With cannabis use becoming more common, especially with legalization spreading, there’s a term people should know: “greening out.” This describes what happens when someone consumes too much weed, leading to unpleasant symptoms like nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and even panic. As cannabis becomes more accessible, it’s crucial for everyone, especially beginners, to understand how to use it safely and know their limits to avoid these uncomfortable experiences.
Greening out isn’t just about feeling a bit light-headed. It’s more intense, with people experiencing a wave of dizziness, extreme nausea, and anxiety all at once. Sometimes, people even feel paranoid, like something terrible is happening when it’s not. It’s like the body is sending out a warning, making it clear that too much was consumed. For some, the experience can be so overwhelming that they end up in the emergency room.
In places where weed is legal, such as Colorado, cannabis-related emergency room visits have doubled over recent years, and these cases often involve symptoms linked to greening out. A significant reason is over consumption, particularly with edibles. Edibles can be tricky; their effects take longer to kick in, sometimes up to two hours, so people might eat more, thinking the first dose wasn’t strong enough. But when it does hit, it can be intense, leading to nausea, dizziness, severe anxiety, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
This rise in ER visits illustrates just how common greening out has become. In Colorado, cannabis-related emergency room visits have doubled from 2013 to 2018, largely due to symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and dizziness. Delayed effects from edibles alone contribute to about 10% of these visits because people often over consume before feeling the initial dose. For young people, the risks are especially high. A 2020 study found that 15% of teens using cannabis reported severe negative effects, including anxiety and nausea. Additionally, today’s cannabis is much stronger than it was a few decades ago. Back in the ‘90s, THC levels averaged around 4%, but now they’re over 15% and can be even higher in some products. This increase makes it easier to consume too much, which can easily lead to greening out, especially for new users. For example, approximately 25% of cannabis users report feeling anxious or paranoid after consuming high doses of THC, a risk that’s higher in inexperienced users or those already prone to anxiety.
Young people, especially teens and young adults, are particularly vulnerable to greening out. They’re often new to cannabis, and inexperience paired with peer pressure can push them to use more than they’re comfortable with. The strength of cannabis today further complicates this, making it easy for young or inexperienced users to experience side effects they’re unprepared for.
To avoid greening out, it’s best to start slow and know your limits, especially when you’re new to cannabis or trying edibles for the first time. Since edibles take longer to take effect, patience is crucial, and adding extra doses too soon is a common mistake. By understanding how your body reacts to THC and respecting your tolerance, you can prevent many of the uncomfortable symptoms linked to over consumption.
In addition to learning safe consumption habits, young people should also be aware of the legal risks. In most places, cannabis is only legal for people 21 and older, and getting caught with it as a minor can have serious consequences. Making informed choices about cannabis isn’t just about avoiding greening out; it’s about prioritizing health and making decisions that help, not harm.
By understanding responsible consumption and how high-THC products can impact the mind and body, young people can avoid situations where they feel pressured to take more than they can handle. Educating yourself about how to use cannabis safely and knowing the legal boundaries can make all the difference, especially in today’s high-potency landscape.