experiences, it may be time to seek support.
Sources:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Examining the profile of high-potency cannabis and its association with the severity of cannabis dependence.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Is marijuana addictive?