How To Stop Greening Out / Whitey On Weed
Greening out, also known as “whitey-ing” in the UK, is a common experience among cannabis users. It happens when you’ve smoked too much weed or your body simply doesn’t react well to THC. You might feel dizzy, nauseous, anxious, or even throw up. It’s an unpleasant experience, but don’t worry—there are ways to stop greening out and even prevent it from happening in the future.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What causes greening out?
- How to stop a whitey when it happens
- How to prevent getting sick from weed
- A better alternative: CBD flower
What Causes Greening Out?
There are a few main reasons why someone might green out from smoking weed:
1. Low Blood Sugar Levels
THC can lower blood sugar levels, which is why some people feel weak, dizzy, or even faint after smoking. If you haven’t eaten in a while, the effects of too much weed can hit even harder.
2. Overstimulation of Cannabinoid Receptors
Your body has an endocannabinoid system that interacts with THC. Some people’s receptors are more sensitive, meaning even a small dose of THC can feel overwhelming.
3. Mixing Weed with Tobacco
In the UK and Europe, it’s common to mix weed with tobacco. Many first-time smokers get sick from weed because they aren’t used to nicotine, which can make them feel lightheaded or nauseous.
4. Smoking Too Much, Too Fast
If you’re taking big hits or doing back-to-back bong rips, your body might not have time to process the THC properly, leading to greening out.
5. Dehydration or Overheating
Smoking in a hot, stuffy room or being dehydrated can make you feel much worse. This is especially common in social settings where people are hotboxing.
How To Stop Greening Out (In The Moment)
If you find yourself greening out from weed, don’t panic! Here are some quick ways to get through it:
1. Find a Comfortable Spot
Lie down somewhere cool and quiet. Close your eyes and breathe deeply to calm yourself down.
2. Drink Water or a Sugary Drink
A sugary drink (like juice or soda) can help quickly stabilise your blood sugar levels. Avoid alcohol, as it can make things worse.
3. Eat Something Light
A small snack, like a piece of fruit or chocolate, can help boost blood sugar and ground you.
4. Take Deep Breaths
If you’re feeling anxious, practice deep breathing. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, then exhale for four seconds.
5. Distract Yourself
Watch a funny video, listen to calm music, or talk to a friend. Focusing on something else can help you ride out the discomfort.
6. Try Some CBD
CBD can counteract some of the negative effects of THC. If you often struggle with greening out, consider switching to CBD flower for a smoother experience.
How To Prevent Greening Out in the Future
Start with a Low Dose
If you’re new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, start with just one or two puffs and wait before smoking more.
Eat Before You Smoke
Having a balanced meal before smoking can help regulate your blood sugar and reduce the risk of getting sick from weed.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and keep a drink nearby while smoking.
Avoid Mixing Weed with Tobacco
If you’re used to rolling joints with tobacco, try switching to pure weed or CBD flower instead. Many people find that tobacco increases their chances of whitey-ing.
Know Your Strains
Some strains are much stronger than others. If you’re prone to greening out, avoid high-THC strains and opt for balanced or high-CBD strains instead.
Consider Switching to CBD
If you enjoy smoking but don’t like the adverse effects of THC, CBD gummies are an option as they are easy to take and help to bring your blood sugar up to avoid a bad side effects of weed.
Final Thoughts
Greening out can be an awful experience, but it’s avoidable with the proper precautions. By understanding what causes greening out, you can take steps to prevent it from happening. If you do find yourself feeling sick from too much weed, don’t panic—follow the steps above, and you’ll be fine in no time.