What is a whitey?

A “white out” or whitey when smoking marijuana is a common experience among many users, especially those new to cannabis. It refers to a temporary discomfort that occurs shortly after smoking. While unsettling, this phenomenon is typically harmless and can often be prevented or alleviated with certain precautions.

What is a cannabis “Whitey”?

A whitey or white-out are popular terms used to describe several adverse effects that can occur immediately after smoking or vaping cannabis, especially if you are inexperienced or if you use too much. Although not all users experience this discomfort, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and alarming to those unfamiliar.

This word comes from the sensation of pale skin that some people experience, along with a feeling of dizziness or faintness, which may be accompanied by nausea or cold sweats. It is often associated with the ingestion of a high amount of THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana.

Symptoms of a whitey

• Paleness of the skin: one of the first signs of a whiteout is that the person becomes visibly pale. This is due to a temporary decrease in blood circulation and a reaction of the body to THC.
• Dizziness or feeling faint: people who experience this often feel like they are “blacking out,” with a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, which can lead to feeling disoriented or unable to stand upright.
• Nausea and cold sweats: Many people who experience a whiteout feel nauseated and sweaty, especially in the upper body. This may be accompanied by a feeling of general discomfort or anxiety.
• Tremors and increased heart rate: In some cases, people may experience tremors or an increase in their heart rate due to sympathetic nervous system overload caused by consuming THC in large amounts.

These symptoms typically last between 15 and 60 minutes, although the duration can vary based on the individual and dosage. While a whitey doesn’t pose a severe risk, it can be very uncomfortable and distressing.

Why does a whitey happen?

A whitey or “green out” is primarily caused by overconsumption of THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Some factors that contribute to experiencing a whitey include:

1. Excessive THC consumption

The most common cause of a whitezo is the consumption of a dose of THC that is too high for a person’s individual tolerance. THC affects the central nervous system and can cause effects such as dizziness, alterations in blood pressure and changes in blood circulation. When the person consumes a high amount of THC, he or she may experience these effects more intensely.

2. Low tolerance to cannabis

People who are not used to smoking marijuana, especially beginners, have a lower tolerance to THC. This means that even small amounts can induce adverse effects, such as whitespot symptoms. As a person smokes marijuana more frequently, their tolerance may increase, reducing the likelihood of suffering from it.

3. Lowers blood pressure

THC has the ability to dilate blood vessels, which can temporarily lower blood pressure. If a person has naturally low blood pressure, this dilation can be more pronounced, leading to dizziness and the feeling of fainting, which are typical symptoms of blancazo.

4. Smoking on an empty stomach or without food

Smoking marijuana on an empty stomach can increase the chances of a blancazo. This is because the lack of food in the body can intensify the effects of THC and cause a drop in blood sugar, which can make a person feel dizzy or weak.

5. Anxiety or stress

For some people, especially those who are more prone to anxiety, cannabis use can increase anxiety levels. This can lead to increased susceptibility to side effects, including whiteness. Anxiety can aggravate symptoms of dizziness and pallor, making the person feel even worse.

What to do if you experience a whitey

If you’re experiencing a whitey, here are some steps to help you manage the symptoms:

1. Stay calm: Remember that a whitey will pass. Try to keep calm and take deep breaths.
2. Find a comfortable spot: Sit or lie down in a safe, comfortable place to avoid dizziness or fainting.
3. Eat something sweet: Eating or drinking something sugary can help raise blood sugar levels, easing some symptoms.
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking water can help balance your body and relieve dry mouth, which is common with cannabis use.
5. Distract yourself: Listening to calming music or talking to a trusted friend can help you shift focus away from your symptoms.
6. Wait patiently for the effects to pass naturally.

How to avoid a whitey

Taking a few precautions before and during cannabis use can help you avoid a whitey:

1. Start with small doses

If you are new to marijuana consumption or have little tolerance, start with small doses to avoid an excess of THC. Little by little you can gradually increase the amount as you become familiar with the effects. You can also use strains from CBD seeds to get the beneficial effects of CBD without the psychoactive part.

2. Avoid smoking on an empty stomach

Smoking marijuana on an empty stomach can increase the likelihood of experiencing a whiteout. Therefore, make sure you have eaten something before smoking, especially if it is the first time of the day that you consume cannabis.

3. Hydrate adequately

Maintain an adequate level of hydration before and during marijuana use. Cannabis use can cause dry mouth, but it can also disrupt fluid balance, so drinking enough water can prevent some of the side effects of cannabis.

4. Control anxiety

For those prone to anxiety, it is advisable to create a relaxed and comfortable environment that can help reduce the chances of the blancazo occurring due to an emotional reaction.

5. Waiting between sessions

If smoking several times in a short period, it is important to allow time between sessions to allow the body to process the THC and avoid over-consumption that could cause it.

Whiteout is a temporary reaction that some people experience due to too much THC, low tolerance, or factors such as fasting smoking or anxiety. Although uncomfortable, it is not usually dangerous and the symptoms usually disappear in a short time. However, the necessary precautions should be taken.