Hangovers are a familiar and unpleasant experience for many of us who have indulged in a few too many drinks the night before. We’ve all heard the traditional remedies for hangovers – drink plenty of water, eat greasy food, take painkillers, etc. But what about the use of marijuana as a hangover cure? Could weed be the secret cure for that pounding headache, queasy stomach, and overall feeling of regret after a night of heavy drinking?
In this blog, we delve into the science behind hangovers and marijuana use to explore whether this age-old remedy holds any merit. From the potential benefits of THC and CBD to the risks associated with combining cannabis and alcohol, we examine the evidence to help you decide [UU1] whether weed is a viable option for easing the symptoms of your next hangover.
Why are Hangovers the Worst?
Well, the answer to this is simple. A hangover is generally made up of a few elements that make it utterly unpleasant to deal with. We will discuss what they are and why alcohol causes them.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes increased urination and ultimately leads to dehydration. This can result in dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
Headaches
Alcohol is a toxin that can cause damage and irritation to cells in the body, and when it’s broken down by the liver, it produces an even more toxic chemical called acetaldehyde. Luckily, the body has a defense mechanism called glutathione that helps limit the damage caused by acetaldehyde. However, when we drink too much, glutathione levels drop, and acetaldehyde levels rise, which causes headaches.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Alcohol can also cause low blood sugar levels, a condition is known as hypoglycemia, particularly in people with alcohol use disorder who binge drink and fail to eat properly over several days. As the body processes alcohol, it produces lactic acid, which can reduce blood sugar production, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, sweating, hunger, and tremors.
Stomach Irritation
One of the most common symptoms of a hangover is stomach irritation, which can cause discomfort, nausea, and even vomiting. This is because alcohol irritates the stomach lining and increases acid production in the digestive system.
Lack of Sleep
After a night of drinking, you might find yourself feeling groggy and tired despite getting a full night’s sleep. This is because alcohol can disrupt your sleep, making it harder for you to feel rested. Alcohol inhibits the production of glutamine, a substance that acts as a stimulant and keeps people awake.
So this begs the next question; is it good or bad to smoke when hungover?
The question of whether or not smoking marijuana while experiencing a hangover is advisable remains a topic of debate, especially on Reddit, where posts such as this go into detail about its effects. The answer is subjective and varies based on the individual’s preferences and the intensity of their hangover. So, we will explore the advantages and three possible disadvantages that should be taken into account.
6 Ways Weed Can Help Hangovers
While there are plenty of remedies that claim to cure a hangover, none quite compare to the power of marijuana as a hangover cure. Here are six amazing ways how weed can help alleviate hangover symptoms!
1. Soothe Your Stomach with a Little Herb
Nausea can be one of the most unpleasant symptoms of a hangover or other ailments like motion sickness or food poisoning. Cannabis may offer some relief in this case. Along with its pain-relieving properties, cannabis has been found to have antiemetic effects, making it a potential solution for reducing nausea and vomiting.
According to a recent study by the University of New Mexico, cannabis can provide almost immediate relief from nausea symptoms, with further benefits over time. However, it’s worth noting that cannabis flowers and concentrates tend to work better than edibles. So, next time you’re feeling queasy, consider giving weed and hangover relief a try to soothe your stomach!
2. Purify Your Body with a Natural Detoxifier
After a night of drinking, your body may feel sluggish and weighed down by the toxins and inflammation caused by alcohol. But did you know that cannabis can help cleanse and revitalize your system?
As a natural detoxifier and anti-inflammatory, cannabis may help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation in the body. Juicing with cannabis or using a cannabis-infused ingredient can be a healthy and effective way to incorporate this powerful plant into your detox routine!
3. Get Your Appetite Back in Action
When you’re hungover, the last thing you want to think about is food. Nausea, dehydration, and a general feeling of discomfort all contribute to a loss of appetite. If you don’t want to eat your green vegetables, then the other greens can help you fight the hangover!
Cannabis is famous for its ability to induce “the munchies,” which can be a real boon when you’re struggling to eat. But how does it work? Well, it turns out that cannabis can trigger the release of a hormone called ghrelin, which is responsible for stimulating hunger. This means that even if you don’t feel like eating, cannabis can give you the nudge you need to get your appetite back on track!
4. Catch Some Z’s with Weed
It’s next to impossible to catch some much-needed sleep when you get a hangover. By helping you catch some much-needed sleep, certain strains of cannabis can help you wake up feeling refreshed and energized, ready to take on the day.
Whether you prefer a relaxing Indica or a mellow sativa, incorporating weed and cannabis relief into your sleep routine can help you achieve the deep, restful sleep you need to banish your hangover misery!
5. Cast Away Hangover Fatigue with Cannabis
If you’re feeling sluggish and drained after a night of heavy drinking, cannabis might just give you the energy boost you need to power through the day. Alcohol can leave you dehydrated, leading to fatigue and decreased metabolism. But research shows that cannabis can help to kickstart your metabolism, leading to a boost in energy levels and reduced fatigue.
The active cannabinoids in cannabis interact with your endocannabinoid system, helping to increase your body’s natural energy and reducing feelings of lethargy.
6. Get Some Happy Endorphins
While alcohol can temporarily boost serotonin and dopamine levels during the night of drinking, it often leads to lower levels the next day, leaving you feeling anxious or depressed.
Fortunately, cannabis can help you bounce back from a hangover and improve your mood. THC is known to provide an uplifting effect, but it’s not the only cannabinoid that can help. Anandamide, a cannabinoid naturally produced in our bodies, is known to provide a calming effect and enhance mood. While AAH enzymes typically break down anandamide in our system, cannabidiol (CBD) can inhibit those enzymes, allowing anandamide to attach to receptors in our brain and provide a calming effect. By enjoying the different cannabinoids found in cannabis together, you can experience the Entourage Effect, the overstimulation of senses, and the high that’s synonymous with weed. This is one of the most remarkable effects of cannabis on hangovers!
Drawbacks of Cannabis for Alleviating Hangover Symptoms
· Both alcohol and marijuana have the potential to impair cognitive function. When used together, the effects may be intensified, leading to further impairment. When it comes to being alert or performing mentally demanding tasks, smoking weed while experiencing a hangover might not be the most appropriate course of action.
· Dehydration is a common occurrence during hangovers, and smoking marijuana can exacerbate this condition by further dehydrating the body. Exacerbating your hangover symptoms through this behavior can potentially result in heightened discomfort and prolonged unease.
· Marijuana’s sedative properties can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and grogginess during a hangover. If you have tasks or responsibilities to take care of, this may not be the most suitable option.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing a hangover, there’s nothing that can make it vanish immediately. However, cannabis has proved to be one of the fastest remedies for a hangover cure that also provide other health benefits.
Of course, everyone’s experience with cannabis is different, and it’s important to approach any new remedy with caution and awareness. But with its natural properties and long history of use as a healing herb, it’s definitely worth considering marijuana as a hangover cure. So the next time you’re feeling the after-effects of a wild night out, why not give cannabis a try? You might just be surprised at how quickly it can help you bounce back and feel like yourself again!
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
