What is a “Green Out” from Cannabis and How Dangerous Is It?

Reviving You Recovery – Menifee, California (Temecula Valley)

Cannabis is often marketed as a harmless, even therapeutic substance—and for many people, it can be used medicinally with proper guidance. But as marijuana potency has increased in recent years and more states have legalized recreational use, a growing number of individuals are experiencing a frightening reaction known as a “green out.”

A green out (sometimes called “greening out”) is a physical and psychological reaction to consuming too much THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis. While not usually life-threatening, a green out can be extremely uncomfortable, overwhelming, and in some cases dangerous, especially for individuals with underlying mental health or substance-use vulnerabilities.

At Reviving You Recovery, located in the heart of Menifee, California in the Temecula Valley, we regularly work with clients who struggle with the effects of heavy cannabis use, cannabis dependency, or co-occurring mental health conditions triggered or worsened by marijuana. Understanding what a green out is—and what it means for long-term health—is essential for anyone seeking clarity around cannabis use.

This guide explores what a green out feels like, why it happens, how dangerous it may be, and when professional help might be necessary.

What Exactly Is a “Green Out”?

A green out occurs when a person becomes overwhelmed by the effects of cannabis, especially THC. It can happen from:

Smoking or vaping high-potency flower
Ingesting edibles
Dabbing concentrates (waxes, shatter, oils)
Combining cannabis with alcohol
Using more than the body is prepared to handle

THC overload affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which influences mood, perception, balance, heart rate, digestion, and more. When THC floods this system, it destabilizes signals between the brain and body, causing intense symptoms.

Though it doesn’t typically cause fatal overdose, a green out can trigger extremely distressing physical and psychological reactions.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Green Out

People experiencing a green out often describe it as losing control of their body, mind, and perception. Symptoms can include:

Physical symptoms

Nausea or vomiting
Pale or flushed skin
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sweating or chills
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Trembling or shaking
Difficulty standing or walking
Fainting or feeling faint
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Chest tightness

Stressed overworked woman suffering from terrible headache or dizziness

Psychological symptoms

Panic attacks
Anxiety or dread
Extreme paranoia (“Everyone is watching me,” “I’m dying,” etc.)
Confusion or disorientation
Hallucinations (in severe cases)
Depersonalization (“I feel outside my body”)
Derealization (“Nothing feels real”)
Fear of losing control

Because THC affects balance, reaction time, and spatial awareness, green outs also increase the risk of:

Falls
Accidents
Unsafe decision-making
Emotional outbursts
Impulsive behavior

Why Do Green Outs Happen?

Green outs can happen for a variety of reasons. In many cases, people simply underestimate the potency of modern cannabis products.

1. Today’s Cannabis Is Much More Potent

A few decades ago, average THC potency ranged between 2–5%. Today:

Flower regularly reaches 20–35% THC
Concentrates range from 60–99% THC

This means people often consume far more THC than their bodies can manage—especially inexperienced users.

2. Edibles Hit Differently

Edibles convert THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting compound. People often:

Eat too much
Stack doses
Don’t feel it for an hour and assume they need more

This is one of the most common triggers of severe green outs.

3. Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol

Alcohol increases THC absorption, causing stronger effects than either substance alone. This combination is notorious for triggering dizziness, vomiting, and panic.

4. Individual Sensitivity

People vary dramatically in how they react to cannabis. Factors include:

Genetics
Metabolism
Body weight
Mental health conditions
Frequency of use

Some individuals are extremely sensitive to THC—even in small amounts.

5. Underlying Anxiety or Mental Health Conditions

Cannabis can worsen or trigger symptoms in people with:

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
PTSD
Panic disorder
Psychotic disorders

This can quickly escalate a mild high into a severe green-out experience.

a woman suffering from psychological distress

Are Green Outs Dangerous?

Most green outs are not life-threatening, but that doesn’t mean they are harmless. The danger depends on several factors.

1. Psychological Distress Can Be Severe

Green outs often trigger intense panic or paranoia. Someone may believe:

They are dying
They are losing their mind
They are having a heart attack
The world is not real
People around them are dangerous

For individuals with mental health disorders, this can escalate into a full psychological crisis.

2. Physical Safety Risks

Green outs impair:

Balance
Coordination
Hearing and vision
Judgment

This increases the likelihood of accidents, especially when someone:

Is in public
Is driving
Is near traffic or water
Attempts to walk or stand
Mixes substances

3. Risk of Vomiting and Aspiration

Severe nausea can lead to:

Vomiting
Dehydration
Potential aspiration (inhaling vomit), especially if the person is lying down

4. Heart-Related Effects

While rare, cannabis can trigger:

Rapid heart rate
High blood pressure
Chest pain

For people with heart conditions, this can be dangerous.

5. Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

In high doses, especially in young adults or those genetically predisposed, THC can trigger:

Temporary psychosis
Hallucinations
Delusional thinking

This is most likely to occur after a severe green out.

How Long Does a Green Out Last?

It depends on the method of use:

Smoking or vaping

Symptoms typically peak within 15–60 minutes
Total duration: 1–4 hours

Edibles

Symptoms can peak at 2–4 hours
Total duration: 6–12+ hours

Some people feel lingering anxiety or fogginess for up to 24 hours after a severe green out.

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What To Do If You or Someone Else Is Greening Out

While a green out can be scary, it can usually be managed with the right steps.

1. Move to a calm, quiet environment

Reduce stimulation—noise, lights, and crowds make symptoms worse.

2. Sit or lie down safely

This prevents falls and helps regulate blood pressure.

3. Focus on slow breathing

Slow breaths calm the nervous system and reduce panic.

4. Drink water

Hydration helps reduce nausea and dry mouth.

Young Calm Man Sit on Comfortable Sofa, Breathing slowly

5. Avoid caffeine or alcohol

These can worsen symptoms.

6. Use black pepper or lemon (optional)

Anecdotal evidence suggests:

Smelling or chewing black peppercorns
Drinking lemon water

…may counteract THC’s psychoactive effects.

7. Wait it out

The body will naturally metabolize THC.

When to seek medical help

If symptoms include:

Chest pain
Fainting
Severe vomiting
Trouble breathing
Hallucinations
Violent behavior
Risk of self-harm

Then call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Why Some People Experience Green Outs Often

If someone green outs repeatedly, this may indicate:

Rising THC tolerance
Signs of dependence
Underlying mental health conditions
Overuse of high-potency products
Using cannabis to cope with emotional distress
Combining substances regularly

This pattern may signal cannabis use disorder or a deeper emotional issue needing support.

The Link Between Green Outs and Cannabis Addiction

While many believe cannabis is non-addictive, research shows around 9–30% of users may develop cannabis use disorder. Frequent green outs can be a red flag of problematic use.

Signs include:

Needing higher doses
Using daily or near-daily
Difficulty cutting back
Turning to cannabis to manage anxiety, stress, or sleep
Feeling withdrawal symptoms (irritability, restlessness, insomnia)
Cannabis interfering with work, school, or relationships

At Reviving You Recovery, we see cannabis dependency more often than many realize—especially with today’s potent products.

Mental Health and Cannabis: A Complicated Relationship

Cannabis affects each person differently, and while some find temporary relief from anxiety or depression, others experience worsening symptoms. THC can:

Intensify anxiety
Trigger panic
Increase paranoia
Disrupt sleep cycles
Alter motivation and mood
Cause emotional “crashes”

For individuals with bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma histories, or psychotic disorders, high-potency cannabis can be destabilizing.

This is why green outs are not merely uncomfortable—they can be a sign of deeper vulnerability.

When a Green Out Is a Wake-Up Call

A single green out may not be cause for concern, but repeated episodes can signal:

Problematic use
Tolerance buildup
Unhealthy coping strategies
Emotional avoidance
Dependency

Many people come to treatment after experiencing frightening cannabis reactions they never expected—especially with strong edibles or concentrates.

How Reviving You Recovery Helps

Located in Menifee, California, near the rolling hills and fresh air of the Temecula Valley, Reviving You Recovery offers compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals struggling with:

Cannabis dependence
Polysubstance use
Anxiety or panic related to cannabis
Underlying mental health disorders
Trauma-related cannabis use
Withdrawal symptoms
Lifestyle impairment caused by marijuana

Our approach includes:

Medical and psychological assessments
Individual and group therapy
Trauma-informed treatment
Holistic practices (yoga, mindfulness, grounding)
Stress and anxiety management
Relapse-prevention planning
Aftercare and long-term support

Many clients are surprised to learn how going deeper—emotionally, mentally, spiritually—can completely transform their relationship with cannabis or any substance.

Final Thoughts: Can Green Outs Be Prevented?

Yes—by using cannabis mindfully, moderately, and with awareness. But for many people, dependency, trauma, or mental health struggles make moderation difficult.

A green out is the body’s way of saying:

“Something isn’t right.”

Whether it’s a one-time scare or a repeated pattern, understanding it is the first step toward healthier choices and better emotional well-being.