What a green out is
A green out is a set of symptoms after too much cannabis in a short period. The term is not a medical diagnosis. It describes acute overconsumption. The main psychoactive compound, THC, drives the effect. Edibles and concentrates raise risk. Doses are higher than flower. Edible onset is slower, so users can take more before effects start.
Common signs: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, pale skin, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, anxiety, confusion, and fainting. Symptoms can start within 30 minutes after inhaling and within 30 to 120 minutes after eating cannabis. Edible effects can last 4 to 6 hours or longer.
Green Out Symptoms From Concentrates vs Flower
What to do
- Stop using cannabis.
- Sit or lie down.
- Keep the head level.
- Drink water in small sips.
- Take sugar if blood glucose is low. Use a glucose tablet or juice.
- Move to fresh air.
- Stay with the person. Watch breathing and alertness.
- Wait. Symptoms peak and fade with time. Most cases resolve in a few hours.
Do not give more cannabis, alcohol, or caffeine. Do not drive. Do not leave a person alone if the person is confused or has fainted.
When to get help
Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, a seizure, repeated vomiting, or a person who cannot be woken. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for dosing questions and symptom advice. Tell the responder the product, the amount, and the time of use. Keep the package.
Risk factors and limits
Risk rises with high-THC products, edible doses above the label serving, and use with alcohol. New users and users with low tolerance face higher risk. Cannabis alone has no recorded fatal overdose, but impaired judgment, fainting, and vomiting can cause injury or dehydration. A green out is not a reason to use more cannabis to balance the effect.