Cannabis, has become a significant part of our modern culture. However, like all good things, moderation is key. Consuming too much cannabis can lead to an uncomfortable phenomenon known as a “whitey” or “greening out.” This blog post is your guide on how to cure a whitey, understanding, recognizing, and managing this uncomfortable experience.
Quick Overview: How to Manage and Prevent a Cannabis Whitey
- Understanding the causes and symptoms of a whitey is essential for effective relief.
- Immediate strategies include finding a secure environment, rehydrating, regulating blood sugar levels, and consuming fresh juices or low-carb foods in small portions.
- Longer term prevention can be achieved by recognizing personal tolerance levels, taking controlled doses with breaks between sessions to listen to one’s body, avoiding mixing substances, seeking medical attention if necessary. And adhering to responsible cannabis use guidelines.
Understanding a Whitey; What is it?
Consuming too much cannabis can lead to a disconcerting experience known as a “whitey” or “greening out.” This can cause discomfort and distress. It can be compared to the feeling of having too much alcohol, but the symptoms of greening out are distinctive, making it a unique condition. The adverse effects of consuming cannabis can be feel severe and uncomfortable and include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Impaired motor coordination
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Rapid heart rate
The unpleasant symptoms typically and commonly resolve within 24 hours but can be quite distressing for the person experiencing them.
Defining a Whitey
Think of the term “whitey” as a descriptor for the pallor (skin paleness) one might exhibit when they’ve had too much marijuana. The adverse effects can range from mild discomfort to more severe symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, and in some cases, nausea or vomiting. Although the experience can be distressing, it is usually not harmful in the long term.
Causes of a Whitey
The likelihood of experiencing a whitey is strongly associated with the THC content in the cannabis products consumed. Higher THC levels increase the risk of greening out, and in severe (very rare) cases, medical attention may be necessary. Additionally, the method of consumption plays a significant role in the onset of a whitey. Consuming cannabis edibles is associated with a higher risk of adverse effects due to the delayed onset of the drug’s effects.
Individual factors also play a part in the likelihood of experiencing a whitey. These include:
- An individual’s endocannabinoid system
- Body weight
- Exposure to cannabis
- Tolerance levels
New or infrequent cannabis users are more susceptible to greening out.
Furthermore, mixing marijuana with alcohol can heighten the effects of the marijuana, increase the risk of a whitey, and potentially lead to alcohol poisoning.
Recognizing Whitey Symptoms
Effective management of a whitey hinges on prompt recognition of its symptoms. Physical manifestations include dizziness, nausea, a heightened heart rate, lightheadedness, pallor, cold sweats, tremors, and vomiting. Simultaneously, psychological effects such as drowsiness, sleepiness, anxiety, panic, paranoia, and occasional mild hallucinations may present, indicative of a potential cannabis overdose.
Less common symptoms include coughing, headaches, and confusion.
Physical Symptoms
During a whitey, one might experience these physical symptoms:
- Intense marijuana intoxication
- Physical sickness such as nausea, typically lasting 24 to 48 hours
- A phenomenon referred to as ‘the spins’, characterized by a combination of vertigo and nausea leading to a sensation of spinning in the head
- Dizziness, which may include sweating, paleness, feeling dizzy and confused, experiencing low blood pressure, and clumsiness.
Psychological Symptoms
Psychologically, a whitey can lead to anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, impaired coordination, and decreased judgment. In some cases, it may even manifest as a panic attack, with symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and a sudden feeling of doom. The psychological symptoms can vary depending on the strain or type of cannabis consumed. Strains high in THC can elevate anxiety levels and induce psychotic symptoms, while those with higher CBD content are known for their calming effects.
The impact of cannabis on the brain can lead to psychological symptoms such as anxiety and paranoia by overstimulating the amygdala, which in turn increases negative emotions. Research has shown that the presence of THC in cannabis can heighten the likelihood of paranoia, particularly in individuals with a predisposition towards paranoid thinking.
Studies have shown that smoking weed, especially high-potency marijuana, is associated with psychiatric issues and a mysterious vomiting illness, in addition to commonly recognized symptoms such as feeling pale, cold, sweaty, shaky, and vomiting when consuming too much weed.
Immediate Relief Strategies
Upon experiencing a whitey, here are some recommended steps to take:
- Find a tranquil and secure environment conducive to relaxation.
- Seek the presence of a trusted companion for support and comfort.
- Rehydrate by drinking fluids to reestablish the body’s fluid balance and counteract dehydration, a potential exacerbator of symptoms.
- Regulate blood sugar levels by consuming low glycemic index foods like whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
These steps can help provide immediate relief during a whitey.
It is also beneficial to consume fresh juices and low-carb foods in small portions.
Find a Safe Space
Experiencing a whitey calls for a tranquil and secure environment. The chosen location should encourage relaxation and recovery, devoid of disturbances, thus fostering a sense of security. The presence of a trusted individual can offer reassurance and provide assistance as required.
Essential strategies to establish such an environment include:
- Locating a serene space - Somewhere that instills some peace and order.
- Reducing disturbances - Consider putting your phone on silent, or turning down loud music or the TV.
- Providing a comfortable resting area - Stay warm and try your hardest to relax.
- Supplying hydrating fluids - Water is obviously the best option.
- Offering support and reassurance - Let them know that the feeling will pass soon enough and they are in no real danger as long as they stay calm.
- Fostering an environment of empathy and understanding - Sometimes letting them know you understand the feeling and that it is not dangerous can be comforting.
Hydration and Blood Sugar Management
Hydration and blood sugar regulation are pivotal in alleviating whitey symptoms. Dehydration can intensify symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, underscoring the importance of maintaining proper hydration.
To stabilize blood sugar levels during a whitey, consuming foods with a low glycemic index and drinks such as these following are advisable:
- Black coffee
- Water
- Unsweetened tea
Breathing Techniques
Controlled breathing techniques are effective in managing anxiety and panic during a whitey as they help promote relaxation and reduce stress. They focus on slow, deep breaths that aid in calming the mind and body, enabling an individual to disengage from distracting thoughts and sensations, regaining control and finding relief from the symptoms.
It is advised to take 30 deep breaths, fully filling the stomach with air and then the lungs, before releasing through the mouth, as this may help alleviate the immediate symptoms.
Long-Term Prevention Methods
Avoiding the unsettling experience of a whitey necessitates knowledge of long-term prevention strategies. Here are some techniques for regulating cannabis consumption and preventing greening out:
- Recognize your personal tolerance levels and resist peer pressure.
- Start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed.
- Whatever your method of consumption (bongs, vapes, rolling papers, etc) you should take breaks between sessions.
- Listen to your body and be mindful of how you’re feeling.
- Seek guidance for personalized advice.
By following these strategies, you can prevent the unpleasant effects of greening out; after all, prevention is much better than cure.
Know Your Limits
Recognizing your personal tolerance level for cannabis use is vital as it correlates to your ability to endure the effects of the substance. Tolerance levels vary and frequent usage can diminish impact, thereby necessitating increased doses for the same level of intoxication. Factors influencing tolerance levels include:
- Frequency of use
- Age
- Body chemistry
- Duration of use
- Presence of conditions like anxiety or depression
Choose Cannabis Products Wisely
Selecting cannabis products with an appropriate THC level is of utmost importance as it directly impacts the likelihood of overindulgence and the occurrence of adverse side effects, which may result in a whitey.
The method of cannabis consumption significantly affects the onset and duration of its effects. Smoking cannabis results in a rapid onset, while edibles lead to a more prolonged high, increasing the time frame for potential adverse reactions.
Avoid Mixing Substances
Combining cannabis with other drugs can pose significant health risks. For instance, using cannabis with stimulants like Adderall may cause elevated heart rate and palpitations, while mixing cannabis with depressants such as antidepressants can lead to high blood pressure, lightheadedness, and cognitive impairment.
Combining cannabis with alcohol can heighten the negative effects and elevate the risk of experiencing adverse reactions due to the combined influence on the body and mind.
Seeking Medical Help
While most symptoms of a whitey are self-limiting and dissipate with time, it is important to know when to seek medical help. You should seek medical assistance without delay if:
- The individual is suffering from severe dehydration due to vomiting
- The individual becomes severely ill
- The individual exhibits signs of severe psychological symptoms
The potential health risks linked to experiencing a greening out episode that necessitate medical intervention include symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Extreme paranoia
Supporting Someone Experiencing a Whitey
If you are accompanying someone experiencing a whitey, it is recommended to:
- Stay with them
- Remain calm and offer reassurance
- Find a comfortable environment
- Provide water and snacks
- Encourage deep breathing and relaxation techniques
- Monitor their condition
In the extremely rare event that the individual becomes unconscious, it’s important to:
- Check their airway to ensure it is clear
- Carefully turn them onto their side to prevent choking
- Remain with the person to monitor their condition
- If necessary, promptly call for medical assistance.
The Importance of Responsible Cannabis Use
Responsible cannabis use implies:
- Moderate and mindful consumption
- Adhering to suitable consumption quantities and frequencies
- Using cannabis in fitting environments
- Abiding by the legal regulations governing its use (cannabis is currently a class B drug in the UK).
Responsible cannabis use is said to have several potential advantages for overall well-being, including potential health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
However, marijuana abuse can lead to detrimental effects on health and well-being, which reiterates the point that is pays to be moderate and safe in consumption.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding, recognizing, and managing a whitey effectively is crucial for anyone who consumes cannabis. It’s essential to know your limits, choose cannabis products wisely, and avoid mixing substances to prevent a whitey. If one does occur, immediate relief strategies such as finding a safe space, maintaining proper hydration and blood sugar levels, and using breathing techniques can be beneficial. However, if the symptoms are severe, seeking medical help is advised. Lastly, practicing responsible cannabis use is vital not only to prevent whiteys but also to ensure overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is greening out?
Greening out is a condition that occurs when someone takes too much marijuana, leading to unpleasant side effects such as vomiting and dizziness.
What is a whitey?
A "whitey," or "greening out," is a disconcerting experience resulting from consuming too much cannabis, which is comparable to the feeling of having too much alcohol but has unique symptoms.
