Few experiences are more dreaded by stoners than the notorious whitey. It’s likely that, if you’re reading this, you will have experienced this undesirable side effect of cannabis at least once. However, you may still not understand exactly what causes whiteys and what you could do to prevent the likelihood of experiencing one again. So, let’s cover all bases and start with the basics.
What is a whitey?
The “whitey” is an unfortunate negative effect of consuming cannabis (though it may also be used when referring to other drugs). It can cause severe nausea, dizziness, and often vomiting.
The term is said to be derived from the weather condition “whiteout”, which refers to a severe snowstorm that causes a loss of vision. It may also refer to the paling of the skin that is often seen in the victims of the condition. Depending on where you are reading this from, you may know it better as “greening out” – a term taken from “blacking out” when drinking too much alcohol.
What causes a whitey?
The exact cause of a whitey can be hard to pinpoint, especially since everyone’s bodies (and endocannabinoid systems) are different. But some things are commonly associated with the condition. It can often be a question of tolerance and quantity consumed. For example, if you are new to cannabis or you don’t use the drug very often, it can be difficult to gauge your limits, leading to overconsumption. This is particularly common when consuming edibles, which are often more potent, as cannabinoids are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream, making it harder to dose accurately.
The negative effects of cannabis (as well as the euphoric ones) are largely attributable to THC – the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in the plant. When consumed in sensible quantities, THC can trigger positive effects, and even some therapeutic ones; however, in excess, it may leave you feeling anxious, nauseous, and in need of a bucket.
In some cases, consuming too much cannabis can also cause changes to blood pressure – though the exact effect can vary. Some studies indicate that THC is associated with increased blood pressure. This could lead to damaged blood vessels in the brain which may be associated with nausea and vomiting. However, more research is needed to better understand this effect.
The so-called act of “pulling a whitey” or “whiteying”, might be seen as something of a right of passage to many casual cannabis users. Of course, for those of us who use cannabis as a therapeutic tool or medicine, avoiding such an experience is probably pretty high on the list when it comes to using the drug responsibly.
So, are there any things you can do to prevent yourself from accidentally “pulling a whitey” – or improve the symptoms when you do? Let’s find out.
Tips for avoiding a whitey
Okay, so whiteys can be unpredictable, making it difficult to know when or how to plan for them. But there are some simple steps you can take to put you in the best position to avoid them. Most are simple and, to be honest, some are pretty obvious. But let’s discuss them anyway – you never know when they might come in handy!
Don’t overdo it
Let’s start with the most obvious solution for avoiding a whitey and all the negative things that come with it: Consume cannabis responsibly. While not always the case, whiteys are often a symptom of consuming more than your body can handle – either quantity or potency-wise. It can be easy to get ahead of yourself – especially when enjoying a smoke session with friends – but always try to be aware of exactly how much you’re consuming. This will put you in good stead for an enjoyable and sociable experience, as opposed to one where you’re leaning over the toilet, alone.
Don’t mix your drugs
While there might seem to be a trend at the moment of reducing alcohol intake (sometimes in favour of cannabis), there are still plenty among us who will end up mixing the two drugs. This might just be one of the worst things you can do to tempt a whitey. Some evidence even suggests that mixing weed with tobacco could increase the risk of nausea. So, that’s just one more reason to ditch the baccy when you next light up!
Stay well-fed and hydrated
You may be more likely to experience a whitey when using cannabis on an empty stomach or when you are dehydrated. While fatty foods have been found to help with the bioaccessibility of cannabinoids, smoking or vaping on an empty stomach can actually speed up the effects of the drug. Make sure you have eaten something before inhaling cannabis (though you might want to save some extra room for the munchies).
Tips for curing a whitey
If it’s too late for preventative measures – we’ve all been there – there might be some things you can do to lessen the dreadful effects of your next whitey.
Have some CBD handy
CBD has become an incredibly popular wellness ingredient in recent years, with millions of consumers in the UK adopting the cannabinoid for a wide range of uses, including to reduce stress, anxiety, and even pain. Some studies even suggest that CBD may be effective at reducing some of the negative effects of THC – if true, having a CBD oil to hand during your next whitey may just be the golden antidote you need.
Yet, as with most things related to cannabis, this isn’t as black and white as it may seem on the surface. Another study, published in 2023, found that high doses of CBD actually increased the effects of THC when consumed in edibles… So, this one might be a case of trial and error.
A cocktail of storecupboard ingredients
We’ve all had the natural home remedy of a hot cup of lemon and ginger (sometimes with an added kick of whiskey) to stave off a cold. But these ingredients could also be helpful for soothing whitey-induced nausea. A simple cocktail made from storecupboard ingredients, such as lemon, black pepper, and ginger could just be the Godsend you’re after.
Drink plenty of water
You may have already made sure you were well hydrated as part of your preventative measures against whiteys, but continuing to drink plenty of water might just be one of the best things you can do to ease your symptoms. By now, you may have already vomited all the water you drank before your whitey attack, so you will want to replenish those stocks (and hope that they stay down this time). However, if you have an empty stomach, it is recommended to take small sips of water to avoid further aggravation of nausea.
Breathe
While the world is spinning it can be easy to let anxiety get the better of you. While it might sound ridiculous as your friend tells you to ‘just breathe’, one of the most effective ways to bring some sense of normality back is to focusing on some simple breathing exercises. The 4-7-8 technique is a nice simple exercise rooted in yoga practice that can bring you back to earth. Make sure you are sitting down comfortably, and begin by breathing in through the nose while counting to four. Hold your breath while counting to seven, and then exhale out the mouth for eight seconds. Doing this for four full breaths gives your brain something to focus on other than how high you are, and can help lower anxiety and nausea.
Experiencing a whitey can be a truly awful surprise and may even put you off cannabis altogether (at least for a short while). Luckily, there are some things you can do to prevent, or at least ease, the symptoms associated with the infamous whitey. Why not give them a try?
