Most people are familiar with the dreaded symptoms of an alcohol hangover. These are symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and nausea. If you have experienced this before, you will know how difficult it is to find the perfect remedy. That’s why many people are now turning to cannabis for quick relief.
But is it possible for cannabis to fix a hangover? And if so, how does it work?
Unfortunately, there is not much scientific evidence about the effects of cannabis concerning hangovers. However, cannabis may provide some relief. So here, we will cover everything you need to know about the causes and symptoms of hangovers and how cannabis could help.
Hangovers and symptoms
Hangovers result from excessive alcohol consumption typically occurring the day after you’ve been drinking. The limit of alcohol that each person can withstand varies between individuals. For instance, you may notice that you can handle a certain amount of drinks without a hangover the next day. But if you go over that limit, you will suffer the consequences.
Therefore, hangovers are caused directly by alcohol, but it also depends on how your body responds to alcohol.
Common symptoms of hangovers include:
- Dehydration
- Extreme thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Fatigue and sleepiness
- Low blood sugar levels
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
- Low mood
Most hangovers last for around 24 hours, but it ultimately depends on how much alcohol you have to drink. For example, some people recover within half a day. In contrast, others may notice that the effects still linger longer.
Can cannabis really fix a hangover?
There is little evidence as to whether cannabis can completely fix a hangover. However, depending on the symptoms you experience, you may find that it provides targeted relief for symptoms such as nausea or anxiety. That’s because there are some compounds in cannabis that may offer therapeutic benefits.
The therapeutic benefits that cannabis provides are directly linked to its cannabinoids. The main ones of interest are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the effects of compounds can vary.
Potential benefits that THC may include:
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduced inflammation
- Sedating effects
- Appetite stimulation
- Reduced vomiting and nausea
- Pain relief
Potential benefits that CBD may include:
Overall, the therapeutic benefits of CBD and THC differ slightly. However, it’s worth knowing the effects of each compound because you may find one provides better relief for hangovers than the other. This may even help you to find the ideal cannabis strain for you to help your hangover.
Can cannabis relieve vomiting and nausea?
There is a good chance that cannabis will help ease vomiting and nausea when you are hungover. However, if you are using cannabis, for this reason, it’s important to start low and go slow. Doing so will help you gauge the effects that cannabis is having. If, for some reason, it makes your other symptoms worse, you can quickly cut back.
Can cannabis relieve headaches?
While cannabis may provide anti-inflammatory effects and support other issues, there is limited evidence as to whether it will work for headaches. However, if you are experiencing a headache, it’s most likely caused by dehydration or a lack of sleep. You may find that your headache improves by drinking some water and getting more rest.
Will cannabis improve my quality of sleep after drinking?
THC in cannabis can have sedating effects. However, it can also have stimulating and psychoactive effects that could prevent you from sleeping. Therefore, if you are using cannabis to help you sleep better after a night out, you must proceed cautiously. But if you find that cannabis provides adequate relaxation, then proper sleep could help you stay on top of the hangover.
The lowdown
So can cannabis be used for an alcohol hangover? There is potential that it could help. However, much of the current evidence is anecdotal. It’s certainly not a replacement for drinking lots of water and getting electrolytes. It ultimately depends on you, the symptoms you wish to relieve, and whether or not you can tolerate cannabis after drinking.