What is a green out? A green out is an episode of feeling physically unwell after having more cannabis than your body can comfortably handle: nausea, dizziness, pallor, cold sweats and often a wave of anxiety. The name comes from the greenish, washed-out look people get. In Spain it is called a blanca or blancazo, after the same pallor. It is unpleasant and frightening, but in the vast majority of cases it passes on its own within hours.
What it feels like
The signs tend to arrive together and fairly suddenly:
- Pale or clammy skin and cold sweats
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Dizziness or a feeling of being about to faint
- A racing heartbeat
- Anxiety, a sense of panic or of losing control
- Trembling or feeling suddenly cold
The anxiety often amplifies the physical symptoms, and the physical symptoms feed the anxiety. Breaking that loop is most of what helps.
Why it happens
- Too much THC too quickly, especially with low tolerance or after a long break.
- Edibles, where the delay leads people to take more before the first portion has taken effect. We explain that curve in why edible doses are unpredictable.
- Mixing with alcohol, a very common trigger. Alcohol first and cannabis after is a classic route to a green out.
- Tiredness, heat, dehydration or an empty stomach, which lower the threshold.
What to do if it happens
- Stop consuming. Nothing more of anything, including alcohol.
- Sit or lie down somewhere calm and cool. If there is vomiting, lie on your side so the airway stays clear.
- Drink water in small sips. Some people find a sugary drink or a snack helps; the evidence is anecdotal, but it does no harm.
- Slow your breathing. Long, steady exhalations help calm the heart rate and the anxiety.
- Remember that it passes. Saying it out loud, or having someone say it to you, genuinely helps.
- Do not stay alone if you can avoid it. A calm, trusted person makes a real difference.
Popular remedies such as chewing black peppercorns circulate widely online. They are based on the aromatic compounds pepper shares with cannabis, but there is no solid evidence that they work.
When to call for help
Call the emergency number 112 if the person loses consciousness, has chest pain or difficulty breathing, has a seizure, cannot stop vomiting, or if other substances or medication may be involved. It is always better to call and not need it.
How to avoid it
Start low and go slowly, especially with edibles and after a break. Do not mix with alcohol. Eat and drink water beforehand. Pay attention to how you feel rather than to what others around you are doing. Our guide to what being high feels like the first time covers expectations, and the risks of cannabis covers the wider picture.
Frequently asked questions
1. How long does a green out last?
Usually from under an hour to a few hours. With edibles it can last longer because the effect itself lasts longer.
2. Is a green out dangerous?
It is usually more frightening than dangerous, but falls, fainting and mixing with other substances are real risks. Call 112 if there are warning signs.
3. What is a blanca or blancazo?
The Spanish name for the same thing, after the pallor it causes.
4. Does it mean I should never consume again?
It means the amount, the context or the combination was wrong for you. Many people change how they consume after one; some decide to stop.
In short, a green out is your body telling you it has had more than it can handle: stop, rest, hydrate, stay with someone and let it pass, and call for help if there are warning signs. Kush Weed Coffeeshop is a private association of adults on Carrer de Freixures, in the Santa Caterina area, with access restricted to registered members on prior application and identification, and with a focus on information and responsible consumption. If you would like to know how the membership application works, get in touch and we will explain it.