Greening out means having too much cannabis. Common signs: anxiety, a racing heart, nausea, or dizziness.2 It feels scary, and it passes.
You are going to be okay. A fatal overdose from cannabis alone is unlikely.1 Smoked or vaped, it usually peaks within about 30 minutes, then eases over the next few hours. Edibles last longer. Sit somewhere safe, slow your breathing, sip water, and don't take any more.
Contents9
Breathe with Adam
Follow the circle. In for 4 as it grows, out for 6 as it shrinks.
Tap start and breathe along with Adam.
How to get less high, right now
- Tell yourself it's temporary.The racing thoughts are the cannabis talking. They fade.
- Get somewhere calm.Sit or lie down. Dim lights, less noise, fewer people.
- Slow your breathing.Use the breathing circle above. Long exhales help most.
- Sip water and eat a snack.Dry mouth makes everything feel worse. Something simple helps.
- Stop consuming.No more edibles, no more hits, no alcohol.
- Distract yourself.A familiar show, a playlist you love, a warm shower.
- Sleep if you can.Rest helps the time pass.
- Tell someone you trust.A calm friend nearby makes a big difference.
Get help now if you see any of these
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting
- A seizure or severe confusion
- Nonstop vomiting
- A child or pet ate cannabis
Call 911 for emergencies. For advice, call US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Free and available 24/7.2 Tell them what was taken. It helps them help you.
How long does a weed high last?
| How you took it | Starts | Usually eases |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked or vaped | Seconds to minutes | Peaks within about 30 minutes, then eases over a few hours. Mild effects can linger longer. |
| Edible or drink | 30 min to 2 hours | Often 6 hours or more. Effects can last up to 24 hours. |
Everyone is different. How much you took, how you took it, and how often you use cannabis all change how it affects you.1 Effects can last up to 24 hours.3
What actually helps (and what's a myth)
| Tip | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Time, rest, sleep | Works | The only sure fix. Your body clears THC on its own. |
| Slow breathing | Helps | Helps you ride out the panic. |
| Water and food | Helps | Eases dry mouth and dizziness. Won't end the high. |
| CBD | Maybe | Some research suggests CBD can soften parts of a THC high. Evidence is mixed.5 Don't count on it. |
| Black pepper | Unproven | Popular tip. Pepper contains a terpene called beta-caryophyllene. It's been suggested in research reviews, but there are no solid human studies.6 |
| Coffee | Skip | Caffeine can make anxiety and a fast heart rate worse. |
| Alcohol | Avoid | Mixing usually makes you more impaired, not less. |
How to recover from edibles
Edibles last longer, so coming down takes patience. The steps above still work. A few extras:
- Don't eat more "to balance it out." Another edible only adds THC.
- Plan for hours, not minutes. Effects often last 6 hours or more.
- Sleep is your friend. Many people wake up mostly clear.
- No driving for at least 6 hours, and not until you feel completely normal. After edibles, that may be the next day.
See the full edible timeline.
What does greening out feel like?
Common signs: anxiety or panic, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, sweating, or feeling disconnected. It's unpleasant, and it ends.
Repeated, severe vomiting in people who use cannabis heavily and often can be something different, called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. That one needs a doctor.4
The next day: is a weed hangover real?
Some people feel groggy, foggy, or tired the morning after, especially after edibles. Research on it is limited, but the fix is simple:
- Drink water and eat a real breakfast.
- Get some fresh air or light movement.
- Go easy on caffeine.
- Don't drive if you still feel off.
Why it happens
- Edible stacking. Taking a second edible because the first "didn't work." See how long edibles take.
- Too strong, too soon. High-THC vapes or concentrates on a first try. If the fear lingers, read how long cannabis anxiety lasts.
- Mixing with alcohol. See crossfaded.
- Homemade edibles. Potency is a guess.
Common questions
What does greening out mean?
Greening out means having too much cannabis. Common signs are anxiety, a racing heart, nausea, and dizziness. It's temporary.
How do you sober up from weed?
There's no instant fix. Stop consuming, sit somewhere calm, slow your breathing, drink water, eat a snack, and rest. Time is what ends the high.
How long does a marijuana high last?
Smoked or vaped, it usually peaks within about 30 minutes and eases over a few hours. Edibles often last 6 hours or more, and effects can last up to 24 hours.
Can you die from weed?
A fatal overdose from cannabis alone is unlikely, according to the CDC. It can still cause injuries, accidents, and severe symptoms, so get help if you see chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or a seizure. US Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
How long does cannabis-induced anxiety last?
For most people it fades as the high fades, usually within a few hours. If anxiety keeps going after the high is gone, talk to a doctor.
Does weed dehydrate you?
Cannabis commonly causes dry mouth, often called cottonmouth. That is not the same as being dehydrated, but sipping water helps you feel better. Repeated vomiting can dehydrate you, so get help if you can't keep water down.
Does sleeping help if you're too high?
Yes. Rest is one of the best ways through it. Lie down somewhere safe and let time do the work.
Does CBD stop a THC high?
Some research suggests CBD may soften certain THC effects, but results are mixed. It is not a reliable fix.
Does black pepper help when you're too high?
It's a popular tip with no solid human evidence. Smelling pepper is harmless, but rest, water, and slow breathing are better bets.
What does greening out feel like?
Common signs are anxiety or panic, a racing heart, dizziness, nausea, sweating, and feeling disconnected. It's temporary.
What are the symptoms of greening out?
The CDC's list of signs of having used too much cannabis: extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, a fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and severe nausea or vomiting. They pass as the THC wears off, but if you see them, the CDC says to call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 in an emergency.
How long does greening out last?
It tracks the high. Smoked or vaped cannabis peaks within about 30 minutes and eases over a few hours; edibles start later and can keep going for 6 hours or more. Health Canada says effects of either can last up to 24 hours.
How do you help someone who is greening out?
Stay with them, help them sit or lie down somewhere calm and quiet, offer water and a snack, and remind them it passes. Don't give them more cannabis or alcohol. Get help now for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, a seizure, severe confusion or nonstop vomiting: call 911 in an emergency, or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for advice.
We cite government health agencies and peer-reviewed research. Numbers in the text link to the source.
- Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis FAQs
- Government Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board: Accidental use and overconsumption
- Government Health Canada: Health effects of cannabis
- Government California Department of Public Health: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
- Peer-reviewed Freeman AM, et al. How does cannabidiol (CBD) influence the acute effects of THC in humans? A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2019
- Peer-reviewed Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 2011
- Government Health Canada: Cannabis, lower your risks
- Government Health Canada: Lower-risk cannabis use guidelines
