A weed high can creep up quickly. What might initially feel calming and enjoyable can quickly shift into something overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt sick, dizzy, or just plain out of sorts after using marijuana, you might have experienced something called greening out. It’s not dangerous in the long term, but it’s definitely uncomfortable and can leave you wondering what went wrong.
As marijuana use becomes more common, it’s worth understanding what happens when you’ve had too much. Whether you’re new to cannabis or have been using it for years, knowing how your body reacts—and what might trigger an unpleasant experience—can help you make better choices. Below, we’ll explore the question: What is greening out?
We’ll also cover what causes green outs and how you can manage the experience if it happens to you or someone you are with.
What Does Greening Out Mean?
Greening out refers to an intense and often unpleasant reaction to marijuana overconsumption. The experience typically includes symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sweating, paranoia, or even a sense of detachment from reality. It’s not life-threatening, but it can feel overwhelming in the moment.
The term comes from the pale or greenish look people often develop during these episodes, caused by a mix of nausea, anxiety, and low blood pressure. While greening out is common among newer users or those consuming more than their bodies can handle, it’s different from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Unlike greening out, CHS is a chronic condition involving severe vomiting and abdominal pain linked to prolonged cannabis use.
The Science Behind Greening Out
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, affects the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, appetite, and perception. Consuming too much THC can overstimulate this system, leading to physical symptoms like dizziness and nausea, as well as heightened anxiety or paranoia.
People with lower tolerances, especially newer users, are more susceptible to greening out. Body weight, metabolism, and even hydration levels play a role. Consumption method also matters; smoking and vaping deliver THC quickly, while edibles process more slowly, making it easy to accidentally consume more than intended. High-THC strains amplify these effects, particularly for users unaccustomed to their potency.
Common Triggers of Greening Out
- High-THC Strains and Edibles
- Strains with elevated THC levels or potent edibles increase the likelihood of greening out. Edibles are especially tricky because their delayed effects can lead to unintentional overconsumption.
- Mixing Marijuana with Alcohol or Other Substances
- Alcohol intensifies THC’s effects and adds to feelings of nausea and disorientation. Combining cannabis with other substances can further complicate the body’s response.
- Using Cannabis on an Empty Stomach
- Consuming marijuana without eating first may intensify its effects, as THC is absorbed more quickly. A full stomach can help buffer the intensity of the experience.
Understanding these triggers can help users make informed choices, reducing the chances of experiencing greening out and the discomfort that comes with it.
4 Worst Greening Out Symptoms You Need to Know
Severe Nausea and Vomiting
The most common sign of greening out is an overwhelming wave of nausea, often accompanied by vomiting. This happens as THC impacts the digestive system and balance centers in the brain. While uncomfortable, it usually resolves on its own as the effects of cannabis wear off.
Dizziness and Fainting Spells
Low blood pressure caused by THC can lead to lightheadedness and, in some cases, fainting. This symptom is prevalent if cannabis is consumed on an empty stomach or mixed with alcohol. Sitting or lying down can help stabilize blood flow and reduce the chances of fainting.
Paranoia and Overwhelming Anxiety
For some, greening out triggers intense feelings of paranoia or a racing mind. This reaction stems from THC’s interaction with brain regions responsible for perception and emotional regulation. While these feelings can feel all-consuming, grounding techniques, like slow breathing, can provide some relief.
Sweating, Clammy Skin, and Heart Palpitations
As the body reacts to THC, physical symptoms like excessive sweating, cold or clammy skin, and rapid heartbeats can occur. These sensations often add to the anxiety, creating a feedback loop that intensifies the experience.
How to Recognize a Greening Out Episode
A greening out episode usually begins with nausea or dizziness and may progress into sweating or a sudden sense of unease. Those experiencing it might look pale or feel weak. Speech can become slower, and their responses might be less coherent.
If someone becomes unresponsive, faints, or shows signs of confusion that don’t improve, it’s time to seek medical attention. While greening out is usually harmless, severe symptoms may indicate other underlying issues or interactions with substances like alcohol.
Staying aware of these signs and understanding how cannabis affects the body can help prevent or manage these episodes more effectively.
Can Marijuana Make You Feel Sick the Next Day?
The effects of cannabis don’t always end when the high fades. For some, the day after using marijuana can bring lingering discomfort, commonly referred to as a “weed hangover.” While not as severe as greening out, these next-day symptoms can still disrupt your routine and leave you questioning your consumption habits.
Why Some People Experience Next-Day Symptoms
The lingering effects of cannabis overconsumption are often tied to THC’s slow metabolization in the body. Unlike alcohol, which the liver processes relatively quickly, THC can remain in your system for days. This extended presence may lead to symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and mild nausea the following morning.
In some cases, these aftereffects are connected to greening out episodes. The intense nausea or dizziness that defines greening out may settle into a lingering headache or general malaise the next day. This can feel especially noticeable after consuming edibles or high-THC strains, as these methods deliver more potent and long-lasting doses of THC.
Connection to Consumption Habits
The way cannabis is consumed can also impact next-day symptoms. Smoking or vaping, for example, tends to produce shorter-lasting effects than edibles, which release THC slowly over time. Combining cannabis with alcohol or using it on an empty stomach can further amplify these lingering effects, leaving you feeling worse than expected the following day.
Understanding these potential outcomes can help users adjust their consumption habits to minimize discomfort and avoid the unpleasant experience of a weed hangover. For those who frequently experience next-day symptoms, these reactions may signal a need to reevaluate the role of cannabis in their lives.
What to Do If You’re Greening Out
Experiencing greening out can feel overwhelming, but there are practical steps to help ease the symptoms and regain control. Acting quickly and calmly can make a significant difference.
8 Immediate Steps to Take if You Think You Are Greening Out
- Find a Quiet Space
- Moving to a calm, quiet area away from noise or bright lights can help reduce sensory overload. Sitting or lying down can stabilize your body and prevent dizziness or fainting.
- Stay Hydrated
- Sipping water or herbal tea can counter dehydration and help flush THC from your system. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can increase your heart rate and worsen anxiety.
- Avoid Alcohol
- Alcohol intensifies the effects of THC and can make symptoms like nausea and disorientation worse. If you’ve already consumed alcohol, focus on staying hydrated and resting until the effects subside.
- Focus on Breathing
- Controlled breathing, like inhaling deeply for a count of four and exhaling slowly, can help steady a racing heart and reduce feelings of panic.
While these steps are often enough to manage greening out at home, symptoms that persist or worsen may require professional assistance.
The Role of Dual-Diagnosis in Cannabis Overuse
For some, greening out may be a symptom of a deeper issue. Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can heighten the intensity of greening out episodes, making them harder to manage. This overlap between cannabis use and mental health concerns is known as a dual diagnosis, where both conditions need to be addressed together.
Chronic anxiety or emotional instability can drive cannabis use as a coping mechanism, but overuse often worsens these underlying issues, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Treating cannabis dependency alongside co-occurring mental health challenges requires a thoughtful approach, typically involving therapy, support groups, and sometimes medical intervention.
If greening out episodes are frequent or connected to habitual cannabis use, it may be time to seek treatment. Addressing both the physical effects of cannabis overuse and its connection to mental health can lead to a more sustainable and healthy relationship with substances—or a decision to stop using entirely.
Recognizing the intersection between cannabis use and mental health can be the first step toward meaningful change.
Why Understanding Greening Out Matters for Your Health
Greening out is more than an uncomfortable experience—it’s your body signaling that something isn’t quite right. While the symptoms are temporary, repeated episodes can impact your physical and mental well-being. These incidents might reflect a pattern of overuse or serve as a warning about the potential risks of cannabis consumption.
Impact on Physical and Mental Health
The physical strain of greening out—such as nausea, dizziness, and sweating—can be unsettling, but the mental effects often linger longer. Feelings of paranoia or anxiety during these episodes can make some people more hesitant to use cannabis again, while others might dismiss the reaction as a one-time event. Over time, this disconnect between cause and effect can obscure the deeper issues at play, such as an increasing dependence on cannabis to manage stress or emotions.
For those already navigating mental health challenges, greening out can amplify existing conditions. Anxiety, in particular, is both a cause and a result of overconsumption, creating a feedback loop that’s hard to break without professional guidance.
Is It Time to Reevaluate Your Cannabis Use?
Greening out can prompt revealing questions about your relationship with cannabis. Are you using it to relax, or has it become a way to avoid dealing with deeper issues? How often are you consuming it, and are you paying attention to how it affects your body and mind?
Consider these warning signs that it may be time to reassess your habits:
- Increased Tolerance: Are you needing more cannabis to feel the same effects?
- Negative Effects: Do you often feel sick, anxious, or fatigued after using?
- Frequency of Use: Is cannabis becoming a daily habit rather than an occasional choice?
Greening out isn’t just a physical reaction but a wake-up call for healthier patterns. Whether it means cutting back, seeking alternatives, or exploring treatment options, taking the time to reflect on your usage can help you move toward a better balance.
If you’re finding it hard to make changes on your own or suspect that cannabis is masking underlying mental health concerns, seeking support is a meaningful first step. Dual-diagnosis treatment centers specialize in addressing both cannabis addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, offering a path toward sustainable well-being.
Treatment Options for Cannabis Addiction and Dual Diagnosis
Addressing cannabis addiction involves more than breaking the habit of use. For many, substance dependency is tied to deeper emotional or psychological challenges. Simply treating the symptoms of overuse without addressing the underlying mental health issues may lead to relapse or continued struggles. This is where dual diagnosis treatment becomes essential.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Cannabis Dependency
Effective treatment for cannabis addiction often starts with therapy tailored to individual needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven method that helps identify thought patterns and behaviors contributing to overuse. CBT provides practical tools for managing triggers, reducing cravings, and building healthier coping mechanisms.
Group therapy offers the added benefit of peer support, creating a sense of shared understanding and accountability. Mindfulness-based approaches, such as meditation and yoga, can also help manage stress and anxiety without relying on substances. These techniques encourage self-awareness and emotional regulation, which are critical for sustainable recovery.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Substance use and mental health conditions often exist together, each influencing the other. For someone experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma, cannabis may initially seem like a way to self-soothe. Over time, this reliance can spiral into dependency, with the original mental health issues left unresolved.
Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to address both challenges simultaneously. This integrated approach ensures that therapy for cannabis addiction is paired with treatment for underlying conditions like anxiety or depression. Without this combination, the root causes of substance use may go untreated, leaving individuals vulnerable to relapse.
Rehabilitation programs focusing solely on substance abuse may overlook the emotional complexities that drive addiction. Dual diagnosis bridges that gap, providing a more complete path to recovery.
Seeking Support for Greening Out
If you or someone you care about is struggling with cannabis overuse or its mental health impact, professional help can make all the difference. Recovery isn’t just about quitting cannabis—it’s about creating a foundation for long-term well-being. Explore our directory of treatment centers to find dual diagnosis programs that can guide you toward a healthier future.
Understanding greening out is a step toward recognizing the broader relationship between cannabis use and personal well-being. While the experience itself can feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how marijuana fits into your life. Whether it’s a one-time reaction or part of a recurring pattern, greening out serves as a reminder that moderation and mindfulness matter when it comes to cannabis.
If greening out has left you feeling uneasy about your habits, you’re not alone. Many people use marijuana as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other challenges, only to find that it creates more complications than solutions. Seeking support isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a choice to prioritize your health and take control of your future.
Whether you’re looking to cut back, stop altogether, or address co-occurring mental health concerns, resources are available to help you every step of the way. Use MentalHealthProviders.org to find addiction treatment and mental health services near you. You can take the first step toward lasting change with support tailored to your unique needs.
