Greening Out: What Happens When You Get Too High, and How to Handle It

Cannabis has been used in our communities for medicine, ceremony, and relaxation for countless generations. But sometimes, especially with today’s stronger strains, concentrates, and edibles, it’s certainly possible to overdo it. When that happens, many people experience what’s called “greening out”, an uncomfortable reaction to too much THC.

Greening out can be scary in the moment, but the good news is: it will pass, it won’t cause permanent damage, and there are things you can do to feel better. Let’s walk through what greening out is, what causes it, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens to you or a friend.

What is Greening Out?

“Greening out” is a term used to describe a cannabis THC overdose, not in the life-threatening sense, but in the “your body can’t handle this much THC right now” sense.

Symptoms often include:

- Nausea or vomiting

- Dizziness or lightheadedness

- Sweats or chills

- Racing heart

- Anxiety, paranoia, or even panic attacks

- Confusion or disorientation

In severe cases: hallucinations or fainting

It’s not just “being really high.” It’s when your body feels overwhelmed and uncomfortable, and your brain is sounding alarm bells.

Why Does Greening Out Happen?

Greening out happens when THC overloads your body's endocannabinoid receptors. Common causes include:

Eating too much cannabis – Edibles take longer to kick in, which often tricks people into eating more before the first dose hits. And then you're in for a ride…

High-potency products – Concentrates like wax, shatter, or oils are far stronger than flower or even hash.

Mixing with alcohol or other substances – Crossfading (weed + booze) dramatically increases the chance of greening out and having an awful time.

New users or unfamiliar strains/products – If you don’t know your tolerance, it’s easy to overshoot.

Empty stomach or dehydration – Both can intensify THC’s effects.

Even seasoned consumers can green out, especially if they’re mixing, tired, or stressed. Our own Red Roots webmaster learned this the hard way at 19 after drinking with his girlfriend and smoking a joint… He spent the night clutching the toilet and hasn’t repeated the mistake since.

How to Prevent Greening Out

The best cure is prevention. Here are key tips:

1. Start Low and Go Slow

Especially with edibles or concentrates, take a small amount and WAIT at least an hour before you go for more. THC takes time to process in your digestive system.

2. Know Your Limits

Everyone’s tolerance is different. Keep a log to keep track of what products and doses work best for you.

3. Don’t Mix with Alcohol or other Drugs

Alcohol + weed = a recipe for nausea and spinning rooms. Any other drugs just add to the bad vibes. Avoid crossfading!

4. Eat and Hydrate First

Cannabis hits harder on an empty stomach. A meal and water in your system can soften the blow.

5. Choose a Safe Environment

Consume in a familiar, comfortable space with people you trust. Having a “bud buddy” is always a smart idea.

What to Do if You Green Out

Even with precautions, sometimes greening out happens. Here’s how to handle it:

🙏 Stay Calm

Remind yourself: this is temporary and is not dangerous. No one has EVER fatally overdosed on cannabis alone. These symptoms will pass. You will be alright. We promise.

🏞️ Find a Comfortable Space

Lie down or sit somewhere safe. Dim the lights, grab a blanket, and ground yourself.

💦 Hydrate

Sip water or juice slowly. Dehydration makes things infinitely worse.

😮‍💨 Breathe

Slow, deep breaths help calm anxiety and bring your heart rate down.

🍎 Eat a Snack

Carbs or fruit can stabilize blood sugar and ease nausea.

📺 Distract Yourself

Put on calming music, watch a lighthearted show, cuddle your pet, or do something simple like colouring or a puzzle.

Home Remedies That May Help

Over time, people have discovered a few natural helpers for greening out:

Black Peppercorns – Chewing or smelling them can calm paranoia (thanks to the terpene Caryophyllene).

Lemon or Lemon Peel – The terpene Limonene in lemons has grounding, anti-anxiety effects.

Pine Nuts – Contain the terpene Pinene, which can counteract THC’s fogginess (avoid if you have a nut allergy).

Fresh Air and Movement – A short walk can reset your mind and body and lower your blood pressure.

Talk to a Friend – Having someone supportive (and not as high as you) nearby makes a huge difference.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most green-outs pass with time, water, and rest. You'll feel much better in just a couple hours in almost all cases. But sometimes it’s smart to call for help.

Seek medical care if you or someone else is:

- Vomiting uncontrollably

- Having severe panic attacks or hallucinations

- Struggling to breathe normally

- Passing out repeatedly

Here in Canada, you can always call the Federal Poison Control Hotline at 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) if you’re unsure. And don’t ever feel guilty about dialling 911 if you or someone you care about is really having a bad time. Our healthcare workers are trained experts on how to handle THC overdoses. They've seen it before. Be honest with them about what was taken and how much was consumed, and they'll handle the rest.

Recovery and Reflection

After greening out, you’ll likely feel tired and a bit “off.” Stay hydrated, eat a good well-balanced meal, and give yourself some rest time.

But also take the time to reflect. What caused your greenout? Too much, too fast? Did you mix (crossfade) with alcohol or other substances? Did you try something too strong, or did you try something new? Learning your personal boundaries with cannabis will help prevent future discomfort and make your experiences safer and more enjoyable.

We always suggest keeping a journal and logging your experiences with new strains, products or increased doses so you can look back and have your prior recorded experiences to work with, which then allows you to easily manage your consumption in the future with a knowledgeable foundation of your prior sessions and what worked best.

The Bottom Line

Greening out isn’t fun, but it happens, and it’s okay. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and sometimes finding your limits is just part of the learning curve. With knowledge, preparation, and self-compassion, you can minimize the risks and enjoy cannabis the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

At Red Roots Trading Company, we believe in fostering safe, mindful, and respectful cannabis use within our community. Stay safe, look out for one another, and remember: this too shall pass.