Cannabis users can experience temporary “Greening Out.” Cannabis Greening Out is an unpleasant side effect that Cannabis users often feel when consuming too much of their favorite herb.
There are many ways to get high, and you can do it safely. This section discusses the dangers of overdose and how you can reduce the risk of overdose through proper use of Marijuana while smoking, vaping, or consuming Cannabis edibles (e.g., cookies or brownies).
Can Cannabis Get Dangerous?
“It’s not how much I know; it’s how much I understand.” – Albert Einstein.
Cannabis is a natural drug, and as such, it is not any different from drinking too much alcohol or overeating certain foods. It can be dangerous if abused or used in combination with the wrong drugs or alcohol.
Cannabis can relieve pain, decrease anxiety, and even help to reduce the symptoms of depression. Research suggests that you could use Cannabis to treat PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain linked to feelings of anxiety, fear, and panic attacks.
In 2014, researchers from the University of British Columbia found that Cannabis users were unlikely to have any long-term health effects on their lungs that could be connected with their drug use. However, there are times when increased Cannabis use can have adverse effects.
There are multiple reasons why patients may need to stay away from Cannabis. They include:
- Increased levels of THC in certain Strains
- Impairment of cognitive ability due to lack of sleep or poor appetite, which can result in increased consumption and overdose symptoms
- Tolerance with the development of physical dependence
- Drug interactions
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Greening Out Symptoms
When discussing the symptoms associated with greening out or cannabis overdose, it’s essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential effects that individuals may experience, both in the short term and over more extended periods.
Short-term symptoms of a cannabis overdose often manifest as immediate discomfort or distress, including dizziness, paranoia, altered consciousness, or difficulty maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings. These acute effects can vary in intensity depending on factors such as the potency of the cannabis product, the individual’s tolerance level, and the method of ingestion.
However, it’s essential to recognize that excessive cannabis use can also trigger longer-term symptoms that may persist beyond the acute intoxication phase. These symptoms may include decreased appetite, tremors, sleep disruption (difficulty falling or staying asleep), and frequent headaches or migraines. Additionally, individuals may experience persistent feelings of dizziness, light-headedness, extreme anxiety, or paranoia, which can significantly impact their overall well-being and daily functioning.
Moreover, prolonged or excessive cannabis consumption may contribute to mental health concerns, including heightened anxiety, panic attacks, or depressive symptoms. It’s crucial to understand that while Cannabis may exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, other lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, or co-occurring mental health disorders can also affect these symptoms.
Given the complex interplay of factors contributing to these symptoms, it’s crucial not to attribute them solely to cannabis use without considering the broader context of an individual’s health and lifestyle. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, seeking professional medical guidance and support to address the underlying issues and explore appropriate treatment options is advisable. By prioritizing holistic health and well-being, individuals can make informed choices about their cannabis consumption and overall lifestyle practices.
How Long Does Greening Out Last?
When considering the duration of greening out or the effects of a cannabis overdose, it’s crucial to recognize that various factors can influence the length and intensity of these experiences. Each strain of Cannabis has unique characteristics, including potency, psychoactive effects, and duration of action.
Additionally, the method of cannabis consumption plays a significant role in determining how long the effects may last. For example, when consuming Cannabis through inhalation methods such as smoking or vaping, the onset of the impact is typically rapid, with individuals often experiencing the peak of intoxication within minutes. However, the duration of these effects may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s metabolism, tolerance level, and the potency of the cannabis product.
On the other hand, when consuming cannabis-infused edibles or beverages, the onset of effects is typically slower due to the need for digestion and the absorption of cannabinoids through the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, individuals may not feel the full impact of edibles until 30 minutes to several hours after consumption.
Moreover, the effects of edibles can be more prolonged than those of inhalation methods, with some individuals reporting effects lasting for several hours or even into the next day.
It’s essential to recognize that while the acute effects of greening out or a cannabis overdose may subside relatively quickly for some individuals, others may experience lingering effects or residual symptoms that persist over an extended period. These effects can vary widely depending on factors such as the individual’s overall health, tolerance to Cannabis, and the amount consumed.
Furthermore, individuals may also experience variations in the duration of greening out based on their sensitivity to Cannabis, underlying medical conditions, or co-occurring substance use. As such, it’s essential to approach cannabis consumption with caution and moderation, particularly for those who are new to using Cannabis or who may be susceptible to adverse reactions.
Overall, while the duration of greening out or cannabis overdose may vary depending on several factors, individuals need to prioritize their health and well-being by consuming Cannabis responsibly and seeking medical attention if needed. By understanding the potential effects and duration of cannabis consumption, individuals can make informed decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
How to Avoid Greening Out
Several factors cause this unpleasant feeling, including stress, anxiety, and overreacting to environmental changes.
Cannabis consumers generally experience temporary “Greening Out” before their tolerance eventually returns to normal levels, and they can then reduce consumption even more without causing any harm.
What to Do When You Use Too Much Weed – How to Help Someone Greening Out?
It’s important to remember that there has never been a fatal Cannabis overdose, and the feeling will pass.
With Cannabis-induced anxiety and paranoia, some people may feel like they need to quit or cut back on their drug use.
Is Too Much THC Dangerous?
Novel extraction methods, combined with increasingly potent strains, have increased the quantity of THC in Weed products.
As always, apply the motto; “Start Low and Go Slow” when experimenting with new products and strains.
Even though Cannabis does not contain any ‘dangerous’ chemicals, it still can cause severe issues to people with neurological problems that affect their brain activity and memory functions. THC and other cannabinoids are potent psychoactive substances that block parts of the nervous system in the brain by inhibiting specific receptors.
We should be aware of the risks associated with frequent use and apply various ways to reduce health-related effects such as anxiety, nausea, and paranoia.
What is an Overdose?
Unintentional overdoses are when someone takes too much of something without intending to do so and may experience some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, which could lead to serious health problems later on in life if left untreated.
When discussing the possibility of overdosing on Marijuana, it’s crucial to dispel common misconceptions and provide a nuanced understanding of the term “overdose” in the context of cannabis consumption. Unlike overdosing on certain pharmaceutical drugs or substances like opioids, a marijuana overdose typically does not lead to life-threatening situations.
Instead, it refers to the consumption of an excessive amount of Cannabis that results in adverse effects, commonly known as “greening out.”
The manifestation of marijuana overdose symptoms can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the potency of the cannabis product, the individual’s tolerance level, and the method of ingestion. While some individuals may experience mild discomfort, such as increased heart rate, anxiety, or paranoia, others may exhibit more severe symptoms, such as extreme confusion, disorientation, nausea, or vomiting.
It’s essential to recognize that diagnosing a marijuana overdose can be complex, as symptoms may overlap with other medical conditions or reactions. For instance, nausea and vomiting could be indicative of an allergic reaction to certain cannabis compounds or contaminants in the product rather than a direct result of marijuana overdose.
Moreover, symptoms like confusion or disorientation may raise concerns about the possibility of drug-induced delirium, which can occur with excessive consumption of various substances, including alcohol or certain medications. Distinguishing between marijuana-induced effects and other underlying conditions requires careful evaluation by medical professionals.
Tips For Marijuana Overdose Treatment
When confronted with a potential marijuana overdose, it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions and assume that the individual has merely consumed too much Cannabis. There may be underlying factors at play, such as co-occurring mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, which can exacerbate the effects of marijuana intoxication.
In such cases, it’s essential to take a comprehensive approach to treatment, beginning with a thorough assessment of the individual’s medical history and any past trauma or abuse they may have experienced. Understanding the full scope of the individual’s mental health and personal background can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of their overdose and inform appropriate treatment strategies.
One crucial aspect of treatment for marijuana overdose is addressing any co-occurring mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorders, that may have contributed to the overdose. Offering therapy and counseling services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges can provide much-needed support and guidance in managing their symptoms and reducing the risk of future overdoses.
Additionally, medical intervention may be necessary to address the immediate effects of a marijuana overdose and ensure the individual’s safety and well-being. To provide the best possible care, it may be required to offer support, keep track of vital signs, and administer medications to manage symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, or agitation.
It’s essential to approach the treatment of marijuana overdose with sensitivity, compassion, and a commitment to addressing the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. By taking a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of overdose, healthcare providers can help individuals recover from their ordeal and take steps towards better health and well-being.