The Cannabis Hangover: Understanding and Managing After Effects

A cannabis hangover occurs when your body is processing residual cannabinoids from cannabis use and the system’s endocannabinoids return to baseline. While the main effects of THC may have worn off, cannabinoids and metabolites can remain in your system for hours leading to some subtle and not-so-subtle effects on your cognition and vitality. With a cannabis hangover, you experience many symptoms such as: mental fog, lethargy, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating on tasks. The physical symptoms may include dry eyes, dry mouth, and fatigue.

Who’s Likely to Experience a Cannabis Hangover?

Occasional users often report more robust hangovers than daily consumers, perhaps, because daily consumers build some tolerance through chronic exposure to cannabinoids. The severity of the hangover is influenced by the potency and amount consumed. Some high-THC products, such as edible cannabis products, are worse for hangovers than others. Dabbing concentrates can also leave your body feeling extremely “slow” the next day, especially after a substantial cannabis flower session.

Cannabis Strain Differences and Hangover Severity

Heavy Indicas, especially those with high myrcene contents, are known to produce a much heavier lagging lethargic hangover. Sativa strains are less likely to produce a hangover experience in terms of physical fatigue, but may leave the user with a mental hangover. Users may report feelings of mental scattering or difficulty focusing, or palpitations from a bad sativa hangover.

Cannabis Hangover Prevention Techniques that Work

Preventing a cannabis hangover starts with being aware of what you consume. Hydration is important, since cannabis can dry you out and may add to some of the hangover symptoms. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and evening, before, during, and after your session will prepare your body and eliminate cannabinoids more effectively. Consuming cannabis too close to bedtime can impact sleep quality. Try to allow at least 3-4 hours between your last dose of cannabis and sleep to give your body time to recover. Using vaporized flowers can have more controlled dosing than edibles, and allow you to feel effects in real time. If you are consuming edibles, start out with a low dose, such as 2.5-5mg THC and wait at least 2 hours before considering if more is needed.

Hangover Recovery Techniques for the Next Day

A light exercise such as taking a short walk can help activate your circulation and metabolize the remaining cannabinoids left in your body. Having a balanced breakfast with protein and complex carbohydrates can help give you energy and regulate your blood sugar levels. Hydration is equally important. Drinking plenty of water will flush out THC metabolites and if you consume electrolyte drinks, it can address some of your mineral imbalances. A small amount of caffeine can try to assist with mental clarity but too much can potentially have an opposite effect and increase anxiety. Understanding your own tolerance to cannabis and knowing your own response patterns to cannabis can help know how to consume responsibly.

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