Marijuana is legal for recreational use in nearly half of the United States. With so many people having access to marijuana and THC products, more people are experimenting with it than ever before.
Many people have the perception that marijuana use is always safe. There are many myths about cannabis products. One of the most common is that it’s not possible to overdose on weed.
While weed was relatively mild in the past, growers have found new ways to grow potent strains of pot. These concentrated types of cannabis pose new risks.
Overdose is one of the modern risks of cannabis use. Many people who use large amounts of THC or cannabis products experience uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms.
Users may refer to a cannabis overdose as “greening out.” This article will explore what greening out means and how to deal with it. You will learn:
- The symptoms of greening out
- What can lead to greening out
- What to do if you green out
- The potential risks of a cannabis overdose
- How to recognize marijuana addiction
- Where to find treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with cannabis abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, holistic treatment and support at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Greening Out? Signs and Symptoms
“Greening out” is a slang term people may use to describe a cannabis overdose. Someone may “green out” after consuming too much cannabis or using a product with a high concentration of THC.
Some symptoms of greening out include:
- Anxiety
- Losing color in the face
- Diarrhea
- Panic attacks
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
The symptoms of greening out may not be life-threatening, but they can make people very uncomfortable. People may worry that they are having a serious medical reaction. It is important to seek treatment if the symptoms of greening out become severe.
What Causes Someone to Green Out?
Substance use disorder (SUD) experts believe there are several factors that may cause someone to experience unwanted symptoms when using cannabis. These include:
- Using cannabis products on an empty stomach (ingesting edible products)
- Using higher doses of cannabis than your body can handle
- Eating THC-infused products, such as gummies, drinks, or foods
- Consuming products created with high-THC strains
- Having a low tolerance for THC
As more people have easy, legal access to high-concentration THC products, more people are experiencing unwanted side effects. Substance abuse experts advise people to start with a lower dose of THC when first using cannabis products. Or, avoid these products altogether.
What to Do if You Green Out
Greening out in modern times is more common than ever. People may experience a state of feeling sick or anxious after ingesting cannabis products, especially in large doses or high concentrations.
While greening out may not be life-threatening in most cases, it can still be uncomfortable. There are some things you can do to manage your unwanted symptoms. They include:
- Drinking more fluids
- Lying down in a calm environment
- Resting until symptoms pass
- Taking over-the-counter medications to manage nausea or headaches
Some people experience dangerous heart rate and blood pressure changes while greening out. It is essential to seek medical treatment immediately if your unwanted symptoms worsen or do not improve after resting.
Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?
Many people believe it is not possible to become addicted to marijuana. However, addiction experts believe people can develop symptoms of psychological or physical addiction after prolonged or heavy marijuana abuse.
Some signs of marijuana or cannabis addiction include:
- Frequently using cannabis products when you didn’t plan to or using more than you planned to
- Spending a lot of time getting and using marijuana or THC products
- Taking risks while using cannabis products, such as working or driving high
- Neglecting your hobbies, relationships, and responsibilities because of cannabis use
- Having cravings for cannabis
- New or worsening mental health conditions
- Experiencing legal, social, or financial trouble related to your cannabis use
- Wanting to quit using cannabis but discovering it’s too hard to stop
- Continuing to use cannabis even after experiencing unwanted symptoms or overdose
People who become addicted to marijuana may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it cold turkey. People may require detox, inpatient rehab, or outpatient treatment to stop using cannabis and avoid relapse.
Treating Marijuana Addiction
It can be challenging to overcome marijuana abuse. Comprehensive support and treatment can help. A cannabis treatment program may include:
- A medical detox program, if necessary
- Behavioral therapies
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies like mindfulness, exercise, journaling, music, and more
- Aftercare planning and support programs
Treatment can help people address the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of cannabis abuse or addiction. It can also give people the tools they need to avoid relapse for life.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love needs treatment to stop using cannabis, you are not alone. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting the First Step Behavioral Health specialists today. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Marijuana Toxicity
- Up to Date: Cannabis (marijuana): Acute intoxication
- Yale Medicine: Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder