jason-crawford

Medically Reviewed by
Jason Crawford

Article Last Updated on December 31, 2022

If consuming edibles or smoking a marijuana cigarette is one of your preferred ways to relax after a tense day at the office, you’re not alone. Recent legalization laws have led to an increase in cannabis use and overconsumption of cannabis around the US, and long-term users know that sometimes this is accompanied by some side effects.

If you’ve ever woken up with some of cannabis’ side effects like a headache, dizziness, disorientation, bloodshot eyes, and dry mouth, you’ve probably wondered if you’re experiencing a weed hangover. But can marijuana use cause a marijuana hangover?

In the next few paragraphs, we’ll focus on answering that exact question. You’ll find out whether a trip to the local dispensary and a few cannabis edibles can make you feel hungover the next day, including what you can do to quickly recover.

The 411 on Weed Hangovers

Smoking weed can cause a number of lingering after-effects (a weed hangover), although even the worst weed hangover isn’t as bad as an alcohol hangover. Once you light up and start smoking, a number of physiological and psychological changes ensue. Cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) enter the bloodstream and bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors as part of the endocannabinoid system, and produce the psychoactive and sedative effects, or the “high.”

A lot of users have pleasant and enjoyable effects after smoking weed, although that isn’t always the case. For those who consume high-THC strains, or consume cannabis in large quantities, the residual effects can be felt the following day, which is otherwise known as a weed hangover.

The Common Symptoms of a Weed Hangover

Different people can get different cannabis hangover symptoms – while some can experience severe symptoms like rebound headaches, others will only experience cottonmouth. Generally, the most common symptoms of a weed hangover are:

  • Brain fog;
  • Lethargy;
  • Fatigue;
  • Red eyes (bloodshot eyes);
  • Dry mouth (cottonmouth);
  • Dry eyes;
  • Headaches;
  • Nausea.

What Do Studies Say About Weed Hangovers?

Scientists have been researching the effects of weed hangover since 1985. The 1985 study reviewed the hangover effects among 13 smokers out of which half were given cannabis with 2.9% THC levels, and the others received a placebo. After the smoking session and nine hours after the session, the participants were asked to do tasks like card sorting and recall. The researchers concluded that the smokers who consumed cannabis had hangover effects.

Another study done a few years later involved cannabis with 2.1% THC levels and showed different results. 12 regular cannabis smokers were given a placebo during one weekend, and active cannabis during the next. The next day, the participants performed tests in order to measure the residual effects of weed, and found that the weed didn’t produce any hangover effects.

A recent study done on medical cannabis users who take cannabis for chronic pain showed that some of the patients experienced side effects the next day. The effects were described as feeling sluggish and non-alert the next morning. 

However, the THC levels in weed have increased significantly from the studies done in 1985. Today, cannabis is more potent, and patients who use medical cannabis know that they may experience some residual effects as a result of using it.

What Can Cause a Weed Hangover?

There are a few factors that can cause you to feel hungover the next day after a smoking session.

High Doses of THC

Consuming moon rocks, weed with high levels of THC, potent weed brownies, or a potent THC concentrate will increase your chances of a weed hangover the next day. Even though the peak of the high is between 1-3 hours after consumption, consuming edibles results in delayed effects since the cannabis needs to go through the digestive tract.

Smoking

Compared to vaping, and other methods of consumption, smoking can cause more residual effects in cannabis users. Similar to smoking tobacco, smoking cannabis can result in a foggy and lethargic feeling the next morning. 

The Munchies

Cannabis activates the hunger hormones in the body causing a case of the munchies. These effects can cause cannabis users to head to the fridge and consume a lot of food (snacks especially). Overeating high levels of fats and sugar will result in fogginess and irritability the next day.

How to Recover After a Weed Hangover

To get through a weed hangover, follow the tips below.

Drink Water

Proper hydration levels will help you get through a weed hangover faster. Make sure you hydrate yourself the next morning and prevent dry mouth and eyes. Maintain adequate hydration levels throughout the day in order to get back to normal faster.

Drink Coffee

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and helps to relieve headaches, so along with water, it’s the perfect drink to consume after an evening smoking session. You’ll feel focused in no time if you just brew yourself a cup of coffee in the morning.

Take a Shower

Steam helps to wake you up and feel refreshed and clean the next morning and will give you an additional psychological boost, so a shower in the morning is a perfect option to release some endorphins and combat your weed hangover.

Eat Breakfast

A healthy breakfast with oats and fruit will raise your mood, balance your blood sugar, and give you enough energy for the next few hours.

Take CBD Oil

CBD oil can help you prevent the fogginess caused by the lingering THC in your body. Along with a brisk walk, and some eye drops to fight red eyes, CBD oil can help you feel better in no time.

Final Thoughts on How You Can Avoid a Weed Hangover

It’s always best to prevent instead of cure a weed hangover and start your day just right. While the best option is not smoking weed the night before, there are a few other options how you can avoid being hungover the following day that don’t involve quitting weed.

Using strains that have a lower percentage of THC will be your best option for avoiding a weed hangover. Strains with low-THC and high-CBD levels will provide a clear-headed and relaxing high without the risk of hangover in the morning.

Please note that mixing cannabis with other substances or alcohol is a really bad option since the effects of THC will only be heightened. Make sure you stick to just cannabis to minimize the negative effects the next day.

Also, if you’re planning on consuming weed the evening before, make sure you smoke earlier in the evening. That way, the THC will have enough time clear out of your system, and you’ll feel well rested and energized in the morning.

Finally, whatever you do, don’t consume more weed than you can tolerate. Knowing how much you can handle and sticking to your limits will be the best way to prevent a hangover the next day.

Happy smoking!

A passionate advocate for the benefits of cannabis. Fraser Horton, who has a background in botany and a strong love of nature, has spent years researching how cannabis affects the body and mind. He established Leaf Nation in 2020, where he has devoted himself to educating people about the legalisation of marijuana and its safe and responsible use. Fraser is committed to highlighting cannabis’ potential for improving wellness and working to dispel the stigma associated with its use.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs.