Hangovers are most typically associated with alcohol, but did you know that you can also get a marijuana hangover?
A ‘high hangover’ (or a THC hangover more specifically) is most common, but you can actually get a pot hangover from other cannabinoids like delta-8 and CBD depending on your tolerance, method of consumption, and regularity of use.
Because we always want to make sure you’re having a great cannabis experience, we’re here to break down exactly what a cannabis hangover is, as well as how to cure a weed hangover so you can fully enjoy your day after a sizeable sesh.
What is a Weed Hangover?
We know what you’re thinking: wait, seriously? Can you get a hangover from weed? It may seem impossible, but surprisingly, the answer is yes, you can get a hangover from weed.
But thankfully, it’s nothing like an alcohol-related hangover. In this instance, the term hangover is being used to describe any lingering, next-day effects of cannabis use, which can actually be surprisingly common. Alcohol and cannabis react with the body in completely different ways, so they feel nothing alike.
Since alcohol directly interacts with the liver, an alcohol hangover is way more severe and can result in symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lethargy
- Severe dehydration
- Muscle shakes/tremors
- Increased anxiety
Weed hangovers feel markedly different. Since cannabinoids interact directly with your brain, most users have reported the day-after effects of a heavy night of smoking or taking super-strong edibles as:
- Prolonged lethargy
- Foggy-headedness
- Dizziness
- Feelings of unsteadiness or ‘wobbliness’
This happens most commonly with delta 9 THC since it’s the cannabinoid that has the strongest effect on the body, but some users with lower tolerances have even reported instances of weed hangovers after consuming heavy amounts of delta 8 or CBD.
Sometimes weed hangovers can go away on their own, but depending on how much you consumed the night before, it may linger for a bit too long for your liking. That’s why it’s important to know how to not only shake off a weed hangover, but prevent them altogether.
How to Get Rid of a Weed Hangover
If you’re a stoner who wants to make sure you’re not feeling any ill effects the next day, we’re here to teach you how to get rid of a weed hangover, as well as a few ways to help you prevent them altogether.
Sleep it Off
This method is usually the easiest since weed hangovers are notoriously for making you feel super sleepy the next day. If you don’t have plans for the day, try to let yourself sleep it off a bit. There’s no physical way to get THC out of your system other than time, so letting your body sleep some time away will allow you to process the THC and reduce the intensity of the effects. If you don’t have all day to sleep, even just a quick power nap can take the edge off the extreme sleepiness.
Get Your Blood Pumping
Pretty much the exact opposite of sleeping it off, you can also try getting your blood pumping. Sometimes fighting tiredness with physical activity is the only way to ward it off, so this can help to get you feeling more awake and alert. Even just getting up and moving around the house can help to wake you up a bit and help you feel a little better!
Make Sure You’re Hydrated
Stoner culture and hydration culture go hand-in-hand (shout out to all the fellow r/hydrohomies.) Every stoner knows that the number one most important thing to do while smoking or spending the day/night cruising on edibles is to stay hydrated. So, make sure you stick to this rule before, during, and after your seshes, and it can have a massive impact on how you feel the next day.
Eat a Well-balanced Meal
Hangovers of any kind, in general, will have different effects on individuals depending on a lot of factors––but one of the most important ones includes overall health. The physically healthier you are, the easier it is for your body to metabolize any substance you introduce to it, making the next day’s hangovers less severe.
One way to ensure your body has the proper fuel to do this is to make sure you’re not only eating enough, but eating in a well-balanced fashion. Having food in your stomach will help you to feel better in general when you’re feeling day-after ickiness, but try to make conscious choices when you’re making a hungover culinary feast. Use that stoner ingenuity to make a dish that will satisfy the hangover but also properly fuel your body.
Try Caffeine
If you just can’t shake the brain fog and lethargy, you might need something to put some pep in your step. Coffee––or any source of caffeine––can do wonders for some next-day sleepiness. We know a lot of people are sensitive to caffeine, so you can always try something like an herbal, low-caffeine, or even a caffeine-free tea that can help to calm the nerves and soothe the soul.
(If you’re going to do this one, it’s extra important to remember step 3. Caffeine can exacerbate dehydration, so make sure to pair your caffeinated beverage with water.)
Shower and Self-care
If all else fails, it may be time for a self-care day. If you’re able to take a day of rest and restoration, this may be the perfect opportunity to do so. Take a hot shower, lay in bed, put on a comforting movie or TV show, read a book, or play a game, and let yourself relax.
So can you get a hangover from weed? Yes. Sometimes our body tells us that we need rest before we even know we need it, so if you’re feeling particularly icky after a day of smoking, maybe it’s just best for you to take it easy! Weed hangovers rarely last for more than a day, so you should be good to go after a day of rest and relaxation.
**(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)
Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.
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