Marijuana can make people feel euphoric or relaxed, but it may also have the opposite effect for some who feel greened out. Greening out occurs when someone consumes too much marijuana and involves uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms. While greening out is not usually dangerous, it can leave people feeling dizzy, anxious, and sick.

This page explains what is greening out, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and how to manage it if you or someone you know greens out. You will also discover how to connect with compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment.

About Greening Out

Greening out happens when someone consumes too much marijuana, triggering a mix of unpleasant physical and emotional effects. This phenomenon is similar to a bad reaction to alcohol, where you feel sick or anxious instead of feeling good. Greening out is not usually dangerous, but it can feel overwhelming for the person going through it. It can happen to anyone, whether they are new to marijuana or have been using it for a long time. Knowing the signs and how to manage it can help prevent the experience from worsening.

Green Out Meaning—What Is Greening Out?

Greening out (aka “greened out”) is a term used to describe what happens when someone smokes or vapes too much marijuana or consumes edibles in high doses. It’s called greening out because the person may feel dizzy, nauseous, or anxious, similar to how you might feel if you’ve had too much to drink and blackout.

The main cause of this phenomenon is THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that triggers the euphoric high. [1] When too much THC enters the body, it overwhelms the system, leading to a range of symptoms that can make you unwell.

What Happens When You Green Out?

When someone greens out, their body and mind react to the overload of THC. Physically, a person might have a racing heart, feel dizzy, or experience nausea and vomiting. Mentally, greening out can trigger anxiety, confusion, and paranoia. Some people describe feeling like the room is spinning or that they can’t think straight. While these symptoms can be intense and uncomfortable, they usually subside after a few hours.

How Long Does Greening Out Last

The length of time a person greens out depends on how much marijuana they consume and how their body reacts to it. Typically, symptoms last a few hours, and the person feels much better the next day. That said, if someone has eaten marijuana edibles, the effects can last longer because edibles take more time to process in the body. Most people who experience a greenout feel back to normal within 24 hours. Resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding any more marijuana can accelerate recovery.

Is Greening Out Overdosing?

Greening out is sometimes referred to as a marijuana overdose, but it’s not the same as a life-threatening overdose you might experience with opioids. [2] Marijuana itself is unlikely to cause a deadly overdose but greening out is a sign you’ve consumed too much for your body to handle ­– this is why the experience feels unpleasant. Even though it is not associated with fatal outcomes, greening out can be scary, so consume marijuana slowly and in moderation if you choose to use this controlled substance. [3]

What Does Greening Out Feel Like?

Greening out can feel overwhelming and disorienting. Physically, you might experience dizziness and nausea or feel like you’re about to pass out. Some people feel like their heart is racing or their body is too heavy to move. Mentally, greening out can bring on powerful feelings of anxiety or paranoia, making it hard to think or focus on what’s happening around you. People often describe it as a sudden shift from feeling good to feeling trapped in a bad, overwhelming state that’s hard to shake off.

Greening Out Symptoms

The signs of greening out can vary and may be physical and mental.

Physical symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Impaired coordination
• Feeling stuck in place

Psychological symptoms include:

• Panic attacks
• Intense anxiety
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Distorted perceptions
• Hallucinations
• Disconnection from reality

The symptoms of greening out can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the person and the amount of marijuana consumed.

After Effects of Greening Out

Once the worst part of greening out has passed, you may still feel a bit off for a while. Many people feel drained or fatigued, needing extra rest to recover. It’s also common to feel mentally foggy or have trouble concentrating for a while afterward. In some cases, unease and anxiety can linger, especially if the greening-out episode was particularly intense. Luckily, these after-effects usually disappear within a day.

What to Do When Someone Is Greening Out

If someone you know is greening out, stay calm. Although the symptoms can be overwhelming, greening out isn’t life-threatening, and most people recover within a few hours. The key is to manage the discomfort and allow the body time to process the excess marijuana. There are some simple steps you can take to help ease the experience:

• Avoid more marijuana: While it may seem tempting to use more marijuana to calm down, this will only make things worse. Stop consuming marijuana immediately and focus on managing the symptoms.
• Find a safe, quiet space: Move to a calm, quiet area away from loud noises or bright lights, which can worsen the experience. Sitting or lying down can help reduce dizziness and feeling out of control. If you’re helping someone who is greening out, gently guide them to a comfortable spot where they feel safe.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water is one of the best things you can encourage someone to do when they’re greening out. Marijuana can cause dry mouth and dehydration, so sipping water slowly can help. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, as these can worsen symptoms like dehydration and anxiety.
• Take deep breaths: Focusing on breathing can help calm your body and mind. Slow, deep breaths can reduce anxiety and bring your heart rate down. [4] If you’re with someone who is greening out, urge them to take deep breaths with you.
• Eat a light snack: Sometimes, eating a small snack – especially one high in carbohydrates – can help balance sugar levels. Bread or crackers are good options.

Is There a Greening Out Remedy?

There is no quick fix or cure for greening out, but some remedies may help reduce the discomfort while your body processes the THC. Here are some things that may provide relief:

• Hydration: Water helps flush toxins and prevents dehydration, which can worsen the symptoms of greening out. Coconut water or sports drinks containing electrolytes may improve dehydration.
• Distraction techniques: Engaging your mind in simple, calming activities can help reduce anxiety. Try listening to music, watching a comforting TV show, or practicing mindfulness to focus your mind away from the symptoms.
• Peppercorn trick: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that chewing black peppercorns may ease symptoms of greening out. Peppercorns contain terpenes like beta-caryophyllene that may calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
• CBD: CBD (cannabidiol) is another compound found in marijuana. It may help reduce some of the negative effects of THC like anxiety and paranoia. More research is needed to confirm how effective CBD is during a greenout.

How To Stop Greening Out

It isn’t possible to stop a green out on weed once it’s started, as the body needs time to process the excess THC. That said, you can take steps to make the experience as manageable as possible and speed up recovery. Here’s how:

• Take time to rest: Rest is one of the best remedies for greening out. Lying down in a comfortable, safe space can help you relax and let the symptoms pass. If possible, close your eyes and try to sleep. Sleep can be incredibly restorative, allowing your body to reset.
• Lower anxiety: Anxiety is a major component of greening out. Calming your mind can help reduce the overall intensity of the green out. Try breathing exercises like inhaling deeply for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, and exhaling for 4 seconds. Visualization techniques – like picturing yourself in a peaceful place – can also help ease your mind.
• Avoid stimulants: Stay away from stimulants like alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. These substances can inflame anxiety and increase heart rate, which can make greening out more uncomfortable. Instead, focus on calming activities like deep breathing or gentle stretching.
• Stay cool: If you’re sweating or feeling hot, try cooling your body with a damp cloth or sitting in front of a fan. Sometimes, cooling the skin can help reduce feelings of nausea and dizziness. However, avoid extreme cold, as that can make you feel worse.

How To Help Someone Greening Out

If you’re with someone who is greening out, your main role is to help them stay calm and safe. Watching someone experience this phenomenon can be scary but knowing what to do can make a major difference in their recovery. Here’s what to do:

• Reassure them: Let the person know that greening out is temporary and they will feel better soon. Calmly remind them to focus on breathing and that the symptoms will pass. Panic or anxiety from those around them can inflame their symptoms, so keep your voice calm and comforting.
• Help them find a safe space: Guide them to a quiet, comfortable area where they can sit or lie down. Keep the environment calm by dimming lights and reducing any noise or distractions. If they’re experiencing nausea, make sure they are in a place where they can rest without feeling more distracted.
• Keep the person hydrated: Ensure the person stays hydrated by offering them water or an electrolyte drink. Encourage them to sip it slowly to avoid worsening nausea. Dehydration can intensify the symptoms of greening out, and hydration helps mitigate this.
• Encourage rest: If the person feels safe enough, encourage them to close their eyes and rest. This can help their body recover and they should feel better when they wake up.
• Monitor for worsening symptoms: Greening out is not usually dangerous, but you should monitor the person for worsening symptoms. If their breathing becomes shallow, they lose consciousness or show any signs of a serious health concern, seek medical assistance immediately. When in doubt, contact emergency services. 
• Be patient: Recovery from greening out takes time, so be patient and give the person as much time as they need to rest and recover. Make sure they don’t try to consume more marijuana or any other substances, as this will prolong the episode and potentially worsen their condition. 

Following these steps can help make a greening-out episode less overwhelming and ensure that the person recovers safely. Having a calm, supportive presence is the most helpful thing you can offer.

Cannabis | FAQs 

Is greening out real?

Yes, greening out is a real phenomenon that happens when someone consumes too much marijuana. It leads to physical and mental symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. While greening out is not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and distressing. 

Greening out and passing out—what should I do?

If someone passes out while greening out, keep them in a safe position, such as lying on their side to prevent choking. Monitor their breathing. If they don’t wake up or show signs of distress, seek medical help immediately.                                                                   

Can you die from greening out?

There have been no recorded cases of fatal marijuana overdoses, so it’s unlikely you will die from greening out. However, if marijuana is mixed with other substances or underlying health issues are present, there could be serious complications that require medical attention. 

Can greening out last for days?

Greening out usually lasts a few hours, but symptoms like anxiety or fatigue may linger for up to a day. In rare cases – especially with heavy use of marijuana or edibles – some effects may persist for longer, but full recovery normally occurs within 24 hours.

Live a Life Free from Addiction—Start Recovery at Renaissance Recovery

If you have been misusing any addictive substance, we can help you get back on track at Renaissance Recovery. 

We treat all addictions in an outpatient setting at our luxury rehab centers in Florida and California. This means you can continue at work while living at home and getting first-class addiction treatment at one of our beachside facilities.

Every addiction is different, so all treatment plans at Renaissance are personalized. Therapies include:

• Counseling
• Motivational therapy
• Talk therapy
• Family therapy
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• Medication-assisted treatment
• Aftercare

When you’re ready to reclaim your life from substance abuse, call 866-330-9449

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430823/

[3] https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[4] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response