What To Do When Greening Out on Cannabis and How To Avoid It

Common signs of greening out on weed include:

• Sudden nausea or vomiting
• Intense dizziness or feeling like the room is spinning
• Cold sweats and chills
• Shaky limbs or twitching
• Anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks
• Difficulty focusing or speaking
• Feeling disconnected from reality (depersonalization)
• Sudden fatigue or urge to sleep

If you experience any of these after using cannabis, especially in large amounts, you’re likely greening out.

Greening out occurs when your body is overwhelmed by too much THC. It’s more likely when:

• You consume edibles without knowing your dosage
• You smoke or dab high-THC products quickly
• You use cannabis on an empty stomach
• You mix cannabis with alcohol, caffeine, or other drugs
• You’re sleep-deprived, anxious, or dehydrated

Overloading your endocannabinoid system disrupts your body’s balance, causing unpleasant symptoms.

Greening out on weed can feel like:

• You’re losing control or “going crazy”
• A sudden wave of nausea hits you out of nowhere
• Your heart is racing and your thoughts are spiraling
• Your body feels weak, heavy, or numb
• You need to lie down immediately
• The world is too loud, bright, or overwhelming

It’s not fatal, but it can be scary, disorienting, and physically draining.

The good news? It will pass, and you will recover. You just need time, support, and the right recovery steps.

Follow this quick guide:

• Sit or lie down in a quiet, safe space
• Breathe deeply and stay calm
• Sip water or juice, and eat something sweet
• Take CBD oil if you have it—it can reduce the high
• Dim the lights, avoid loud music or screens
• Talk to a friend for reassurance
• Most importantly: Wait it out. Relief will come.

Absolutely. In fact, greening out on an edible is one of the most common causes. Edibles are potent, and their effects take 30–90 minutes to kick in—many users make the mistake of redosing too soon.

Edible-induced green outs often last longer (6–8 hours), feel more intense, and can involve full-body sedation, nausea, and confusion.

Yes. Greening out on dabs is common due to their high THC concentration (sometimes 70–90%). Dabbing delivers large amounts of THC very quickly, which can easily overwhelm even experienced users.

To avoid a dab green out, always start small and ensure you’re hydrated and fed beforehand.

Yes. Greening out on Delta 8 is possible, even though it’s considered less potent than Delta-9 THC. High doses of Delta-8 can still cause:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sedation
• Anxiety
• Impaired coordination

Especially in edibles or vape cartridges, Delta-8 can trigger a green out—so dose cautiously.

Usually not. Most THC overdoses resolve on their own. However, seek medical help if:

• Chest pain or heart palpitations occur
• Vomiting persists or leads to dehydration
• Someone is unresponsive for several hours
• Underlying health conditions are involved

If in doubt, call a healthcare provider or poison control center for advice.

No, you cannot die from greening out. Cannabis doesn’t suppress your breathing or heart function like opioids or alcohol. While terrifying, a THC overload is not fatal, and you will fully recover with time, rest, and hydration.

Recovery time depends on how you consumed cannabis and how much THC is in your system:

• Smoking/Vaping: 1–2 hours
• Edibles: 6–8 hours
• Dabs/Concentrates: 2–4+ hours
• Delta-8: 4–6 hours (depending on method and dosage)

💡 Recovery Tips: Hydration, sweet snacks (for blood sugar), CBD (to balance THC), and deep rest can help speed up your recovery and ease symptoms.

Either option is okay. Sleeping it off is safe and often helps, especially if you’re feeling nauseous, overwhelmed, or drowsy.

• Just make sure you’re in a safe, comfortable space.
• If you’re caring for someone else who’s asleep, monitor their breathing and responsiveness to ensure they’re okay.

• Drink: Water, juice, sports drinks—avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Eat: Sugary snacks, fruit, crackers, or light protein

Sugar helps stabilize blood sugar, which may ease dizziness and fatigue.

Yes. CBD helps counteract THC’s psychoactive effects by interacting with CB1 receptors in the brain. It reduces anxiety, paranoia, and overstimulation. Take it sublingually (under the tongue) for fastest results.

No. There is no evidence that greening out causes permanent harm. It can be psychologically intense, but you’ll recover completely once the THC leaves your system.

Avoiding a green out comes down to mindful preparation and knowing your limits:

1. Start low, go slow: Especially with edibles, dabs, or unfamiliar products, begin with a small dose and wait.
2. Wait at least 90 minutes before redosing edibles: Effects take time. Rushing leads to accidental overconsumption.
3. Eat beforehand: A light meal or snack can slow THC absorption and reduce intensity.
4. Stay hydrated and keep supplies nearby: Have water, juice, CBD oil, and snacks on hand. If you’re outside, bring a blanket or find a cozy spot.
5. Avoid mixing substances: Combining cannabis with alcohol, stimulants, or other drugs can intensify THC’s effects and significantly increase the risk of greening out.
6. Track your tolerance: Keep a journal or notes about your dosage, strain, and effects to better understand your limits.
7. Use cannabis intentionally: When you consume with awareness, you’re more likely to have a safe, enjoyable experience.

Not at all. Greening out is common—even experienced users have overdone it at some point. It’s your body’s way of saying, “That was too much.” Learn from it, laugh about it later, and be kinder to yourself next time.