[1] The term derives from the "whiteout" weather condition where a snowstorm causes loss of vision, and refers to the way one's skin turns pale during and after a fainting or vomiting episode.
[2] 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.
[citation needed] 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.
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.