Ever toked up and ended up with a killer headache? Don’t sweat it; you’re not alone in this green misadventure. While weed’s great for zapping chronic pain, sometimes it brings its own party crasher - the dreaded cannabis headache.
Let’s face it, nobody’s signing up for a weed-induced migraine. Talk about a buzzkill, right? Whether you’re a newbie facing your first post-smoking headache or a seasoned toker tired of these recurring headaches, we’ve got your back.
Stick around as we dive into why cannabis use sometimes turns on you and, more importantly, how to show those headaches the door. Get ready for some tried-and-true tips to keep the good vibes rolling and the head pain at bay.
What Causes Cannabis Headaches?
Before we get to how to stop these pounding headaches, let’s hit on why they happen in the first place. Here are a few culprits behind cannabis-induced headaches.
Dehydration
One of the main reasons you might be having weed headaches is dehydration.
Yep, that’s right - smoking cannabis or vaping can dry you out big time and give you those nasty headaches.
When your body isn’t hydrated, your blood vessels can start to dilate, affecting your blood pressure, and that’s when you get that thumping in your head.
THC Sensitivity
Another factor could be your sensitivity to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that gets you feeling all kinds of groovy.
As the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC can interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, affect blood flow, and cause vascular changes that lead to headaches.
Certain strains with higher THC levels or cannabis products like concentrates might be more likely to cause headaches in those sensitive to this compound.
Strain Type
While we’re on the topic of THC and strains, it’s worth mentioning that the type of cannabis strain you’re smoking could also be a factor.
Just like some people can’t handle their tequila, others might be more sensitive to certain strains of cannabis. Terpene profile, cannabinoid ratios, and even growing conditions can all contribute to how your body reacts to a strain.
So, if you find a strain that consistently gives you a headache, it might be time to try a different one. Some cannabis users find that strains high in CBD (cannabidiol) are less likely to cause headaches.
Consumption Methods
How you consume your green matters, too. Smoking or vaping can irritate your airways, potentially triggering headaches, especially if you’re prone to sinus issues. Edibles might seem the safer bet, but their sneaky delayed onset can lead to accidental overconsumption.
Lastly, using medical marijuana to relieve migraine headaches might backfire and cause medication overuse headaches. This is especially true for chronic migraine patients who might be overusing cannabis as a relief tool and inadvertently increasing their headache episodes.
Weed Hangover
Ever woken up feeling like you’re still in a fog after a heavy session the night before? Welcome to the cannabis hangover club.
While not as brutal as its alcohol counterpart, a weed hangover can still leave you with a dull headache, fatigue, and brain fog. It’s usually caused by dehydration and overconsumption, especially with edibles.
Underlying Conditions
In some cases, cannabis-induced headaches could be a symptom of an underlying condition like reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS).
This is when your brain’s blood vessels suddenly constrict. Not just because of cannabis, mind you. Certain meds, caffeine, and even post-pregnancy can trigger it. But yes, cannabis is on that list.
The constriction can cause severe headaches known as a “thunderclap headache” and, in extreme cases, a stroke.
If you’re experiencing these intense, debilitating headaches, you need to seek medical advice immediately, as RCVS can be life-threatening.
Tips For Stopping Cannabis Headaches After Smoking
Now that we know what’s causing those post-weed headaches, let’s get to some practical tips to get rid of them and get back to enjoying your high.
Stay Hydrated: Drink Plenty of Water
This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s so important it had to be at the top of the list. Hydration is key to preventing and getting rid of those headaches.
Ensure you drink water before, during, and after your smoke sesh. Keep a water bottle nearby and take sips to keep those fluids moving and your head clear.
Eat Well
Not eating or not getting enough nutrients can also cause headaches, so make sure you’re feeding your body some good food. A balanced breakfast with whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats to keep your energy up and your head feeling good can remedy a weed hangover.
Take a Refreshing Shower
Sometimes, a little self-care can go a long way in getting rid of those post-cannabis headaches. Get in the shower, let the warm water work its magic, open up your airways, and relieve any sinus pressure that might be causing your headache.
Bonus points if you add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to the steam for extra refreshing and invigorating effects.
Take a Pain Reliever
If you’re having a terrible headache, don’t be afraid to reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
These pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and relieve that pounding in your head. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions and don’t mix with alcohol or other substances.
Massage Your Temples
Sometimes, a little bit of manual therapy can work wonders for a headache. Gently massage your temples and the base of your skull with your fingertips, applying gentle pressure in a circular motion.
This can help relieve tension and get blood flowing to the area, which can, in turn, get rid of that throbbing.
Preventing Adverse Effects of Cannabis
While the above tips will help you eliminate those headaches once they’ve already set in, it’s always better to try and prevent them from happening in the first place.
Here are some tips to help you avoid those post-weed migraines and enjoy your high without any side effects.
Select The Right Strain For Your Needs
As we mentioned above, the type of cannabis strain you’re smoking can have a significant impact on whether or not you get headaches.
If you get migraines or headaches, you might want to avoid strains that are high in THC and go for something with a more balanced THC-to-CBD ratio.
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help counteract the headache-causing effects of THC.
Choose The Right Consumption Method
As mentioned earlier, the way you consume your cannabis can also have an impact on whether or not you get headaches.
Smoking cannabis or vaping can irritate your respiratory system and trigger headaches, especially if you have sinus issues.
If this concerns you, consider alternative consumption methods like edibles or tinctures, which bypass the respiratory system altogether.
If you prefer smoking or vaping, investing in high-quality weed filters from MooseLabs can make a significant difference. These filters are designed to:
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Remove Harmful Contaminants: Enhance the purity of your smoke.
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Provide Smoother, Cleaner Hits: Enjoy a more pleasant experience.
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Potentially Reduce Headaches: Minimize discomfort for a better session.
Use Cannabis In Moderation: Know Your Limits
Look, we’re not here to preach or rain on your cannabis parade, but moderation is essential when it comes to avoiding those post-weed headaches.
Overconsumption, especially with edibles or concentrates, can exacerbate adverse effects and leave you with a pounding head that’ll ruin your high.
Listen to your body, start with a low dose, go slow, and find that sweet spot to enjoy the benefits without the side effects. This approach is essential for medical marijuana patients who are using cannabis for pain relief or other wellness purposes.
Also read: How to quickly sober up from weed.
Avoid Mixing Cannabis With Alcohol
We know – sometimes a cold brew or a glass of vino can be the perfect addition to your sesh. But here’s the thing: mixing cannabis and alcohol can be a recipe for disaster, especially when it comes to headaches.
Not only can alcohol dehydrate you (which, as we’ve learned, is a major cause of cannabis headaches), but it can also amplify the psychoactive effects of THC and make the whole experience more intense and unpleasant. This is known as being “cross-faded”.
It’s best to enjoy each substance separately to avoid the compounded effects that can lead to greening out or worse.
FAQ:
Can Cannabis Really Cause Headaches?
Yes, while medical cannabis is often used to treat headaches, it can also cause them in some individuals. The effects of cannabis can vary greatly depending on the individual, the strain, and the consumption method.
What Is a Weed Hangover?
A weed hangover, also known as a cannabis hangover, refers to the unpleasant symptoms that some cannabis users experience the next day after consuming cannabis. These can include fatigue, brain fog, dry mouth, and – you guessed it – headaches.
How Do I Know If I Had a Thunderclap Headache?
Suppose you get a sudden, severe headache that peaks in 60 seconds. In that case, it’s a thunderclap headache, described as the worst headache pain. If you get a Thunderclap headache, get medical help, as it can be life-threatening.
What Does Greening Out Feel Like?
Greening out, also known as “whiting out” or “greening,” involves feeling nauseous and anxious and experiencing a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, sweating, and – you guessed it – headaches. It occurs from consuming too much THC.
If you are greening out, staying calm, hydrating, and riding in a safe and comfortable environment is essential. Some cannabis users report that CBD can help counteract the effects of THC in these situations.
Why Do Sativas Give Me a Headache?
Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. Still, for some people, they can also trigger headaches or migraines.
This is probably due to the higher levels of THC in many sativa strains and the increased cerebral blood flow and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) associated with this type of cannabis.
If Sativas give you headaches, you might want to try indica or hybrid strains instead, which tend to be more relaxing and pain relieving. Consult budtenders at reputable dispensaries for advice on strain selection and marijuana use.
How Long Does It Take for a Cannabis Headache to Go Away?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It could be a couple of hours or a full day. The key is to stay hydrated, rest, and use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Suppose your headache persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. In that case, consulting with healthcare professionals is always a good idea.