Whitey from cannabis: what to do and how to avoid it
Quick answer: if you pull a whitey (also called a “green-out”) after smoking, stop consuming, sit or lie down with your legs slightly raised, have something sugary and some water, and don't get up suddenly. Most people recover within 10–20 minutes. If you lose consciousness for more than a minute, hit yourself when you fall, have chest pain or seizures, call 112.
The ‘pale’ is one of the most common scares amongst cannabis users, particularly among those with low tolerance or who have smoked on an empty stomach. It’s very unpleasant, but it can be managed well if you know what’s happening and what to do. Here we explain it based on our experience at the club.
What is a «pálida» (and why it’s not the same as being ‘really high’)?
A whitey (known in Spanish as a “pálida” or “amarillo”) is a sudden drop in blood pressure that can occur after smoking. THC dilates the blood vessels and speeds up the heart; in some people, especially if they are standing, have an empty stomach or have been drinking, the blood takes a while to reach the head properly and a feeling of faintness appears.
It is not the same as a strong high accompanied by anxiety or paranoia (in which case the face is usually flushed and the mind is racing). With a ‘pale’ high, physical symptoms predominate:
- A pale or yellowish face and a cold sweat.
- Dizziness, blurred or tunnel vision, and ringing in the ears.
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting.
- Weakness in the legs and a feeling that you’re about to fall over.
- In some cases, a brief loss of consciousness.
How to get rid of a pale complexion quickly: a step-by-step guide
1. Stop and get down on the floor
Put the joint down and sit or lie down before you fall. Ideally, lie on your back with your legs raised on a chair or a cushion: that way the blood returns to your head and the dizziness eases within a few minutes. If you feel nauseous, it is better to lie on your side.
2. Take some sugar and water
A sugary soft drink, a juice, a sweet or a sachet of sugar can really help, especially if you haven’t eaten anything. Afterwards, drink water in small sips.
3. Fresh air and loose-fitting clothes
Open a window or go out into a well-ventilated area (with someone with you, and without going down the stairs if you’re feeling dizzy). Loosen your belt or anything else that’s constricting you.
4. Breathe and wait
Breathe in slowly through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Once you’re feeling better, stay seated for a few more minutes before standing up, and do so gradually.
5. Let someone know
If you’re at the club, let the team know: we’re used to these situations and we’ll help you recover at your own pace. If you’re with friends, ask someone to stay with you until you’re fully recovered.
What you shouldn’t do
- Standing up suddenly or going to the toilet alone: this is when most falls happen.
- Getting in the shower if you feel dizzy. Hot water lowers your blood pressure further and the risk of a fall is high.
- Drinking alcohol “to get over it”: it makes the drop in blood pressure worse.
- Carrying on smoking as soon as you feel a little better.
- Driving or getting on a bike or scooter in the hours that follow.
Why do you look pale? The most common causes
| Reason | Why does it have an influence? |
|---|---|
| Empty stomach | When blood sugar is low, the body is less able to cope with a drop in blood pressure. |
| Mix with alcohol | Alcohol also lowers blood pressure and causes dehydration. It is this combination that makes people look the palest. |
| Very potent strains | A higher THC intake all at once leads to a more intense reaction, particularly if you have a low tolerance. |
| Take long drags and hold the smoke in | The dose is increased quite quickly and can cause dizziness on its own. |
| Tobacco, even if you don’t smoke | For someone who is not used to it, nicotine can cause dizziness and nausea. |
| Heat, tiredness or dehydration | Along with THC, they help to lower blood pressure. |
How to stop yourself from turning pale again
- Eat something before consuming and keep water to hand.
- Start gently: a few puffs, wait a few minutes and see how it suits you before carrying on.
- Don't mix with alcohol, or at least not in the same session. You'll find more information in drinking wine and smoking marijuana.
- If you don't smoke tobacco, don't mix it in. There are alternatives: see our guide to consuming cannabis without tobacco or try vaping.
- Ask about milder strains if your tolerance is low. At the club we'll be happy to advise you.
- Listen to your body: if you are tired, hot or short of sleep one day, consume less.
- If it happens to you often, it may be a good time to take a tolerance break or mention it to your doctor.
When to call 112
Most fainting spells pass on their own within a few minutes. Seek medical help if:
- The person loses consciousness for more than a minute or does not respond properly upon waking.
- He hit his head when he fell.
- There are convulsions, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- The vomiting does not stop, or the person does not recover after lying down for 20–30 minutes.
- It has been mixed with large quantities of alcohol or other substances.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a ‘pálida’ last?
The worst of it usually lasts between 5 and 15 minutes if you lie down and have something sugary to eat. You may feel tired or generally unwell for an hour or two.
Which is better to drink when you’re feeling faint – water or sugar?
Both: first something containing sugar (soft drink, juice, sweet) and then water. Sugar helps you recover more quickly, especially if you haven’t eaten anything.
Is the pale one dangerous?
It isn’t usually dangerous in itself, but the real risk lies in falls and knocks. That’s why the most important thing is to sit or lie down in good time and not be left on your own.
Why do I feel faint even though I’ve been smoking for years?
It can happen to anyone on a bad day: on an empty stomach, after a drink, when it’s hot, or if you’ve had a stronger variety than usual.
Is this your first time at a cannabis club? In our FAQ and in the guide to the requirements to join an association we explain how The High Class works. And if you ever feel unwell inside, let us know: that's what we're here for.
