How to recover from a weed hangover

You may associate a hangover with alcohol, but it is possible for marijuana to have similar effects the next day. The difference between an alcohol hangover and a weed hangover lies in the symptoms. While nausea, dehydration, and insomnia are commonly experienced among those with alcohol hangovers, the hangover effects of too much cannabis may differ.

Here you'll learn all about the causes and symptoms of weed hangovers, what the experts say on the subject, how to treat weed hangovers, and how to prevent them.

What is a weed hangover?

Weed hangovers occur when you consume more than your personal limit of marijuana. Only you know exactly what that means for your body as tolerance levels vary greatly from one individual to another. Some other factors that influence whether you get a hangover and what the severity will be include the strain you consumed and the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Cannabis with higher levels of THC makes hangovers more likely, especially if you have consumed beyond your tolerance level.

Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Further, you are more likely to experience a hangover if you have consumed edibles as they metabolize slowly in the body and may still be active the next morning. A pot brownie or cannabis cookie, then, may cause more hangover symptoms than a joint. If you are making edibles, be sure to stick to a recipe that won't push your limits. Marijuana smoking or vaping, overall, is less likely to lead to a hangover, although the possibility does exist.

Common weed hangover symptoms may include:

• Brain fog and inability to focus
• Dull, persistent headache
• Dry, itchy eyes
• Grogginess or fatigue
• Cottonmouth (but not systemic dehydration as occurs after drinking too much alcohol)
• Sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises
• Lingering sensation of being high

What causes weed hangovers?

Overconsumption of cannabis, particularly strains high in mood-altering THC, is the main cause of a marijuana hangover. Strains that contain 20% or more THC are the most likely culprits. Some of these THC-heavy strains include White Fire OG, Sour Diesel, Chemdog, and, not surprisingly, Amnesia Haze.

Other lifestyle factors may also affect how you feel the day after cannabis use. A poor diet and lack of exercise can make someone more susceptible to feeling ill after a night of indulgence. The healthier your lifestyle, the more likely it is for your body chemistry to be in balance and have the ability to stave off ill effects.

Finally, how often you consume marijuana could influence the likelihood of a hangover. Regular cannabis consumers may want to cut back on their usage and practice moderation. For example, someone who is consuming marijuana daily may want to cut back to every other day or exclusively on weekends to keep hangovers at bay and potentially eliminate them. Changing the time of day you consume cannabis is another possible experiment. Try consuming early in the evening rather than late at night and see if there is any change.

Research on weed hangovers

A number of older scientific studies offer insight into the residual effects of smoking weed and the associated biological processes. For example, a 2006 study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine showed that marijuana use decreases saliva secretion, which can explain dry mouth. A lack of saliva in the mouth does not, however, lead to or signify full-body dehydration, a departure from the aftermath of over consuming alcohol.

An earlier study published in 1985 in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found immediate effects, such as increased heart rate along with altered performance in behavioral tasks. These tasks included sorting cards and free recall. Researchers noted that there were some possible hangover indications, but, "the precise nature and extent of these effects, as well as their practical implications, remain to be determined." The subjects, all male as in the 1998 study, received either placebo joints or marijuana cigarettes containing just 2.9% THC. The results could have been quite different if the THC content had been higher or, again, if a wider and more heterogeneous sample population had been tested.

Very little additional research exists on this topic. Clearly, fresh studies and perspectives are needed. 

Research aside, you know your body and you know if you are experiencing a hangover. So, if a marijuana hangover hits, what can you do to recover from it?

How do I get over a weed hangover?

Though you might be tempted to stay in bed all day, the most effective way to shake off the unwanted after effects of excess cannabis consumption is to move your body. Another key component of the recovery process is healthy food, along with hydration, relaxation, and if you are so inclined, meditation.

Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Here are five healthy home remedies to help you conquer a weed hangover and feel better in the process.

1. Get out in the fresh air and take a brisk walk. Breathe deeply as you walk, flooding the brain and lungs with a new supply of oxygen, and clearing away any mental fogginess. Walk for at least 20 minutes and up to an hour to maximize the positive effects.
2. Roll out a yoga mat and do a few gentle stretches while focusing on cleansing, deep breaths. Back bends that open the chest and allow the body to take in more oxygen are especially beneficial. A brief five-minute period of meditation and visualization can round out your yoga practice and leave you feeling invigorated.
3. Eat a power breakfast, whether that means a homemade omelet or a vegan bowl of steel-cut oatmeal and fresh berries. Whatever you choose, keep it minimally processed and nourish your body with nutrient-rich food.
4. A tall glass of water is a basic way to combat any hangover, but you might want to elevate it to the next level with a caffeine infusion. Coffee or tea can help stimulate the mind and give your body a much needed energy boost. If a headache persists, lemon water with an over-the-counter pain reliever could offer quick relief.
5. If you can't bring yourself to eat or exercise, simply step into a cool shower and refresh your senses with soothing water. The pressure from the water can have therapeutic effects, massaging and easing tight muscles.
6. Get some rest. Keep eliminating the hangover throughout the day by practicing healthy habits including balanced eating and moderate exercise. When the sun goes down, consider going to bed a bit earlier than usual, and abstain from consuming or smoking marijuana until you're feeling in peak condition. 
7. Apply a CBD topical. While you're on the mend, consider applying CBD oil to affected areas such as the temples or neck if you feel any lingering discomfort. Topical CBD preparations can relieve pain in some individuals.

Can I prevent a weed hangover?

The best way to prevent a marijuana hangover is to know your personal limits and adhere to them. Smoking rather than consuming edibles is another strategy that may work. In addition, seek out strains that are lower in THC. There are many strains geared towards beginners and others who may be more sensitive to the effects of THC. Cannabidiol (CBD) also works to balance some of the effects of THC so look for high-CBD strains. The higher the ratio of CBD to THC, the less likely you are to feel hungover.

If you are using marijuana alongside alcohol and tobacco, try curbing the use of the latter two products and see if that makes a difference. If you continue to feel unwell after using marijuana, consult with your healthcare provider to see if there could be an underlying medical issue.

In the end, knowing and honoring your body's boundaries is the best way to prevent marijuana hangovers while enjoying the many potential benefits of the plant.

Major contributions from Dr. Adie Rae.