Why Does Getting High Make Some People Faint? And What You Can Do About It
Most people have no problem getting really stoned.
But then there’s a small population of people who tend to faint when they are high. Blackouts, seeing white spots, then fainting can happen to some people. After lighting up, the THC starts to make its effects felt, and the next thing you know – you’re waking up on the floor due to the cannabis.
There are several reasons why this can happen.
Vasovagal Syncope
Vasovagal syncope, also known as neurocardiogenic syncope, is the medical name for a condition wherein one’s blood pressure rapidly drops. As a result, there isn’t enough blood that travels to the brain, resulting in fainting.
When smoking cannabis, THC can sometimes trigger vasovagal syncope. Other situations that can trigger vasovagal syncope, such as the sight of blood, excess heat, intense pain, standing up for too long, or extreme distress. Either way, it’s unpleasant especially when you’re only getting high to medicate or to have some fun.
Vasovagal syncope can occur when one is getting high in extremely hot temperatures, while standing up, or when smoking dirty/impure cannabis. It can happen suddenly, resulting in loss of consciousness though it’s temporary. Fainting from vasovagal syncope can feel similar to a blackout, such as what happens when you are standing up – and this can get dangerous.
If you notice that you have heat sensitivity or you feel lightheaded when smoking as you stand up, make the necessary adjustments and see if you still observe the same effects. Some people find relief when smoking indoors, in cooler temperatures, and relaxing on the ground as opposed to standing. However, if you get your weed from a shady source, you might be smoking impure cannabis – the solution here would be to always ensure you are buying from a reputable dealer to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Individuals who already suffer from low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, have a higher chance of experiencing vasovagal syncope after smoking marijuana. You may be better off taking extremely low doses (microdosing), or using non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) instead.
High Potency
Consuming extremely high doses of potent marijuana can also cause fainting, blacking out, or vasovagal syncope. This can happen to anyone: newbies who smoke weed for the first time, or even seasoned cannabis consumers who are trying high-potency concentrates for the first time.
This is similar to what happens when people get alcohol blackouts; you simply have too much THC (or alcohol) in your system, which can temporarily cause amnesia. However, memory loss due to cannabis is significantly milder compared to what happens when you drink too much – it’s far too easy to forget about everything that happened for several hours whereas it merely seems hazy for a cannabis user.
Cannabis concentrates have been notorious for causing people to faint, especially if you try dabbing butane hash oil, wax, budder, and other similar products. If you enjoy experimenting with high potency marijuana such as these, make sure that you are always in a safe environment such as your home, with a familiar face around that can take care of you should something happen.
Consumption Method
The way you ingest weed can also have an impact on how you react. For example, vaporizing, smoking, and dabbing marijuana can hit you much faster compared to edibles or oils. Inhaling cannabis can hit you almost instantly, resulting in a sudden drop in your blood pressure which then results in fainting.
Opt for a lower THC cannabis product if this happens when you consume edibles. Alternatively, consuming more CBD can help mitigate the fainting spells.
Tips For Preventing Fainting When Getting High
For those who have experienced the inconvenience and risks of fainting while stoned, here are some tips that you can try to minimize its occurrence:
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Consumer lower dose THC cannabis. If you smoke or vape, pick strains that have a lower THC content (under 18%), or perhaps one with a high CBD content. These will have less of an impact on your blood vessels and overall circulation.
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Choose another consumption method. If fainting spells happen when you smoke, dab, or vaporize, choose low-dose edibles and oils. These take longer for onset, especially if you consume when you already have a full stomach.
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Hydrate. Getting high in warmer temperatures can increase the risk of fainting, so be sure to hydrate constantly before and while you’re high. Additionally, chronic dehydration can cause an array of health problems including low blood pressure.
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Always start slow. One of the most common reasons fainting and blacking out occurs is because you ingested too much THC, too fast. Your body needs time to adjust to cannabis especially if you’re new to it. Whether you choose to take edibles, oils, smoke, vape, or dab, starting with the smallest dose possible and gradually increasing will be beneficial for you as it will help you discover the pace you need to enjoy your hit without fainting.
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Have a window open: Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh breeze especially during the summer. This can help keep your body temperature cool as it fluctuates when you get high.
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Lie down or sit: Medicating while lying down or sitting can reduce the chances of fainting. When you do have to get up, do it slowly and mindfully.
Conclusion
Fainting is a rare occurrence among people who consume medical marijuana. However, if you already have low blood pressure, it isn’t advisable to consume high amounts of THC. Following these tips above can serve as preventive measures with THC consumption.
Have you fainted with cannabis in the past? What did you do to prevent it from happening again?
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