If you’ve ever had a little too much cannabis and suddenly found yourself dizzy, anxious, or glued to the couch with the spins — you’ve experienced what’s known as greening out. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. The good news? It’s temporary, manageable, and totally preventable next time around.
Here’s your go-to guide for surviving (and bouncing back from) a green-out.
What Does “Greening Out” Even Mean?
“Greening out” is just cannabis slang for getting way too high — so high that your body and brain feel like they’re in panic mode. It’s not dangerous, but it can feel pretty uncomfortable. Symptoms include:
Body stuff: nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, pale skin, shaky hands, or that heavy “stuck to the couch” feeling.
Mind stuff: paranoia, anxiety, racing thoughts, confusion, or just generally feeling “off.”
Sound familiar? If so, here’s how to ride it out like a pro.
How to Handle Greening Out (Without Freaking Out)
Breathe — Seriously! First things first: remind yourself that you’re safe and this will pass. Take slow breaths in through your nose, out through your mouth. A quick grounding exercise — like naming five things you see in the room — can help distract your brain.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Water or juice is perfect. Alcohol and caffeine? Big no. Both can make the experience worse.
Find Your Chill Zone Head to a quiet, comfy spot where you can relax. Dim the lights, throw on a cozy blanket, and let yourself settle. Sometimes just lying down in a familiar, safe space makes all the difference.
Distract Yourself Put on your favorite movie, cue up a calming playlist, scroll some funny videos — anything that helps shift your focus away from the uncomfortable feelings.
Snack Time Light snacks (think fruit, crackers, or toast) can help balance your blood sugar and ground you. Avoid heavy or greasy foods — they can actually intensify things.
Call in the Backup Remedies Some people swear by sniffing or chewing black peppercorns (thanks to a terpene called beta-caryophyllene). Others like sucking on a lemon or orange slice for a citrusy reset. Weird? Maybe. Helpful? A lot of folks think so.
Nap It Off Sometimes the best move is just to close your eyes and let time do its thing. If you fall asleep, chances are you’ll wake up feeling a whole lot better.
Try CBD (If You’ve Got It) A little CBD can help mellow out THC’s psychoactive punch and ease anxiety. Keep some around just in case.
Helping a Friend Who’s Way Too High
If you’re the sober buddy — or at least the less high one — here’s how to help:
Stay with them and keep them calm
Hand them water and encourage deep breaths
Get them comfy in a safe space
If they’re truly panicking or having chest pain, don’t hesitate to call for medical help. Better safe than sorry!
How to Avoid Greening Out Next Time
Nobody plans to green out, but prevention is pretty easy:
Start low, go slow. This is good advice for everything, but especially with edibles. Take a small dose and wait at least two hours before deciding if you want more.
Know your tolerance. What works for your friend might knock you flat. Listen to your own body and do the work to find your just right dose.
Don’t mix. Combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances is a fast track to the spins.
Stick to licensed dispensaries. In Utah, that means Medical Cannabis pharmacies where THC content is clearly labeled.
Track your dose. Keep a mental (or written) note of what you took, how much, and how it felt. That way, you’ll know your sweet spot.
Don’t Worry, You’ve Got This
Greening out feels rough, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world and it’s not life-threatening. With a little water, some deep breaths, and maybe a nap, you’ll be back to baseline soon enough. The key is learning your limits and treating cannabis with respect so that your next session is fun, not stressful. Want to learn more about safe cannabis use in Utah or get a Medical Cannabis Card of your own? Book an appointment today!
