Green Out. Don't Freak Out!
A better understanding of how the body reacts to an excess of Cannabis will prepare you for enduring your first Green Out. Consuming too much Cannabis is guaranteed to provide a phenomenally unenjoyable journey. When disrespected, Cannabis will not kill, but it will wallop you hard upon the side of the head; your experience will be disorientating. If you find your mind, body, and soul completely disturbed by an excess of Cannabis, it is best to stick with friends and find a peaceful place to sleep it off. Running off to the emergency room is likely overkill and will probably just add to the stress of an already exhausting trip. Neither you nor the health system needs more stress.
The Universal Health Care system is running at full throttle and public education is needed. When in distress, we are taught to dial 911, but what if we also recognized when to not call for help. Seeking advice through a 911 operator, programmed to apply algorithms, will likely lead your nasty Cannabis voyage into an emergency ward hallway. The Cannabis Green Out is an excellent example of knowing that accessing the health system will not likely stop your suffering. Unless there are other health concerns, you need not take this already bad trip to an ER. Although some algorithms have space for education, schooling a distressed individual during a 911 exchange is difficult, so any learning must occur before the 911 call is made.
Studies show since the legalization of Cannabis in Canada, visits to the emergency room are on the increase. Health systems will specifically speak to how legalization has led to a significant increase of pediatric hospitalization due to Cannabis poisonings. These reports fail to note how the numbers are relatively low in comparison to other misused substances, nor discuss an important fact that there have been no recorded deaths of children (or any other demographic) from Cannabis. I am not saying children are unimportant, I am saying while Cannabis takes you on its foul adventure, you need not fear a respiratory, or cardiovascular collapse. My point, consuming Cannabis can result in severe unpleasantness however, nobody dies from Cannabis alone and accessing the health system will likely not improve your journey.
Adding rhetoric such as poisoning or overdosing to a Green Out experience is misleading. In my practice these terms are best used when a patient requires life-saving therapies. In my world, to be poisoned, or to overdose, requires me to quickly find the antidote, time being the operative importance. With Cannabis overindulgence, I know to offer the person oral fluids, a very hot shower, maybe some CBD to counteract the effects of THC, or a sniff of black pepper, which contains beta-caryophyllene, a terpene believed to help ease anxiety. Most often, barring no comorbidities, the best antidote for a Green Out is a safe, quiet, comfortable place to sleep and the time to do it. I ponder how these small bits of Cannabis insight might change the statistical data on emergency visits.
Education focused on substance misuse starts with prevention. To Green Out you must first consume too much THC. Anyone at any time may find themselves on the Green Out Express. All those who consume Cannabis should follow the educational advice, “Go Low, Go Slow - Know the Dose.” An example is when the THC values of a gifted edible is unknown. In this situation, I suggest you take half or less. Go low. Then wait 60 minutes before consuming the second half. Go slow. If you are THC naïve, you may not need the second half. Know the Dose helps when buying legal weed from a Licensed Producer, allowing you to dial in the effects. The THC values found in vaping products and the new infused pre-rolls are sometimes excessive for your needs and should be used with caution. Understanding the Entourage Effect may decrease the potential of Green Out, because whole plant formulations seem to lessen the effects of the higher THC. Prevention starts with not buying a ticket for the Green Out Express. Respect Cannabis and you will be fine.
If you ever find yourself on the twisted descending tracks of the Green Out Express accelerating across High Anxiety Bridge, do not freak out! Stay calm knowing this ride will be rough. By understanding Cannabis better, your journey into Dizzy Miss Lizzy Lane need not scare you. The disorientation of deep-seated nausea, unquenchable thirst, obsessive paranoia, muddled confusion is enough to make you sick, but please do not be afraid. If you are comforting another on the head spinning Green Out Express going downhill quickly, help them to stay calm and inform them the ride will be rough. Stay hydrated. Some people find relief with a walk outdoors. Some require focused deep breathing, while others can be distracted with music. I know this adventure will be difficult, but this horrid voyage will end eventually.
Enlightenment speaks to knowing Cannabis’s slap to the side of the head will generate a rapid heart rate, cold sweats, and vomiting, all extremely horrible, but these symptoms will soon pass. The most important part of this education is to know Cannabis must be respected. Like all relationships, if you are courteous to your partner, your trip together will be enjoyable. And if you make a mistake and have no serious medical concerns, rushing to an emergency department should not be your first thought. Finding a safe, restful place to pillow your aching head will suffice. Once this horrible voyage ends, you will watch the sun rise again with a better understanding.
KN