Is greening out the same as being high? A pharmacological comparison

October 13, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the CDC, unintentional marijuana poisonings are possible and sometimes require emergency medical treatment. This adverse reaction is key to answering the question: Is greening out the same as being high? The two experiences, while related to cannabis, are fundamentally different.

Quick Summary

Greening out is a negative reaction to consuming excessive cannabis, causing unpleasant symptoms like nausea and paranoia, unlike the pleasant, euphoric state of being high. It is a sign of over-intoxication from an overdose of THC.

Key Points

Pharmacology: A pleasant high involves controlled activation of CB1 receptors by THC, whereas greening out results from over-stimulation of these receptors due to excessive THC intake.
Symptoms Contrast: Being high typically leads to euphoria, relaxation, and increased appetite, while greening out involves negative effects like intense nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and paranoia.
Excess THC: The most common cause of greening out is consuming too much THC for one's tolerance level, with high-potency products like edibles and concentrates being frequent culprits.
Not Life-Threatening: In healthy individuals consuming only cannabis, greening out is very unpleasant but not fatal; however, medical help should be sought for severe or persistent symptoms, or if other substances were used.
How to Recover: To manage a green out, stop all cannabis use, find a calm and quiet space, stay hydrated, and practice deep breathing. Distractions and consuming a small snack can also help.
Preventing Greening Out: The best way to prevent this negative experience is to "start low, go slow," know your tolerance, avoid mixing with alcohol, and consume in a safe environment.

Understanding the Pharmacological Difference

To understand why 'greening out' is distinct from 'being high,' it's necessary to look at the pharmacology of cannabis. Both phenomena are a result of the body's interaction with cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. THC exerts its effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB1 receptors, in the brain. A typical, pleasant high occurs when a moderate amount of THC activates these receptors, leading to feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or heightened sensory perception.

However, the dose-response relationship is not linear. When an individual consumes a quantity of THC that overwhelms their system, the delicate balance of the endocannabinoid system is disrupted. This over-stimulation leads to a cascade of adverse effects, triggering a negative physiological and psychological reaction that is the greening out experience. This is akin to the body sounding an alarm, indicating it has ingested more of a substance than it can comfortably process.

The Intentional High vs. Accidental Over-Intoxication

The core distinction between a high and a green out lies in intent and outcome. The goal of recreational or medicinal cannabis use is to achieve a controlled, often pleasant state. In contrast, greening out is an accidental state of over-intoxication that is universally described as unpleasant and distressing. It represents the point at which the therapeutic or recreational effects of cannabis give way to its toxicological properties.

Defining the Cannabis 'High'

The cannabis high is characterized by a range of effects that can vary significantly depending on the user, the strain, and the dosage. Typical effects include:

Feelings of relaxation and calm.
Euphoria or an uplifted mood.
Increased creativity and altered perception.
Amplified senses, such as sound and taste.
Increased appetite, commonly known as "the munchies".
Mild sedation or sleepiness.

Exploring the 'Greening Out' Experience

Greening out, or 'whiteying' as it is sometimes called, is marked by a sudden onset of intense, negative symptoms that can be physically and mentally overwhelming. These effects can last for several hours, and in the case of edibles, potentially longer.

Common symptoms of a green out include:

Physical symptoms:
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Profuse sweating and chills.
- Pale or clammy skin.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Psychological symptoms:
- Intense anxiety and paranoia.
- Panic attacks.
- Disorientation or confusion.
- A feeling of detachment or depersonalization.

What Causes Someone to Green Out?

The primary cause of greening out is an overconsumption of THC. However, several other factors can significantly increase the risk, making the experience more likely and more severe:

High THC Potency: Modern cannabis products like concentrates (dabs, wax) and high-potency edibles have significantly higher levels of THC than traditional flower, making overconsumption easier.
Consumption Method: Edibles, in particular, are notorious for causing greening out because of their delayed onset. Users, not feeling the effects immediately, may consume more, leading to a much more intense and prolonged reaction when it finally kicks in.
Low Tolerance: Beginners or individuals who have taken a long break from cannabis have a lower tolerance and are therefore more susceptible to the effects of THC.
Mixing Substances: Combining cannabis with alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs can dramatically intensify and alter the effects, increasing the risk of a negative experience.
Empty Stomach: Consuming cannabis on an empty stomach can lead to a more rapid and intense effect, making greening out more probable.
Set and Setting: An unfamiliar or stressful environment, or an anxious state of mind, can exacerbate the negative psychological effects of high THC levels, such as paranoia and panic.

Comparison: Being High vs. Greening Out


Feature	Being High	Greening Out
Core Feeling	Enjoyable, euphoric, relaxed.	Unpleasant, sick, overwhelmed.
Symptom Profile	Relaxation, hunger, altered perception, possible mild anxiety.	Intense nausea, vomiting, dizziness, paranoia, panic attacks.
Dosage	Moderate dosage for the individual's tolerance level.	Overconsumption of THC, overwhelming the endocannabinoid system.
Physical State	Calm, sleepy, increased appetite.	Sweating, pallor, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure.
Onset & Duration	Faster onset with smoking/vaping; slower with edibles. Effects are typically controllable.	Can be rapid with inhalation or delayed with edibles. Effects feel out of control and can be prolonged.
Associated Risks	Mild memory impairment, slower reaction time.	Psychological distress, falls, injury from fainting, dehydration from vomiting.
Body's Response	Controlled and regulated effect from appropriate receptor activation.	Overwhelmed and distressed reaction from excessive receptor activation.

How to Handle a Greening Out Episode

While distressing, greening out is not life-threatening in most cases, and the experience will pass. Here are some steps to manage the symptoms effectively:

Stop Consuming: The first and most crucial step is to cease all cannabis use immediately.
Find a Safe Space: Move to a calm, quiet, and comfortable environment. Dim the lights and minimize noise to reduce sensory overload.
Stay Calm and Reassured: Remind yourself or your friend that the feeling is temporary. Focus on slow, deep breaths to help manage anxiety and a racing heart.
Hydrate: Sip water slowly to combat dry mouth and dehydration, especially if vomiting occurs. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can worsen symptoms.
Eat a Snack: If you can stomach it, a light, sugary snack like fruit or toast may help raise low blood sugar and ground you.
Try Remedies: Some people find relief by chewing or sniffing black peppercorns, which contain the terpene beta-caryophyllene, known for its calming properties. Lemon water may also help.
Consider CBD: If available, taking a dose of CBD may help to mitigate the intense psychoactive effects of THC. However, research on its effectiveness in this specific scenario is mixed.

Preventing Future Greening Out

Prevention is the most effective strategy for avoiding a negative cannabis experience. By being mindful of your consumption habits, you can enjoy cannabis safely and predictably:

Start Low, Go Slow: This is especially important with edibles. Begin with a low dose, around 2.5–5 mg of THC, and wait at least two hours before considering more.
Know Your Tolerance and Potency: Understand your personal limits and the potency of the product you are using. Do not feel pressured to match the consumption of more experienced users.
Eat First: Have a meal before consuming cannabis to help buffer the effects and reduce the risk of dizziness and nausea.
Avoid Combining Substances: Do not mix cannabis with alcohol or other drugs, as this significantly increases the chance of an adverse reaction.
Read Labels: Always buy from a reputable source and check the THC content of products, especially edibles and concentrates.
Consider the Setting: Choose a comfortable, familiar environment for consumption, particularly if you are new to cannabis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, greening out is not the same as being high; it is an adverse reaction to an excessive dose of THC, a form of acute cannabis over-intoxication. While a pleasant high is characterized by euphoria and relaxation, a green out is defined by unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and anxiety. The experience can be prevented by practicing mindful consumption, knowing your limits, and being aware of product potency. For those who do green out, finding a calm, safe space, staying hydrated, and reassuring yourself that the feelings are temporary are the most important steps toward recovery. Being knowledgeable about the difference can help ensure a safer and more predictable cannabis experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the dosage and effect. Being high is a controlled, often pleasant state resulting from a moderate dose of THC, while greening out is an uncontrolled, unpleasant state caused by an excessive dose of THC that overwhelms the body.

Key symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, paranoia, sweating, pallor, and a rapid heart rate. These are typically not part of a comfortable high.

Greening out is a form of acute cannabis over-intoxication, often referred to as an overdose in a non-fatal context. It signals that you have consumed more THC than your body can handle at once, leading to an adverse reaction.

Yes, edibles are a major risk factor for greening out because of their delayed onset. It can take up to two hours for effects to be felt, causing people to consume more than intended, which leads to a more intense and prolonged reaction.

Yes, you can. Start with a low dose and increase slowly, know your personal tolerance, be aware of a product's THC potency, eat before consuming, and avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other substances.

Help them by moving them to a quiet, safe, and comfortable space. Reassure them that the feeling is temporary, encourage slow breathing, and offer water to sip. Do not leave them alone, especially if they feel nauseous.

While greening out is not considered life-threatening from cannabis alone, it can be extremely distressing. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe (e.g., chest pain, unconsciousness), if other substances were consumed, or if you have pre-existing health conditions.