When Mary Jane Goes She-Hulk on You: What it Means to “Green Out”
Listen up, stoney friends, because we’re about to delve deep into some serious stoner science. You see, sometimes when you’re getting lit on that sweet, sweet Mary Jane, you might find yourself in a situation where you’ve taken one hit too many and suddenly you’re way higher than you intended. This is what we in the biz call “greening out.”
Now, there are a few reasons why someone might green out. Maybe you’re a newbie smoker who doesn’t quite know their limits yet. Maybe you’ve been smoking for years but decided to switch up your usual strain and underestimated its potency. Or maybe you were just so eager to get high that you took one too many bong chops too quickly and hard. Whatever the reason, there are some things you can do to help yourself come back down to earth.
Coping with Greening Out from Smoking
First and foremost, find a chill spot to lie down and relax. Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, and try to let go of any anxiety or paranoia that might be creeping up on you. If you’re with friends, let them know you’re feeling too high and could use some quiet time. Don’t try to fight the feeling, just let it wash over you and accept that you’re in for a wild ride.
Another option is to try and distract yourself with some soothing music, a calming podcast, or a funny movie. Anything that can help take your mind off the fact that you’re too high can be helpful. And if all else fails, try taking a nap. Sometimes a good snooze can do wonders for bringing you back to reality.
Greening Out from Edibles: Why it Happens and How it’s Different
With the basics covered of greening out from smoking too much weed, there’s one more notable way to green out that’s worth mentioning – edibles. When you consume cannabis-infused edibles, your body processes the THC in a different way than when you smoke or vape it. When you smoke or vape, the THC is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream through your lungs and goes straight to your brain, producing the high you feel. But when you eat edibles, the THC is processed by your liver, which converts it into 11-Hydroxy-THC, a compound that’s more potent and longer-lasting than regular THC.
The Potency of 11-Hydroxy-THC
According to research done by McGill University Associate Professor Dr. Mark A. Ware, when one eats cannabis, it’s metabolized by the liver before it reaches the bloodstream, and that conversion is what produces the more potent effects. This means that when you consume edibles, you’re more likely to green out because the effects are more pronounced and can last for several hours. As opposed to the relative quickness that is when inhaling cannabis into your lungs.
Dealing with Greening Out from Edibles
If you find yourself greening out from edibles, the same principles apply as when you green out from smoking. Find a quiet spot to lie down and relax, drink water, and try to eat a little something to keep your blood sugar up. The effects of edibles can take longer to wear off than smoking, so be patient and ride it out. And if you’re a newbie to edibles, start with a low dose and wait a couple of hours before consuming more.
If you’re feeling nauseous, drink some water or ginger ale and try to eat a little something, even if you don’t feel hungry. Keeping your blood sugar up can help regulate your body’s response to the THC. Some people swear by sniffing or chewing on some black pepper to help reduce anxiety and paranoia, though there’s not a ton of scientific evidence to back up this claim.
What CBD Can do for You While Greening Out
One thing to keep in mind is that greening out is usually temporary and will eventually pass on its own. But if you’re really struggling and need some extra help, there are a few things you can try. CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been shown to help counteract the effects of THC and bring you down from a high. If you have access to CBD oil or tinctures, try taking a few drops under your tongue and see if it helps.
The Origin of the Phrase “Greening Out”
Now, you might be wondering where the phrase “greening out” comes from. Well, my friends, it’s a term that’s been around in the cannabis community for a while now, and its origins are a little hazy (pun intended). Some people say it’s because your face turns green when you’re feeling nauseous, while others think it’s because you feel like you’re “green” or inexperienced when you’re too high. Whatever the reason, it’s a term that’s stuck around, and you might also hear people refer to greening out as “whiting out,” “freaking out,” or “getting too high for comfort.”
Personally, my pet theory is that cannabis can be a powerful vasodilator and when that happens your blood pressure drops and along with that your blood flow is reduced. Which in turn can have your skin turning “green” of sorts underneath (if you’re fair skinned that is, the visual aspect of this theory is much less applicable to folks with more melanin).
Conclusion: Enjoying Cannabis Responsibly
So there you have it, my fellow stoners. If you find yourself greening out, just remember to take a deep breath, find a cozy spot to chill, and know that you’ll be back to feeling like yourself soon enough. Whether you’re smoking or eating your cannabis, know your limits, start slow, and always have a safe space to relax in case you get too high. And always have some snacks on hand. Remember, the key to enjoying your high is to respect the plant and use it responsibly. Stay high, my friends, and stay safe.
