Greening Out: What It Is and How to Avoid It

5 days ago

3 min read

Picture me, sitting on the couch, consoling a 6'3" man who is completely zooted, rubbing his back and promising him he's not dying. 😅 He wasn't dying. He was super greened out.

So what's "greening out"? It's kind of like being "drunk" on cannabis, but also not really. 🫠

What is greening out?

Greening out usually comes from getting a little greedy: smoking, eating, or consuming more THC than your body can handle. It's a generally negative experience. You might feel nauseous, dizzy, or, worst of all, anxious as hell.

Like alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, cannabis can be overdone. It happens to the best of us. Knowing how much cannabis is right for you is like knowing the difference between a nice buzz from a few beers on a night out and 12 (maybe) regrettable tequila shots.

Why it happens (and why it's different for everyone)

How cannabis affects you depends on a mix of factors:

Tolerance: How often you consume, and at what potency. A lot of weed out there right now is 20%+ THC, which I think is really high for most people. Same goes for edibles: 50mg is a pretty chill dose for me, but if you've never had an edible before? I WOULD NOT advise eating a 50mg edible. 😅
Your mental state: If you're already stressed or anxious, cannabis could mute those feelings, but it could also amplify them.
Soulja Boy → You: Height, weight, metabolism, and whether you've eaten all shape your experience. Genetics play a huge role too: some people are just more sensitive to THC.

Smoking vs. edibles

Smoking: When you inhale, THC goes into your lungs, then into your bloodstream and to your brain 🧠. Because it hits fast, it's easier to feel where you're at and stop before you get too high. You'll also usually come down quicker with this consumption method.

Edibles: Edibles hit differently. They go to your stomach first, where digestion breaks them down. Then your liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that's more potent and has a stronger effect on the brain than smoked THC. This takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to fully kick in, and if you take a big dose all at once, it can come on intensely.

That said, edibles can be an amazing experience once you know how to dose them properly. 😉

How to avoid greening out

1. Start low, go slow

Smoking: It's not a race. Take a puff, chill, and wait a few minutes before the next. If you're not used to smoking, try mixing 50% high-potency flower with 50% herbs or CBD. Even better if you can get your hands on something around 10% THC.
Edibles: A serving is 5–10mg of THC, and the lower end is the place to start if your tolerance is low. Wait 1–2 hours before taking more.

2. Know your limits

Nobody is going to be impressed by how much weed you can smoke/eat. It sucks being too high, and trust me, matching your date hit for hit is not the flex you think it is. Check in with how you're feeling mentally and physically before you consume, and remember it's not a competition. You're consuming to have a good time!

What to do if you green out

Get somewhere calm. If you're out, find a quiet spot and stay close to friends. Best case, you're home: put on a movie or some music and get into your pajamas. If you're with someone, tell them you're not feeling great. It's not embarrassing, and it lets them help you.
Breathe. Slow breathing tells your nervous system you're safe. Try breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 4, and breathing out for 6. The longer exhale is what calms a racing heart. Then do a quick body scan: close your eyes and move your attention slowly from your toes up to your head, noticing each part of your body and letting it relax. If your mind starts spiraling, come back to your breath.
Drink water. It helps a lot, especially if you feel dizzy or nauseous.
Eat something gentle. Pick something easy on the stomach with carbs or protein, like a warm bowl of oatmeal or a cheese sandwich.
Remember it will pass. It feels uncomfortable, but you can’t be high forever.🤷🏽‍♀️

If you have chest pain, fainting, or vomiting that won't stop, get medical help.

The bottom line

You know your body best. Use that mindfulness to set up a vibe that's the perfect amount of chill for you when you consume. And if you're sharing your stash on a date, maybe ask about their tolerance first. 😉