Hangover Relief: Does Weed Help a Hangover?

Nobody likes a hangover, the headaches, nausea, hangxiety and fatigue suck!

Its still the weekend after a Friday or Saturday night out with the friends, and I want to enjoy the day.

While there are many supposed remedies for this discomfort, one method that is gaining popularity is cannabis consumption. But is using cannabis actually effective in alleviating alcohol hangover symptoms?

Many people find that THC helps with hangovers, but whats the best product for this?

In this blog post, we'll delve into the scientific effects of both excessive alcohol consumption and cannabis consumption to determine whether this method is truly a viable solution.

Article Highlight

• Hangovers can cause various unpleasant symptoms and research has shown that some THC products may be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of hangovers.
• While smoking weed may provide some relief for certain hangover symptoms, it is important to note that smoking or consuming marijuana can have its own set of side effects, including increased heart rate, dry mouth, and impaired coordination.
• To alleviate hangover symptoms, a combination of strategies such as hydration, rest, over-the-counter medications, and nutrient-rich foods may be helpful. Seeking medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms is also important.

Understanding Hangovers

Hangovers are a common occurrence for those who have had too much alcohol. While the symptoms can vary from person to person, there are seven common hangover symptoms that most people experience. These seven symptoms for a hangover are the following:

1. Headaches
2. Fatigue
3. Nausea
4. Sensitivity to light and sound
5. Difficulty concentrating
6. Mood swings
7. Upset stomach
8. Hangxiety

The exact reason why alcohol causes these symptoms is not fully understood, but research suggests that it may be due to factors. These factors may include dehydration, low blood sugar, and an inflammatory response affecting blood vessels.

Alcohol can also interfere with sleep cycle, leading to restless sleep and causing fatigue the next day - which could make a hangover worse. Additionally, it can irritate the stomach lining, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

To alleviate hangover symptoms, drinking water can help hydrate the body and improve energy levels. Consuming sugary foods may also counteract the effects of low blood sugar, which is another hangover symptom. While scientific research suggests that anti-inflammatory medication may help improve and reduce symptoms of a hangover, relying solely on medication is not recommended due to not enough clinical study.

If experiencing a hangover, it's essential to rest and take care of the body until the symptoms subside.

The Effects of Cannabis

Decades ago, cannabis products such as weed were once considered an illegal drug with no medicinal value. However, recent studies and anecdotal evidence has found that cannabis sativa plants contain numerous chemical compounds called cannabinoids that offer a range of benefits.

Some people believe that smoking cannabis can alleviate hangover symptoms. Anecdotal evidence suggests it can reduce nausea, provide pain relief, and improve mood, giving individuals an extra boost to start their day.

The effects of cannabis use can vary depending on these factors:

1. How much THC is consumed
2. If smoking, the strain of cannabis can affect how you respond
3. Are you smoking or taking an edible?
4. How many other non-THC cannabinoids are in your product
5. Individual biochemistry affects how you respond, some people may get sleepy, while others may get energized

However, research on its effectiveness as a hangover remedy is limited and mixed. Cannabis can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, increased heart rate, and impaired cognitive function, which may worsen hangover symptoms.

Since the growth of the hemp industry, many new products on the market do not require smoking weed, which means you can still get the benefits without some of the negative side effects.

Cannabis and Nausea

Cannabis has been found to be effective in treating nausea in various medical contexts, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This is thought to be due to the activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain that help regulate the body's natural processes that control nausea and vomiting. However, evidence on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating hangover-related nausea is mixed, and the type and dosage of cannabis used can significantly impact its effects.

However, other cannabinoids can also reduce the feelings of nausea. A popular new natural alternative is using CBDA for nausea, due to its high absorption and unique serotonin receptor activities.

Cannabis and Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of hangovers, and cannabis has been used to treat headaches in various contexts, including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Cannabis can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches in some individuals, possibly due to the activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain that help regulate pain perception. However, evidence on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating hangover headaches is limited, and its side effects may worsen hangover symptoms in some individuals.

Consuming Cannabis for Hangover

When consuming cannabis, it's important to use good quality strains and to smoke in moderation. THC and CBD are two of the most well-known cannabinoids in cannabis, with different effects on the body.

What should you look for in a cannabis product for hangovers?

When people ask, we typically recommend an edible over smoking because you know what dose your getting. Also, smoking can cause inflammation as well!

Here are some top items to look for in a THC product for hangovers:

• How much THC? Whether its Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC, you should know what your typical limits are. If you are new to THC, we recommend staying under 5mg. You can always take more later if necessary.
• Choose an edible over smoking? While smoking weed does get you the fast relief, the heat and other compounds from the smoke can also increase inflammation. We typically recommend an edible, such as CBDA with Delta 8 THC gummies, and these can take around 30 minutes to an hour to kick in.
• What about other cannabinoids? THC alone is not great for its mental effects, we always suggest to take a product that has CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) or CBD (cannabidiol), typically in at least a 1:1 ratio.

THC is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects, while CBD and CBDA are non-psychoactive they also have therapeutic benefits. It's important to be mindful of how cannabis affects your body and to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional if you're using it to treat a medical condition.

Other Strategies for Hangover Relief

Hangovers are no fun, and while cannabis may provide some relief for certain hangover symptoms, it's important to approach hangover relief holistically and use a combination of strategies to help alleviate symptoms.

Here are some additional strategies for hangover relief:

1. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help rehydrate the body and alleviate symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
2. Rest: Getting enough rest and sleep can help the body recover from a hangover. Consider taking a nap or a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) to soothe aches and pains.
3. Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help alleviate headaches and body aches. We should note that taking acetaminophen is not recommended after alcohol consumption since in higher doses it can cause liver complications.
4. Nutrient-rich foods: Eating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help replenish the body's stores of essential vitamins and minerals.

Smoking cannabis in combination with these strategies may provide more comprehensive relief for hangover symptoms. For example, drinking plenty of water can help counteract the dehydrating effects of cannabis, while rest can help the body metabolize cannabis more effectively.

It's important to note that not all hangover symptoms can be alleviated with these strategies, and some symptoms may require medical attention. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seeking medical advice is important.

Additionally, suppose you choose to use cannabis for hangover relief. In that case, it's important to use it in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional if you're using it to treat a medical condition.

Conclusion

To sum up, although scientific research on the effectiveness of smoking weed as a hangover cure is limited, there are many anecdotal reports of its positive impact. It is crucial to keep in mind that smoking weed may not be suitable for everyone and should be used in moderation without combining it with alcohol or other drugs.

Like any substance, it is important to use it responsibly and seek medical advice before using it. Ultimately, the decision to use smoking weed as a hangover remedy is a personal one that requires careful consideration and informed decision-making.