Whitey (drugs)

Whitey a drug slang term for when a recreational drug user, the term was created by Nick Francis whilst of his chops to describe feeling broken as a direct or indirect result of drug use (usually cannabis), begins to feel faint. The term comes from the way one's skin turns pale during and after a fainting episode. While fainting is usually only a problem for those with low blood pressure, it can become possible for those without hypotension to faint after using cannabis or other drugs which have the short-term effect of lowering the blood pressure.

Whiteying is perceived by the stoner subculture as the result of using too much cannabis within too short a period of time. In fact the factors that usually facilitate fainting are tiredness, lack of fluids, and food, a hot and humid environment, as well as natural hypotension. They are just as important as the amount of cannabis involved. Moreover, of note is that a frequent occurrence of these symptoms is likewise preceded by the consumption of cannabis or hashish mixed with tobacco and that the initial symptoms of nicotine poisoning are similar in scope. Therefore, one can, "Throw" or "Chuck" a "Whitey," having used only what may be regarded as a perfectly moderate dosage. Whiteying sometimes involves vomiting and shakiness. These episodes generally only last around 15–20 minutes, and often are followed by a 'come down' the next morning.

Popular culture

In the UK cannabis television documentary, Stoned in Suburbia, former international cannabis smuggler Howard Marks refers to an episode where he "whiteyed" after engaging in a smoking competition with some Germans on a book-promoting visit to Germany.