A “green out” is a common term used to describe acute cannabis intoxication that results in deeply unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms. This reaction, often brought on by consuming too much of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is essentially a temporary overdose of the substance. Symptoms frequently include intense anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting, creating a highly distressing experience for the individual. While these effects are usually not life-threatening, they can be overwhelming and require immediate, practical strategies to manage the discomfort and ensure safety.
Immediate Physical Adjustments
The first step in managing acute intoxication is to address the physical environment, as this helps to interrupt the anxiety cycle. Move to a quiet, dimly lit, and safe space where you can sit or lie down comfortably without fear of falling. Changing your location helps disrupt the sensory overload that can fuel mounting panic. Hydration is also important, so slowly sip water or a non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverage to combat dry mouth and potential dehydration. Some reports suggest that low blood sugar can sometimes contribute to the feeling of faintness or dizziness, so a small snack containing sugar, such as a piece of fruit or a cracker, may help stabilize your physical state.
Mental Coping and Grounding Strategies
Once you are in a safe physical space, the focus must shift to calming the psychological distress and panic. A simple and effective method is controlled, deep breathing to regulate the nervous system. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, hold the breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, repeating this cycle until your heart rate begins to slow. Grounding techniques can pull your mind away from racing thoughts and back to the present moment. The 5-4-3-2-1 technique involves systematically naming five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Recognizing When Medical Help is Necessary
While a green out is rarely a medical emergency, certain symptoms indicate a threshold has been crossed that requires professional intervention. You must seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent, uncontrollable vomiting that prevents you from keeping down any fluids, as this risks severe dehydration. Similarly, a severely rapid or irregular heart rate accompanied by chest pain is a clear sign to call for emergency services. Any loss of consciousness, seizures, or the onset of severe hallucinations or paranoia that cause an individual to be a danger to themselves or others demands urgent medical care. It is crucial to be honest with responders about the substance consumed to ensure appropriate supportive care is provided.
Strategies for Future Prevention
The most reliable way to prevent future episodes is through careful management of dosage and consumption method. Always follow the principle of “start low and go slow,” particularly with cannabis products that have high concentrations of THC. For inhaled methods, this means taking a single, small puff and waiting at least ten minutes to gauge the effect before consuming more. When consuming edibles, the risk of overconsumption is higher due to the delayed onset, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over two hours, as the THC must first be metabolized by the liver. Never consume a second dose of an edible until the full effects of the first dose have been clearly felt and assessed.