Smoked Too Much Weed? 7 Signs of Greening Out and What to Do

How do you come down from a high that's too strong?

Greening out is what happens when you take in more THC than your body can handle: nausea, dizziness, paranoia, anxiety and a racing heart that can make you feel awful for a few hours. It's unpleasant but temporary — lie down, sip water, try some CBD or a few black peppercorns, get some fresh air and wait it out. Plenty of regular smokers have been there; the problem is when you're new to weed and the experience gets pretty overwhelming.

Whether you're a beginner or a veteran, a green-out is an unpleasant and sometimes scary ride that can bring on a whole range of uncomfortable mental and physical sensations, all caused by too much THC.

What does greening out feel like?

Greening out happens when the CB1 receptors in your nervous system take in more THC than they can handle, which sets off a string of mental effects that can be scary, uncomfortable and (if you have a heart condition) potentially dangerous.

It's easy to spot when it's happening to you. Most of the symptoms are pretty obvious. Here are some of them: 

1. Nausea:

Cannabis is known for helping with nausea. We've all heard how it's often used by cancer patients dealing with stomach problems and appetite loss from chemo.

But if you get nauseous while or after using cannabis, there's a good chance you're greening out.

2. Dizziness:

Feeling a little off-balance isn't unusual when you're high. But when you green out, the dizziness kicks up a notch. Your best move is to lie down and close your eyes. If the room still won't stop spinning, you've probably blown past your THC limit.

3. Paranoia:

Paranoia often comes with being high, so a few paranoid thoughts don't automatically mean you overdid it — but they're a clear sign to put the joint down for now. 

If you've never dealt with paranoia, it starts as a nagging sense of unease, like something's just not right. That can eventually turn into intrusive, disturbing thoughts that someone's out to get you. You might also get jumpy and start overreacting to movements or sounds.

4. Anxiety:

Some research suggests cannabis can help ease anxiety, and plenty of people use it for that, whether occasionally or every day. But the relationship cuts both ways: low, careful doses of THC may help with anxiety, while high doses can trigger it.

5. Racing heart:

If you don't have any heart problems, you'll most likely be fine once the THC wears off and your heart rate settles back down. But if you have an underlying condition — heart disease, high blood pressure or anything else that affects your heart — it's best to avoid cannabis completely until you've talked to a specialist.

6. Drowsiness:

This is one of the most common side effects of cannabis. Many people with insomnia and other sleep problems report that its sedative side helps them get some rest.

When you green out, though, that drowsiness can get really heavy. 

7. Dry mouth:

Cottonmouth has nothing to do with actual dehydration. What's really going on is that THC slows down saliva production.

You're not at any risk of getting dehydrated, but weed can leave your mouth anywhere from a little to seriously dry, which is genuinely uncomfortable. That may be one reason some studies link long-term cannabis use to gum disease. 

When it hits, drink plenty of water so your mouth doesn't dry out too much.

What to do when you're greening out

If it happens, don't panic. The next few hours are going to be rough, physically and mentally, to some degree. 

You can't fatally overdose on THC, but you can soften or shorten the effects and figure out what works best for you. Here are a few tips for when it happens:

1. Reach for terpenes:

Terpenes are the aromatic, oily compounds found all over the plant kingdom, and they play a big role in both the recreational and medical effects of cannabis. 

When it comes to greening out, beta-caryophyllene and limonene are the terpenes you want on hand. The good news is both are easy to find: in black pepper and lemons, respectively. 

For a quick fix, chew a few black peppercorns, and get your limonene by eating a few lemon slices or drinking some lemon juice. Plenty of people swear by it. 

2. Drink water:

Dry mouth is a common side effect of cannabis, especially when you're greening out.

Water is usually your best bet since it's the easiest to grab, but juice and herbal tea (with little or no caffeine) work too. Ideally, skip alcohol and caffeinated drinks: they add to dehydration, and caffeine can ramp up anxiety.

3. Take some CBD:

Some research suggests cannabidiol (CBD) can counter some of THC's effects, and many people report it takes the edge off a high that's too strong. 

4. Take a shower: A shower can wake up your senses and help you push back against some of the bad effects you're feeling. 

5. Change your surroundings:

Sometimes just getting up, moving and walking somewhere else can calm your nerves. Try stepping outside for a few minutes. Fresh air gets you away from any lingering weed smell and can give your senses a little boost.

You can avoid greening out by learning your limit and smoking with someone you trust who can help you handle it — and if you do go past that limit, use these tips to ride it out. 

How to avoid greening out when you smoke

If you want to avoid greening out when you smoke weed, here are a few things to consider:

1. Stay hydrated: Make sure you drink enough water before, during and after smoking. Staying hydrated can help keep your blood pressure steady.
2. Smoke in a comfortable, relaxed setting: Find a calm, safe place where you feel at ease while you smoke. Avoid stressful or awkward situations that make a bad high more likely.
3. Watch your dose and what you're smoking: If you're prone to greening out, consider smoking less or trying strains with lower THC. Some people find CBD-rich strains gentler and less likely to cause bad reactions.
4. Don't overdo it: Smoking too much raises your risk of greening out. Use cannabis in moderation and stay within your personal limits.
5. Change positions slowly: If you're getting up after smoking, do it gradually and avoid sudden movements. That can help prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure.

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