How to Get Rid of a Weed Hangover

No one wants to experience a hangover, whether it's caused by alcohol or weed. Weed hangovers, however, aren't as debilitating as ones caused by alcohol. Still, they aren't fun. Here's how to get rid of a weed hangover in no time.

What Is a Weed Hangover?

There's a fine line between the effects of weed and what happens when you over-consume delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You will feel intoxicated, euphoric, and relaxed in low to moderate amounts, but THC can turn against you in high amounts.

No matter your tolerance level, there is always a risk of overconsuming cannabis. Weed hangovers can leave you feeling groggy, unfocused, and slightly nauseous, but the effects will subside over hours.

Weed Hangover Symptoms

How do you know if you're suffering from a marijuana hangover? Be aware if any of these cannabis hangover symptoms appear:

• Fatigue 
• Brain fog
• Lethargy
• Headache
• Mild nausea
• Dry mouth and eyes

Causes of Weed Hangovers

Weed hangovers occur when a person overconsumes THC. The symptoms of over-consuming weed can be caused by numerous factors, primarily the following:

• Mixing substances: If you're smoking weed and drinking alcohol or using other drugs, you have a higher chance of feeling hungover the next morning because the effects of weed can be amplified. Upset stomach and smoke weed for smoking marijuana and medical cannabis 
• Cannabis withdrawal: If you're an everyday user, you may feel withdrawal symptoms if you stop for a day or cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, trouble focusing, and insomnia.
• Effects of weed: A weed hangover can be caused by too high of a dose or the type of delivery method. For example, edibles are notoriously tricky to take because they can take an hour to kick in and can have effects lasting up to 8 hours.

The onset and duration of cannabis effects can be determined by the consumption method and dose. Determine the best delivery method and dose for your needs to ensure you do not feel the negative effects of a weed hangover.

Cannabis Hangover Research

Unfortunately, research into weed hangovers' symptoms, causes, and effects is very limited and outdated.

One 1985 study on 13 male subjects tested the time perception of individuals who smoked either a cannabis cigarette or a placebo cigarette. When tested the following morning (9 hours later), the cannabis smokers exhibited residual hangover effects.

A different study conducted in 1990 tested the effects of marijuana hangovers in 12 cannabis users without seeing any significant hangover effects the morning after.

In 2017, a survey of patients who used cannabis for chronic pain found that self-reported effects such as lethargy and brain fog were reported the morning after using weed.

As you can see, there needs to be more research on how marijuana smoking and other delivery methods can cause weed hangovers to ensure users take cannabis effectively.

How to Get Rid of a Weed Hangover

If you're experiencing a weed hangover right now, just remember that the effects will go away on their own. There is no one weed hangover cure. Although you can't speed up the hangover symptoms, there are ways to find relief.

• Drink plenty of fluids: Keep water or a hydrating beverage by your side throughout your experience to avoid dry eyes, dry mouth, and headaches. Dehydration can make your head hurt and worsen symptoms. 
• Eat a balanced meal: A healthy meal goes a long way. Fruits and veggies should make up half of your plate, with a quarter reserved for whole grains, another quarter for protein, and some healthy fats. 
• Take a warm shower: If you're feeling out of it, a hot and steamy shower can relax your muscles and clear your mind the morning after overconsuming cannabis.
• Use pain relievers: If your headache doesn't disappear, tale an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Take CBD: Although the research isn't in yet, cannabidiol (CBD) is believed to offset many of the negative symptoms caused by the overconsumption of THC.
• Drink caffeine: If you're feeling groggy and out of sorts, a touch of caffeine, such as tea or coffee, can perk you up.

How to Prevent Weed Hangovers

Are weed hangovers preventable? Consuming cannabis does not always lead to hangover symptoms. Although the best way to avoid hangovers is not to consume cannabis, there are ways you can significantly decrease the risk of experiencing a weed hangover. 

• Don't mix weed with alcohol and other drugs: The effects of a cannabis hangover can be worsened when taken with alcohol or other drugs.
• Consider medication interactions: If you are taking a prescription medicine, consult your doctor to determine if cannabis will interact with your medication. 
• Start slow and low: Even If you are an experienced cannabis user, you should cautiously approach new products and consumption methods. You can react differently to different products, doses, and concentrations. Start with the lowest dose possible and gradually build up from there.
• Go with low THC or high CBD cannabis: THC is the primary cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects and the weed hangover symptoms. Strains or products low in THC and high in other cannabinoids, such CBD, may reduce the risk of harsh symptoms. 
• Reduce your use: Weed hangovers are more common in heavy users or people who overconsume weed. Choose a moderate amount to get the job done and avoid going overboard.
• Consider your tolerance: When possible, take days off your cannabis consumption habit to reduce the chances of building up a tolerance to THC, which can require higher doses and can cause withdrawal symptoms for some chronic users. 
• Don't smoke before big events: If you know you are prone to weed hangovers, avoid overconsuming cannabis before engaging in an activity that requires your full concentration and energy.

Weed Hangover vs. Alcohol Hangover

Compared to alcohol hangovers, weed hangovers are much milder. However, they may share similar symptoms, such as mild nausea, headaches, and mental fog. Alcohol hangovers, however, can have other symptoms, including trouble sleeping, low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. 

When You Regularly Experience Weed Hangovers

No one wants to feel nauseous, tired, and dizzy after consuming cannabis. In some cases, some heavy users experience cannabis hangovers regularly. If this is the case, cutting back and asking for help can be the best way to control and use cannabis effectively.

Although cannabis may not be physically addicting, it can cause mental dependence. Signs of cannabis use disorder include using it every day or nearly every day, experiencing cravings, increasing your use over time, and trying and failing to stop using it. 

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