You may have experienced that fuzzy, sluggish feeling the following day after a night of cannabis consumption. The confusion sets in - you didn’t drink alcohol, so why do you feel hungover? Don’t worry. You’re experiencing what’s commonly known as a weed hangover.
While cannabis is often seen as lower risk than drinking alcohol, and there’s limited research on hangover effects, they’re definitely a thing. Not everyone gets them, but some cannabis users find themselves dealing with noticeable “next day” effects.
The good news is, unlike full-blown alcohol hangovers, cannabis hangovers are usually manageable and short-lived. The lingering effects typically respond well to simple remedies; they’re often preventable.
Read on as we explore proven relief methods and prevention strategies to help you handle these uncomfortable side effects better.
How to Get Rid of a Weed Hangover Quickly: 6 Methods
It’s worth noting that time is the only proper remedy for a weed hangover. The symptoms of a weed hangover will eventually wear off on their own. However, there are steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable and functional and aid your body’s recovery process.
Stay Hydrated
The first step to recover from a weed hangover is to rehydrate. As you know, smoking marijuana and edibles can dry you out, leading to that annoying dry mouth(cottonmouth) and dry eyes. Also, headaches and fatigue worsen with dehydration, so grab that water bottle first.
Your hydration routine could include a mix of water, electrolyte-rich drinks, or herbal teas. These drinks work well to restore your body’s fluid balance.
Get Moving with Light Exercise
A gentle walk for fresh air or simple stretching can help with brain fog. Taking deep breaths during movement helps regulate blood pressure and send more oxygen to the brain.
However, there is a better time for heavy exercise. An intense workout might make you feel more tired and raise your heart rate uncomfortably. Keep it light!
Eat a Nutrient-Dense Meal
Your recovery needs the proper fuel. Start with a balanced breakfast. Try foods high in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, like an avocado toast or a smoothie bowl. Add some berries, nuts, or leafy greens.
This nutrient-rich meal helps your body process any remaining THC, stabilizes your blood sugar, and gives you the energy to shake off that groggy feeling.
Use Natural Remedies for Nausea and Headaches
Feeling queasy the following day after cannabis use? Ginger tea and light snacks can help soothe stomach upsets like nausea. Surprisingly, chewing some peppermint can ease digestive discomfort.
For headaches, an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen usually works. Follow the recommended dose and check with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
Take a Refreshing Shower
A shower the morning after smoking weed can revive you instantly. Hot water relaxes those tense muscles while steam opens your airways.
Pro tip:End your shower with a quick blast of cold water to help boost circulation and alertness.
Consider CBD
Some studiesshow CBD could help offset THC’s residual effects. A small dose of CBD tincture or gummies might balance your system and reduce any leftover anxiety. CBD blocks your brain’s cannabinoid receptors, which could reduce THC’s psychoactive effects.
What Causes Weed Hangovers?
A marijuana hangover occurs when the effects of cannabis linger beyond your evening session. There can be a few reasons for a weed hangover:
Dehydration
Dehydration is the main culprit, just like with alcohol. When you go to bed dehydrated, you’ll wake up feeling it even more, and that’s when you get that fuzzy morning feeling.
Overconsumption
Too much cannabis, especially edibles, can easily cause a hangover. Edibles are tricky - their delayed onset and longer-lasting effects make it easy to overdo it.
Individual Torelance
Your personal tolerance levels play a significant role. Each person processes tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) differently, so your friend might feel fine while you’re still foggy the next day.
Sleep Quality
Some cannabis strains, like sativas, can mess with your sleep patterns. When you get too high before bed, you might not cycle through sleep stages properly and wake up groggy and unfocused the next morning.
Are Weed Hangovers Preventable?
Fortunately, yes! Now that you understand the leading causes of a weed hangover, most preventive measures are tied to addressing these directly. Here’s how to minimize your chances of a rough morning:
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Dose Responsibly: Know your limits to avoid overconsumption. Start low and space out your doses, especially with edibles.
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Choose Your Strain Wisely:Lower THC levels strains are less likely to cause morning-after effects. Consider balanced THC/CBD Cannabis products, especially if you’re new to cannabis.
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Stay Hydrated:Make hydration a priority. As mentioned, dehydration is the leading cause of weed hangovers, so drink plenty of water before, during, and after using cannabis. Keep water nearby, and make it a habit to drink a full glass before bed.
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Avoid Mixing with Alcohol:Mixing cannabis and alcohol (known as crossfading) is a recipe for an intense hangover. Each substance amplifies the other’s effects, leading to more dehydration and worse morning-after symptoms.
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Time Your Consumption:Give your body 1-3 hours between your last use and bedtime. This buffer helps your system process the THC before sleep.
For some people, weed hangovers aren’t something they can avoid. Like prescription meds or even allergies, everyone’s body has limits on what it can handle. If you’re constantly dealing with weed hangovers and none of the tips above seem to help, it might just be a sign that THC isn’t the best fit for you. You could try giving CBD or other cannabinoids a shot to see how well you do.
Common Symptoms of Weed Hangovers
Curious about whether you’re actually dealing with a weed hangover? Let’s take a look at the signs you should watch for. Cannabis can affect each person differently, but people commonly report these symptoms:
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Brain fog
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Mild headache
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Pressure in your eyes
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Fatigue
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Dry mouth
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Dry eyes
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Mild nausea
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Lethargy
You might notice mental effects like mild anxiety or a disconnected feeling. These symptoms usually aren’t as severe as an alcohol hangover, but they can disrupt your day.
When to Seek Medical Help
Most weed hangovers can be handled at home, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
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Severe dizziness
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Ongoing vertigo
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Trouble breathing
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Chest tightness
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Extreme anxiety/panic attacks
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Fainting
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Symptoms that last more than 24 hours
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Severe vomiting
FAQ:
What is a stoneover?
A stoneover (also called a bong over) is just another name for a weed hangover. Think of it as cannabis slang for those fuzzy lingering effects you feel the day after marijuana use.
How long to sober up after smoking weed?
The peak effects from marijuana smoking or vaping usually fade after 1-2 hours. But those subtle after effects can stick around longer. THC levels drop significantly after 6 hours, but complete clarity might take up to 24 hours. Remember: These times are averages - your experience could be different.
Can a weed hangover feel the same as an alcohol hangover?
They’re pretty different. Cannabis hangovers are usually way gentler than alcohol hangovers. You won’t get the intense headaches or nausea that come with drinking too much. Weed hangover symptoms tend to be more about mental fog than physical misery. No porcelain throne required.
How long do cannabis hangovers last?
Cannabis hangovers usually clear up within 24 hours. Edible hangovers might last longer, sometimes up to a couple of days. Your recovery depends on how you consume it, your dose, and your personal tolerance.
Why do I feel hungover after taking edibles?
Edibles pack a stronger hangover punch because of how your body processes them. When you eat cannabis, your liver turns THC into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC.
Plus, edibles’ delayed effects make it easy to take too much by accident, which increases your chances of hangover symptoms.