Cannabis white crisis: how to react?

Among the unenviable side effects of cannabis is the notorious «white crisis». Whether you've experienced this type of bad trip before, or aren't sure exactly what causes it and what you can do to avoid experiencing it again, we're going to cover all the bases and start with the basics.

What is a cannabis-induced white crisis?

The «white crisis» is an unfortunate negative effect of cannabis consumption (although it can also be used in reference to other substances). It can cause severe nausea, dizziness and often vomiting.

The term would refer to the paleness of the skin often observed in victims of this condition.

What causes a white crisis?

The exact cause of a white crisis can be difficult to determine, especially as the body (and the endocannabinoid system) is different for everyone. However, certain factors are generally associated with this condition. It's often a question of tolerance and quantity consumed.

For example, if you're new to cannabis or don't use very often, it can be difficult to assess your limits, which can lead to overconsumption. This phenomenon is particularly common in the case of edibles, This is because cannabinoids are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream, making dosage more difficult.

The negative effects of cannabis (as well as its euphoric effects) are largely attributable to THC, the plant's main psychotropic cannabinoid. Consumed in reasonable quantities, THC can have positive, even therapeutic effects. Consumed in excess, however, it can cause anxiety or nausea.

In some cases, excessive cannabis consumption can also lead to changes in blood pressure - although the exact effect may vary. This could damage blood vessels in the brain, which could be associated with nausea and vomiting. However, further research is needed to better understand this deleterious effect.

So, are there things you can do to prevent yourself from having a white crisis or to get out of it as quickly as possible?

Tips for avoiding a cannabis-induced white crisis

It's hard to know when and how to avoid a fire. But there are some simple steps you can take to put yourself in the best possible position to avoid them. Most are straightforward and, to be honest, some are pretty obvious but still useful.

Don't use too much cannabis

Let's start with the most obvious solution for avoiding a white crisis and all the negative things that come with it: consuming cannabis responsibly. Although it's not always the case, cannabis blanches are often a symptom of consuming more than your body can handle, either in terms of quantity or potency.

It can be easy to get carried away, especially during a smoking session with friends, but always try to be aware of exactly how much you're consuming. This will allow you to have a pleasant, sociable experience, rather than one where you're leaning over the toilet, alone.

Don't mix drugs

Although the current trend seems to be to reduce alcohol consumption, many people end up mixing the two drugs. This may be one of the worst things you can do to tempt the onset of a white seizure. Some evidence even suggests that mixing weed and tobacco may increase the risk of nausea. All the more reason to give up smoking!

Stay well nourished and hydrated

You're more likely to have a seizure if you consume cannabis on an empty stomach or if you're dehydrated. Although fatty foods have been shown to increase the bioaccessibility of cannabinoids, Smoking or vaping on an empty stomach can actually accelerate the effects of the drug. Make sure you've had something to eat before inhaling cannabis (although you can leave a little room for munchies).

Tips for getting through a white crisis with cannabis

If it's too late to take preventive measures - and we've all been there and done that - we'll have to take action. to overcome the strong effect of a joint - there may be things you can do to alleviate the terrible effects of this bad trip.

Keep CBD on hand

CBD has become an incredibly popular wellness ingredient in recent years, for a wide range of uses, including reducing stress, anxiety and even pain. Some studies even suggest that CBD may be effective in reducing some of the negative effects of THC - if that's true, having a CBD oil on hand at your next bad could be just the golden antidote you need.

However, as with most things to do with cannabis, it's not as simple as it first appears. Another study, published in 2023, showed that high doses of CBD increased the effects of THC when consumed in edibles... So a little goes a long way!

Homemade grog

We've all heard of the natural remedy of drinking a hot cup of lemon and ginger (sometimes with a splash of whisky) to fight off a cold. But these ingredients could also be useful for calming the nausea caused by the white crisis. A simple cocktail of basic ingredients, such as lemon, ginger black pepper and ginger, might just be the blessing you're looking for.

Drink plenty of water

You may have already made sure you're well hydrated as part of your preventive measures against seizures, but continuing to drink plenty of water may well be one of the best things you can do to relieve your symptoms. You may have already thrown up all the water you've been drinking, so you'll want to replenish your supplies (and hope they don't run out this time). However, if you have an empty stomach, it's a good idea to take small sips of water or sweetened soda to avoid aggravating the nausea.

Breathe

As the world spins, it can be easy to let anxiety get the better of you. While it may sound ridiculous when your friend tells you to «breathe», one of the most effective ways to regain some semblance of normalcy is to focus on a few simple breathing exercises. The 4-7-8 technique is a simple and enjoyable exercise, rooted in yoga practice, that can bring you back down to earth. Make sure you're sitting comfortably and start by inhaling through your nose, counting to four. Hold your breath for a count of seven, then exhale through the mouth for eight seconds. By doing this for four full breaths, you give your brain a reason to focus on something other than your euphoric state, which can help reduce anxiety and nausea.

Experiencing a white seizure can be a truly horrifying surprise and may even make you give up cannabis, at least for a short while.