If you’re reading this while experiencing signs of greening out: you’re not in danger, and it will pass.
Greening out is awful; no one wants to feel the wrath of consuming too much cannabis. Feeling dizzy, turning pale from nausea, or having some heightened anxiety are all unpleasant feelings we want to prevent. Whether you’re completely new to consuming cannabis or have started back up again after a lengthy break, it’s easy to overconsume accidentally.
It may be difficult and overwhelming to figure out what to do when greening out in the moment, but with these tips, you’ll be prepared if it ever happens to you or someone you know. Which brings us to the first tip: how to keep yourself from greening out in the first place.
Prevention
While it’s 100% valid to panic-google, “what to do when greening out?” or “I smoked too much weed–please, somebody, help!” there are a few things you can do to help prevent you from even getting to that point.
Go Slow
They weren’t lying when they said slow and steady wins the race. Start by consuming a low-dose THC or CBD product and take your time consuming it. Everyone reacts to cannabis differently, so you never know what’s too much for you until…you know. Slowly enjoying your cannabis of choice can help you find your sweet spot, and it’ll even help you understand the different strains and strengths of cannabis. A seasoned toker may offer you a 20% THC sativa that works wonders for them, but for someone who’s just starting or who only consumes occasionally, that may be too much too soon. Start low and slow.
Figure out what strain(s) work best for you
Talking to a budtender will open your eyes to various products that can work for you. Seriously, budtenders are paid to know the questions you need answers to. You can ask something like:
- “I’m new to consuming cannabis and looking for something with a lower THC percentage that will help me relax.”
- “I’m looking for something to help calm my nerves, but I don’t want to be locked to the couch for the whole day.”
- “I just took a long break from cannabis, and I’m looking to get back into it. Do you recommend any specific strains that won’t make me feel like I’m dying?”
Ask them for exactly what you’re looking for, and they’ll find the best option for you.
What to do when greening out
Aaaaaaah. Do you feel that? It’s the sweet, sweet feeling of being prepared for something, having that thing happen, and knowing the tools that will help you not freak out. Why? Because preparation is essential, my friend. Here are some tips to help you when you’re greening out.
Hydrate
Water, water, and more water. Forever. Drinking some water or juice will help hydrate you, which will help with that icky dry mouth feeling, nausea, and lightheadedness. Your body is in a state of shock; replenish it.
Breathe
It might sound silly, but the way you breathe can help calm you down from a panicked state. If you’re feeling short of breath or breathing faster than usual, try slowing it down intentionally. Start with a few deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Don’t be afraid to make a noise on the exhale; this will help regulate your nervous system.
Another helpful trick is the 4-4-4-4 method: inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds and repeat until you feel your heart rate return to normal. It’s going to be okay.
Find a safe space
If you’re at a social outing, try stepping outside away from other people. It’s easy to become overstimulated by unfamiliar faces, loud noises, or the overall vibe of a place- so making sure there’s a place for you to be uncomfortable freely is vital. Grab a trusted friend and GET. OUT. OF. THERE. Sit in your friend’s car and take some deep breaths. You’ll be laughing about it before you know it.
Sleep it off
One of the most effective ways to fight off being too high is to go to sleep. Put on some relaxing music and try some breathing exercises; you’ll be snoring in no time. If you’re too anxious to fall asleep, be kind to yourself and know that you’re okay and that this feeling isn’t forever.
It’s scary to feel not like yourself, especially during or after consuming a wonderful plant like cannabis. The good news is, greening out is temporary, and you won’t be harmed just by being too high. If you’re in the moment, these steps should work to help calm you down. If not, take some time to figure out what type of cannabis works best for you. Be safe and happy toking.
