Your tummy flips, the world tilts, and all of a sudden the high you were seeking sounds like the last fun you had. If you or someone you know has had this experience, you are likely asking yourself whether or not this is a normal experience or something more serious.
Greening out is usually a sudden feeling of dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and paleness, which can sometimes be followed by shaking or panic, after taking larger amounts of THC than the user’s body is able to tolerate. It’s said to be the polar opposite of a relaxed, enjoyable high that someone expected. Greening out is often not life-threatening, but can feel that way at the time.
The uncertainty is part and parcel of the discomfort of greening out, particularly for newer users: “is this just a strong high, or is something actually wrong?
Read on for a detailed description of what it feels like to be ‘greening out,’ what to look out for, and what can help.
What Is Greening Out (Also Called Whiteying)?
Greening out, sometimes called “whiteying,” refers to the physical effects of consuming more THC than the body can handle in a short period. The nickname comes from the noticeable paleness that often shows up as one of the symptoms.
As cannabis products have become significantly more potent over time, greening out has become an increasingly common experience, particularly among people trying higher-strength products for the first time.
In smaller doses, cannabis tends to relax the body and heighten the senses. Slightly higher doses can bring on new perspectives or the well-known “munchies.” But once THC intake goes beyond what someone’s body can comfortably process, the experience flips into something far less pleasant.
How Do You Know If You Are Greening Out?
You’re likely greening out if a high suddenly shifts from pleasant to physically uncomfortable, especially with symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or sudden paleness. The shift can feel abrupt, catching people off guard mid-high.
Common signs include:
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Noticeable paleness in the face
- Shaking or trembling, often in the legs
- Sweating, even without physical exertion
- A sense of panic or being overwhelmed
What Does a Greening Out High Feel Like vs a Normal High?
A greening out high feels distinctly different from a typical marijuana high, shifting from relaxation or euphoria into physical distress. Recognizing that difference can help you respond appropriately instead of assuming it will simply pass on its own.
Normal High | Greening Out |
Relaxed, mellow mood | Anxious, panicked mood |
Mild hunger increase | Nausea or vomiting |
Comfortable body sensation | Shaking, sweating, paleness |
Manageable dizziness, if any | Significant dizziness or spinning |
Fact: Edibles can take up to two hours to produce their full effects.
Concerned about marijuana use affecting you or someone you love? Call Orlando Treatment Solutions.
When Is Greening Out Most Likely to Happen?
Greening out can happen to anyone who uses marijuana, regardless of experience level, but certain situations make it significantly more likely.
Common risk situations include:
- New users: Still learning how their body responds, which can lead to overconsumption
- Using on an empty stomach: Less food to help slow THC absorption
- High-potency products: Dabs or strong concentrates increase overconsumption risk
- Edibles: Slower onset can lead people to consume more before feeling effects, and edibles often last 6 to 8 hours once they kick in
Edibles are commonly linked to greening out because, unlike smoking, they take longer to produce effects but last considerably longer once they do, which can make the experience feel overwhelming and difficult to predict.
Known Dangers and Risks of Marijuana Use
Beyond greening out itself, regular marijuana use carries real risks worth understanding, even though cannabis is often viewed as low-risk.
Documented risks include:
- Impacted memory and focus: Frequent use can make it harder to concentrate and retain information
- Elevated psychiatric risk: Higher doses have been linked to anxiety, depression, and psychosis in at-risk individuals
- Dependency: Marijuana can lead to a real dependency where daily life feels difficult without it
- Respiratory issues: Smoking marijuana can irritate the lungs similarly to tobacco smoke
Cannabis use disorder is a recognized clinical condition, and being aware of these risks matters most for people who may be more prone to dependency or already managing a mental health condition.
What to Do If You’re Greening Out
Greening out is unpleasant but temporary, and there are practical steps that can help ease symptoms while your body processes the excess THC.
Helpful steps include:
- Stop using marijuana immediately
- Get some fresh air to reduce nausea and dizziness
- Breathe slowly and try to stay calm
- Find a comfortable place to lie down and rest
- Remind yourself the symptoms are temporary and will pass
While greening out feels alarming in the moment, it is not typically life-threatening, though staying calm and resting in a safe space makes the experience significantly more manageable.
Expert Advice: Wait at least two hours before taking more edible marijuana products.
Sobering Up From Weed: What Actually Helps
Sobering up from weed isn’t something you can rush, but certain steps can make the process more comfortable while your body naturally processes the THC.
What genuinely helps includes:
- Staying hydrated with water
- Resting in a calm, quiet environment
- Avoiding more marijuana or other substances
- Eating something light once nausea settles
- Having a trusted person nearby for support
No shortcut instantly clears THC from your system, so patience and a calm environment matter more than any quick fix.
When Greening Out Signals a Bigger Problem
Occasional greening out from overuse doesn’t necessarily mean addiction, but a repeated pattern is worth paying attention to.
Consider reaching out for support if you notice:
- Greening out happening regularly
- Feeling unable to enjoy activities without using marijuana
- Increasing amounts needed to feel the desired effect
- Using marijuana to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions
Wondering if marijuana use has become more than just occasional? Orlando Treatment Solutions is here to help. Call (321) 415-3213.
Get Support for Marijuana Use Today
Orlando Treatment Solutions understands that marijuana’s growing potency has made experiences like greening out more common and more concerning than many people expect. Our clinical team treats substance use and any co-occurring mental health needs together.
Our Orlando, Florida facility offers a full continuum of care, including our outpatient program, partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.
What makes our approach different:
- Individualized treatment plans, not generic programs
- Experienced clinicians trained in substance use patterns
- A supportive, judgment-free treatment environment
- Family involvement built directly into recovery
- Flexible levels of care to fit real life
If marijuana use has become harder to manage than it used to be, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Call Orlando Treatment Solutions at (321) 415-3213 or visit our contact page to take the next step.
References
- Sunrise Detox Center: Greening Out, The Modern Risks of Cannabis Use
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Cannabis (Marijuana)
- CDC: Marijuana and Public Health
- SAMHSA: Marijuana Use and Treatment
- Mayo Clinic: Marijuana Use Disorder
- Cleveland Clinic: Cannabis Use Disorder
- American Psychiatric Association: Cannabis Use Disorder
- Orlando Treatment Solutions: Dual Diagnosis Treatment
About the Author:
Dr. Zach Miller is the Chief Clinical Officer and Co-Founder of Orlando Treatment Solutions, where he champions holistic, evidence-based approaches to sustainable recovery and mental well-being. Holding credentials as a Ph.D., LMHC, MCAP, and CRRA, he provides expert clinical oversight to ensure all content and resources effectively guide individuals through every stage of their post-treatment journey.
Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a clinical recommendation. For a personalized assessment, please consult a licensed mental health professional. To learn more about evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment in Florida, visit orlandotreatmentsolutions.com or call (321) 415-3213.
FAQs
What does greening out feel like?
Greening out often feels like a sudden shift from a comfortable cannabis high to overwhelming physical discomfort. Many people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, shakiness, and extreme paleness, sometimes accompanied by a racing heart, anxiety, or a sense of panic that gradually subsides with time.
How do you know if you are greening out?
You may be greening out if you suddenly develop nausea, dizziness, sweating, shaking, vomiting, or unusual paleness after using marijuana. These symptoms often appear after consuming more THC than your body can comfortably tolerate, especially with potent products or edibles.
What does a greening out high feel like compared to a normal high?
A typical marijuana high is often associated with relaxation, mild euphoria, and altered perception. Greening out, however, feels physically and emotionally overwhelming, causing nausea, dizziness, anxiety, sweating, and panic instead of the calm or pleasant effects many users expect.
Why is greening out also called whiteying?
The term “whiteying” comes from the noticeable loss of facial color that often occurs during a greening out episode. Reduced blood pressure, nausea, and sweating can make someone appear unusually pale, giving rise to this commonly used nickname.
When is greening out most likely to happen?
Greening out is more likely when someone consumes high-potency cannabis, uses marijuana on an empty stomach, takes large doses, or has little experience with THC. Edibles also increase the risk because their delayed effects make accidental overconsumption more common.
Why do edibles cause greening out more often?
Edibles usually take 30 minutes to two hours to produce noticeable effects. Because the delay can make people think they haven’t taken enough, they may consume additional THC, leading to unexpectedly intense symptoms that can last six to eight hours.
What should I do if I’m greening out?
Stop using marijuana immediately, move to a calm and comfortable place, sip water, breathe slowly, and lie down if you feel dizzy. Remind yourself the symptoms are temporary, and seek medical care if severe vomiting or concerning symptoms develop.
How do you sober up from weed faster?
There is no proven way to remove THC from your body more quickly. Resting, staying hydrated, eating a light snack if tolerated, and avoiding additional alcohol or drugs can help you feel more comfortable while the effects gradually wear off.
Is greening out dangerous or life-threatening?
Greening out is generally not life-threatening, but it can be very distressing. Severe vomiting, dehydration, falls, or combining marijuana with alcohol can increase health risks. Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or fail to improve over time.
Can greening out happen to experienced marijuana users?
Yes. Although inexperienced users are more likely to green out, experienced users can also experience it after consuming unusually strong cannabis products, taking large doses, or using high-potency edibles that produce stronger and longer-lasting effects than expected.
Does frequent greening out mean I have a marijuana problem?
Repeated episodes of greening out may suggest you’re regularly consuming more cannabis than your body tolerates well. If marijuana use repeatedly causes distress, interferes with daily life, or becomes difficult to control, it’s worth discussing your use with a healthcare professional.
Where can I get help for marijuana use in Florida?
Orlando Treatment Solutions provides dual-diagnosis treatment for individuals struggling with marijuana use and co-occurring mental health conditions in Orlando, Florida. Call (321) 415-3213 to speak confidentially with an admissions specialist about available treatment options.
