What Does Greening Out Mean?
Marijuana use among teens is increasingly common. While many think of it as harmless, high-potency products like concentrates, edibles, and vape cartridges can sometimes overwhelm the body and brain. One reaction that can occur is known as “greening out,” a term used to describe the unpleasant physical and psychological effects of consuming too much THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. Understanding the meaning of greening out, its effects, and how to respond can help parents support teen safety and well-being.
Whether or not you suspect your teenager is using drugs, it’s important to talk to them about drugs. Contact Beachside Teen Treatment Center today to find a mental health program for teens.
What Does Greening Out Mean?
Greening out occurs when the body’s endocannabinoid system—a network of receptors in the brain that respond to THC—becomes overstimulated. This overstimulation can trigger intense nausea, dizziness, vomiting, anxiety, or panic. Teens are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing, and even small amounts of high-potency marijuana can produce overwhelming effects that disrupt coordination, focus, emotional stability, and overall mental clarity. In some cases, it can feel like the body is shutting down, which can be alarming and disorienting.
How Long Does Greening Out Last?
The duration of a greening out episode varies depending on the type of cannabis, the method of consumption, and the individual’s metabolism and tolerance.
- Smoking or vaping: Effects generally peak within minutes and can last one to three hours.
- Edibles: Onset is slower, often 30 minutes to two hours, but effects can last much longer—up to six or eight hours.
- Concentrates: These highly potent forms can produce rapid and intense symptoms that may persist longer than standard smoking.
While symptoms usually pass without long-term harm, prolonged episodes can be extremely uncomfortable and, in some cases, require medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms of Greening Out
Recognizing greening out can help ensure teen safety. Symptoms typically involve both physical and psychological reactions. Early awareness of these signs allows parents and caregivers to respond calmly, prevent escalation, and provide the support their teen needs to recover safely. The physical symptoms of greening out include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating or clammy skin
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling faint or disoriented
The psychological symptoms of greening out include:
- Anxiety or panic
- Confusion or disorientation
- Paranoia or fear
- Feeling detached from reality
- Loss of control over body sensations
If these symptoms appear, keeping your teen in a calm, safe environment, seated or lying down, and hydrated can help. Severe or prolonged vomiting, loss of consciousness, or signs of heart complications warrant immediate medical attention.
Dangers of Greening Out
While most episodes pass, greening out is not without risks. Understanding these dangers can help guide safety and prevention efforts from parents and caregivers. Recognizing the potential short- and long-term effects can also encourage proactive conversations about responsible choices and healthy coping skills. Potential dangers of greening out include:
- Impulse control and brain development: Teens’ prefrontal cortex is still maturing, which can reduce judgment, risk assessment, and the ability to regulate impulses.
- Emotional and mental health vulnerability: Use of marijuana can worsen anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, intensifying panic or mood swings.
- Risk of injury or accidents: Disorientation, dizziness, or impaired coordination can increase the likelihood of falls, accidents, or unsafe behaviors.
- Normalization of risky behavior: Even if greening out is brief, repeated exposure can reinforce dangerous consumption patterns and misperceptions about marijuana safety.
- Cognitive and motivational effects: Ongoing overuse may impair memory, concentration, and motivation, potentially affecting school performance and long-term goals.
How to Help Your Teen Stop Marijuana Use
Supporting a teen in reducing or avoiding marijuana use requires empathy, education, and guidance. Some ways to help are highlighted below.
- Open communication: Encourage conversations about experiences and reactions to THC, focusing on understanding rather than punishment.
- Education and awareness: Teens benefit from learning about the effects of high-potency marijuana on brain development, physical reactions, and emotional well-being.
- Healthy coping strategies: Stress, boredom, or emotional discomfort can contribute to experimentation. Teaching alternatives like exercise, creative outlets, or relaxation techniques reduces reliance on substances.
- Professional support: Teen-focused addiction treatment can address underlying emotional issues, teach coping skills, and provide a structured environment for behavioral change.
- Family guidance and consistency: Setting clear expectations, modeling healthy habits, and providing supportive boundaries encourage safer choices and build trust.
Find Teen Addiction Treatment in California
If your teen is struggling with marijuana use, we are here to help. At Beachside Teen, we offer specialized treatment designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents. Our programs combine therapy, education, and support to teach coping strategies, address emotional concerns, and guide teens toward healthier decision-making. If you are concerned about your teen’s marijuana use or want support navigating potential greening out experiences, our capable and compassionate team is ready to provide guidance, assessment, and resources for long-term wellness. Find support for your teen and your family by giving us a call or visiting our admissions page today.
