How to Conquer a Weed Hangover

Although there’s some disagreement about their legitimacy, weed hangovers are probably real. Research is limited, but anecdotal accounts indicate that using marijuana can lead to next-day symptoms for some individuals.

Despite the similar label, weed hangovers aren’t identical to those caused by alcohol. For many people, marijuana-related aftereffects are milder and easier to tolerate than alcohol hangovers.

Frequent signs of a weed hangover include:

• fatigue
• low energy
• cloudy thinking
• dry eyes and dry mouth
• headache
• mild queasiness

Keep reading for strategies to ease these symptoms and to learn more about the ongoing medical discussion about whether weed hangovers truly occur.

How do I get rid of it?

A weed hangover usually resolves on its own. There’s no instant cure, but these steps can provide some relief:

• Stay hydrated.Drink plenty of water before, during, and after using weed. Hydration can ease headaches, dry mouth, and irritated eyes.
• Eat a wholesome breakfast.Choose a balanced morning meal after using marijuana. A modest portion of whole-grain carbs paired with a lean protein and a healthy fat can help.
• Take a shower.Showering can make you feel refreshed and help with hydration. Steam from a hot shower may also open your airways.
• Try ginger tea.Ginger can reduce digestive upset like nausea. Steep some grated ginger in hot water with lemon and honey to calm your stomach.
• Use caffeine.Coffee or caffeinated tea can boost alertness.
• Consider CBD.Some people report that cannabidiol helps counteract certain weed hangover symptoms. Avoid products that contain THC.
• Take an analgesic.If you have a persistent headache, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help.

If possible, rest and take it easy for the day. With adequate sleep, you’ll likely feel back to normal by the next morning.

How do I know if it’s a weed hangover?

Feeling off after using marijuana doesn’t always mean you have a hangover.

Other possible explanations include:

• Using alcohol or other substances along with weed.If you often combine marijuana with alcohol or other drugs, those substances may influence how you feel the next day.
• Marijuana withdrawal.Regular users can experience withdrawal when they stop using. Withdrawal symptoms include mood changes, insomnia, and trouble concentrating.
• Lingering intoxication.The duration of a marijuana high depends on dose, potency, delivery method, and individual factors like tolerance and metabolism. Typically, a high lasts between one and four hours.

If at least five hours have passed since your last use, and you haven’t consumed alcohol or other substances, you’re probably experiencing residual effects rather than an active high.

Is there any research about them?

Evidence about weed hangovers is sparse. Existing studies are often dated or constrained by notable limitations.

Older studies

A frequently cited 1985 study involved 13 men who took part in sessions where they smoked either a marijuana cigarette or a placebo and then completed a variety of tests.

The assessments included card-sorting and interval-timing tasks. When repeated the next morning, participants who had smoked marijuana perceived time intervals (10 or 30 seconds) as longer than they actually were.

The researchers suggested that subtle day-after effects of marijuana might exist, but the study’s small, all-male sample is a clear drawback.

A 1990 study had similar constraints. It involved 12 male users who smoked marijuana one weekend and a placebo another weekend, then completed subjective and behavioral measures. Those authors found little evidence of significant next-morning effects.

Recent research

A 2017 study that looked at views on medical cannabis among people with chronic pain noted that one self-reported unwanted effect was a morning “foggy” feeling and lack of alertness.

However, the paper did not specify how many participants reported this effect.

A 2015 review on medical marijuana use advises clinicians to inform patients about the hangover effect, describing it as lasting at least one day after the last marijuana use.

more research is neededThere are numerous anecdotal accounts of marijuana hangovers, indicating they can occur. Further study is required to clarify causes, symptoms, and risk factors for weed hangovers and to develop evidence-based self-care recommendations. Most existing studies have examined the morning-after effects of small amounts of smoked marijuana; research into overconsumption is also necessary.

Are they preventable?

The only definitive way to avoid a weed hangover is to abstain from marijuana. Still, several strategies can reduce the chance of unpleasant aftereffects.

• Avoid using weed the night before important events.If you’re prone to hangovers, skip marijuana the evening before an exam, job interview, or other high-stakes day.
• Take breaks.Try not to use marijuana every day. Continuous use can increase tolerance and may lead to morning withdrawal symptoms.
• Limit how much you use.Overconsumption may raise the likelihood of a hangover. Decide on a modest amount beforehand and stick to it.
• Choose low-THC strains.THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. While its exact role in hangover symptoms isn’t clear, low-THC varieties may reduce morning-after effects.
• Be cautious with new products.Different dosing, potency, and delivery methods can change your reaction. When trying something new, start with a minimal dose.
• Don’t combine substances.The aftereffects of weed can be worse if you mix marijuana with alcohol or other drugs.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about interactions.Over-the-counter and prescription medications can interact with marijuana and influence how you feel the next day.

When to get help

Contrary to a common misconception, marijuana can lead to dependence. More frequent use increases the risk of developing a dependency.

If you consistently have weed hangovers, it may indicate you’re using too much. If you struggle to cut back, consider consulting your doctor for support.

Other potential red flags for problematic marijuana use include:

• using daily or almost daily
• having strong cravings
• spending a lot of time thinking about or acquiring it
• needing to use more over time
• using more than planned
• continuing use despite negative consequences
• keeping a steady supply on hand
• spending excessive money on it despite financial strain
• avoiding places where you can’t use it
• driving or operating machinery while intoxicated
• attempting and failing to quit
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop