The term hangover is often used to describe the residual effects of a long night of drinking. However, did you know that you may also experience a marijuana hangover? While there isn’t much research on the topic, overindulging in medical marijuana may lead to a less-than-pleasant next day.
Common Symptoms of a Marijuana Hangover
Despite having a similar name, alcohol hangovers aren’t the same as marijuana hangovers. Marijuana is a natural substance, while alcohol is a toxin. As a result, the symptoms of a marijuana hangover tend to be less severe. Still, symptoms of a marijuana hangover may include:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Irritated eyes
- Dry mouth (cotton mouth)
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Mild nausea
If you find yourself experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s a good idea to take a break from using cannabis and focus on rehydrating your body. Drink lots of water and eat healthy foods to help yourself feel better.
5 Simple Steps To Avoid a Marijuana Hangover
There is no magic cure for a marijuana hangover. However, the good news is marijuana hangovers typically do not last very long and are often less severe than alcohol hangovers.
Implementing these preventative measures may be your best bet for avoiding a marijuana hangover:
1. Drink Plenty of Water
If you want to avoid a marijuana hangover, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drinking water before, during, and after using cannabis may allow you to prevent symptoms of a marijuana hangover such as cotton mouth, headaches, and dry eyes. When using medical marijuana, it is also a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol may increase the severity of some marijuana hangover symptoms.
2. Eat Healthy Foods
Besides drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods is another great way to possibly avoid a marijuana hangover. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables will supply your body with the nutrients it needs to feel its best.
Marijuana use can affect your appetite. If you find yourself feeling hungry after using cannabis, try to eat healthy foods instead of junk food. Eating a healthy meal may help you avoid feeling sluggish the next day.
3. Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is always a good idea, but it may also allow you to avoid a marijuana hangover. For instance, getting your heart rate up and sweating may rid your body of toxins that could contribute to a marijuana hangover.
Physical activity may also clear your lungs and facilitate blood flow, leading to decreased brain fog. In addition, engaging in exercise may combat fatigue and make you feel alert and awake.
4. Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep
Making sure you get enough sleep is vital for your overall health and may also help you avoid a marijuana hangover. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night will give your body time to process the cannabis and reduce fatigue the next day.
5. Limit Your Consumption of THC
The best way to avoid a marijuana hangover is to consume cannabis in moderation. Start with a low dose and increase as needed. Be mindful of how much you consume and use caution when trying a new product or strain. Try using a strain low in THC if you are concerned about possible hangover effects.
How To Get Rid of a Marijuana Hangover
Although the above steps may help you avoid a marijuana hangover, sometimes, you may find yourself experiencing symptoms despite your best efforts. If this is the case, there are a few things you can do to try and feel better:
Stay Hydrated
Just like preventing a marijuana hangover, staying hydrated is key to getting rid of symptoms. So if you are experiencing a marijuana hangover, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. You may also want to try drinking sports drinks or juices to replenish electrolytes.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
If you wake up the next day with a marijuana hangover, try to eat a healthy breakfast. Eating nutritious foods may help you feel better and give you the energy to get through the day. Try eating whole-grain carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Get Some Fresh Air
Fresh air and sunshine may help you feel better if you are experiencing a marijuana hangover. Going for a walk or spending time outside may improve your mood and increase energy levels. Focus on deep breathing and taking in the fresh air to clear your head.
Try Drinking Ginger Tea
Drinking ginger tea may ease symptoms of a marijuana hangover, such as nausea. Ginger is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to help with various stomach issues. If you feel nauseous the morning after overindulging in cannabis, try sipping on some ginger tea or eating ginger chews.
Use CBD
CBD is known to lessen the psychoactive effects of THC while enhancing its medicinal benefits through something called the entourage effect. The entourage effect is when CBD and THC work together to produce a more balanced high. Therefore, using CDB may reduce some of the adverse side effects of consuming too much THC.
CBD may help with fatigue and headaches, two common symptoms of a marijuana hangover. You can find CBD in various forms, such as tinctures, oils, edibles, and topicals.
While these steps may not completely eliminate a marijuana hangover, they may lessen the symptoms and make the experience more tolerable. Time is the only true cure to a marijuana hangover, so be patient and ride it out. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest, and eat healthy foods to help your body recover faster.
Learn More About Medical Marijuana in Florida
By incorporating these tips into your medical marijuana treatment, you may avoid a marijuana hangover and enjoy the benefits medical marijuana offers. For more information on medical marijuana in Florida, contact MMTCFL.
We can help determine if you are eligible for treatment and walk you through the process of getting your Florida medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment online or take our eligibility survey to get started.