Written by Sebastian Little

Disclaimer: Mood is not a wellness resource. This guide looks at common defining characteristics of “greening out” to help readers learn more about the term. To understand or treat a specific reaction to any cannabis product or any medical or safety needs, be sure to consult a licensed professional.

Are you interested in cannabis but concerned about the possibility of greening out? Or are you curious if an experience you had was the product of cannabis use?

If so, you might want to check out this brief guide on what “greening out” is, some of its signs, and how to prevent it.

Before you can fully understand what happens with overconsumption of THC or full-spectrum cannabis products, it helps to have a basic understanding of how we can feel the psychoactive effects of cannabis in the first place.

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Why Cannabis Makes Us Feel Anything

Some cannabinoids carry the psychoactive components of the hemp plant.

When humans consume cannabis products, cannabinoids bond with CB1 receptors in the body to deliver feelings of euphoria, focus, calm, creativity, and more.

These receptors are a part of every human body's larger endocannabinoid system. In tune with our central nervous systems, these receptors imply that we’ve evolved as a species to consume cannabis.

What Is Greening Out?

Greening out is a term that’s used to describe the feelings of overconsuming “marijuana” or other cannabis products.

Generally, you can tell if you’re greening out or starting to when feelings of euphoria develop into unpleasant or overwhelming sensations.

Common Side Effects of Greening Out

In addition to feeling generally off or bad after using too much “marijuana” or cannabis, you can also experience these common symptoms of greening out:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness are at the top of the list of most common feelings associated with over-indulgent marijuana use

• Clamminess and nausea can come about, which can turn your skin pale, ashy, or a light green (which some sources attribute the term to)

• The spins can make it tough to balance, maintain focused vision, or walk around

More common side effects are associated with greening out, but they’re all variations of the above.

Some people have panic attacks or increased anxiety from using too much cannabis.

It’s important to consult a mental health professional when dealing with these issues and deciding whether or not to try cannabis in the first place.

We can talk about what’s going on from a cannabis perspective, but when it comes to health or mental health, please turn to qualified professionals in those fields.

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Tips For Avoiding Greening Out

1. Opt For “Hemp-Derived” Over “Marijuana” Products

Because greening out can be the result of taking “marijuana” products that are too potent or potentially featuring harmful ingredients, opting to kick back with hemp-derived products should lower your chances of a bad time.

What’s the difference between “hemp-derived” and “marijuana” products?

The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (also known as the Farm Bill) removed hemp from the federal government’s list of controlled substances.

It states that hemp is cannabis with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

Not only are hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% Delta-THC by dry weight compliant with the Farm Bill, but lower levels of THC and adherence to the bill’s strict cultivation regulations provide a more transparent and measured avenue for trying cannabis.

While you can find potent products that adhere to the Farm Bill, the right provider will clarify which ones are appropriate for you. They should also have products that are better suited to first-timer usage, a lower tolerance level, or any cannabis users looking for an easy high without adverse effects.

Learn More: How is Mood Legal?

2. Stick To Low-Potency Products

All cannabis products are not created equally. Across today’s dynamic and dense field of cultivators, manufacturers, and producers, a vast world of products ranges from very strong to purposefully mild.

Take care to investigate the types of cannabis products you’re consuming, and look at things like the THC levels, the cannabinoids used, and how they are produced.

In a time when there are distributors who are transparent about their cannabis-growing, producing, and packaging practices, discerning users can avoid the pitfalls of those who are less thorough with their approach.

Mood is a reliable source for cannabis products, and it includes a certificate of analysis with every product. This ensures that every gummy, pre-roll, and concentrate has been tested by third-party labs to ensure that they meet federal health and legal guidelines.

In addition to compliance, we test for quality. We ensure our specs are exact and that every product is free of nasty surprises like mold or heavy metals.

From hemp-derived recipes featuring cannabinoids like CBD, THCp, and even Delta-9 THC, low-potency edibles represent an approachable starting point for new users and anyone trying to take the edge off while keeping things low-key.

These Micro-Dose Delta-9 THC Gummies feature a low dose of Delta-9 THC and some CBD to help relax the body. A 30-count is $65 at the Mood Shop. Subscribe and save 15%.

3. Limit Consumption

You might not always have or desire a low-potency edible or vape cartridge, but you still would like to avoid the pitfalls of greening out. Another simple strategy is simply watching how much you consume.

When it comes to edibles, stick to small dosages and stop yourself from munching on more and more psychoactive treats as time goes on.

For smoking flowers, you do not always have to burn them to the end. Depending on your tolerance and general well-being, you might just need a single hit to help you take the edge off.

If you're limiting consumption to avoid greening out, taking it easy with or avoiding concentrates is especially important. One hit on a disposable vape pen is often plenty, and you should wait at least 15 minutes before deciding if you want to try another.

More intense forms of consumption, like dabbing, might be best saved for another day when you’re trying to keep things chill and manageable.

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4. Drink Water

One of the main symptoms of weed hangovers is dehydration. Failing to drink enough water throughout the day or a given session can also exacerbate the symptoms of greening out.

In an ecologically conscious day and age, there are already enough great reasons out there to carry around your own reusable water bottle.

Having a water bottle on hand throughout the day encourages higher water intake, which can help you avoid the discomforts and risks of dehydration.

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5. Consider Your Intake and Personal Health

You can amplify the symptoms of greening out by not taking care of yourself and by ingesting other psychoactive substances.

Be careful about mixing alcohol and cannabis. Too much alcohol can add to feelings of unbalance, nausea, and unease that come with greening out.

It’s important when consuming cannabis products to consider your tolerance, body weight, what you’ve had to eat, how you’re feeling mentally and physically, and any health conditions that could affect your experience.

As always, if you have specific questions relating to your physical health and mental health in relation to cannabis use — consult a licensed professional.

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7. Consult an Experienced Loved One

Because getting high with cannabis can be a vulnerable experience, it helps to try it out with a trusted loved one when you’re less experienced.

If the person you’re smoking, vaping, or eating gummies with has been around the block (in terms of cannabis), they can offer some assurance as to what dosages you can count on delivering more mild effects vs. those that might be a little too intense.

Consulting a trusted and experienced friend, family member, or loved one before determining how much cannabis or what products you're going to take can reduce your chances of greening out and provide a line of defense in case you or someone you know ever does green out.

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How To Deal With a Green Out

While we’ve discussed at great length how to avoid greening out, it still happens sometimes, and that’s okay.

Overconsumption of cannabis can be uncomfortable, but the symptoms are not life-threatening, and they will pass.

When you or a friend is dealing with the side effects of greening out, there are a few harmless treatment options to help them or yourself ride it out more easily:

• Retreat to a safe space so that you can avoid disturbing elements — i.e., the weather, boisterous individuals who may not be sensitive to whoever is greening out, or the general public.

• Take deep breaths and enact any other exercises or practices that generally calm you or soothe your nerves.

• Stop consuming psychoactive substances, stay hydrated, and eat some healthy foods.

• Sleeping or napping can help you get through greening out faster while feeling less distressed. Sometimes, the symptoms of greening out prevent you from falling asleep, in which case it’s best to close your eyes and lay down somewhere comfortable. If closing your eyes makes you feel nauseous, sometimes laying on your stomach and taking deep breaths can help.

• Smelling crushed black peppercorn is another recommended remedy for greening out. It’s believed to have terpene properties that can help dull some of the side effects.

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FAQs on Greening Out

Q: Can greening out be fatal?

A: Cannabis in its purest form cannot be fatal. Consuming unregulated products, other substances, and anything else that poses a threat to a hemp-derived product obviously exposes the user to the risk of those added components.

Again, this is part of why it’s so important to prioritize sourcing hemp-derived products from places that have thorough product testing and quality assurance practices, like Mood.

Q: How do I tell if I’m greening out?

A: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the effects of cannabis along with any of the symptoms mentioned above. To reiterate, some common symptoms of greening out include:

• Loss of coordination

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Increased heart rate

• Sedation

Q: Can greening out last for days?

A: It shouldn’t. Greening-out symptoms can dwindle in as little as a few minutes and often last for hours. An all-day reaction is typically considered extreme.

It’s important to remember that a number of factors — i.e., your tolerance, food intake, water intake, etc. — can play a role in how long the effects of greening out last.

If you’re experiencing symptoms for longer than a day, it’s important that you consult a medical health professional.

Mild-Potency Cannabis Products at the Mood Shop

If you’re a cannabis user or interested in trying it out, you might want to opt for mild-potency cannabis products to air on the side of caution and stay far away from greening out.

Here are a few of our favorite lighter-strength products from the Mood Shop:

Light Gummies Designed For Productive Days

With a 15-minute onset, these gummies feature a blend of 5mg of Delta-9 THC with 2mg of THCv and 2.4 mcg of B12, the latter of which is used for clean energy and a mental boost without a crash. Having one of these is a nice, light way to dip your toes into the cannabis waters without risking an overly intense reaction.

Get a 10-count of Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies for $29 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Sexual Euphoria THC Gummies

Designed to elevate levels of pleasure and arousal, these gummies feature a mild blend of 5mg of Delta-9 THC, 5mg of THCv, 0.5mg THCp, and 10mg of broad-spectrum CBD. They are also enriched with ingredients tied to boosting users’ libidos. These include L-Arginine, Korean red ginseng, maca root, horny goat weed, and muira puma extract.

Get a 10-count of Sexual Euphoria THC Gummies for $35 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

CBD-THC Combo Tincture

Balance out the psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids with the soothing effects of cannabidiol (CBD). This evenly balanced cannabis oil features a light citrus flavor and a well-balanced profile for a chill and happy high. Lending itself to precise dosing, you can use it in small amounts on days you want to keep things chill.

Pick up a one-ounce 1:1 THC and CBD Tincture (900mg) for $60 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

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