Cannabis Hangovers are They Real?

Hangovers are typically thought of in context with drugs that have greater body loads than cannabis such as alcohol and MDMA. However, some people claim to get a hangover from cannabis. Traditional symptoms from alcohol hangovers often include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, etc. and MDMA hangovers can leave a mild to serious depression in conjunction with other symptoms for up to a week after. Marijuana hangovers on the other hand, while typically not as severe as their more commonplace counterparts, can set a bad tone for your day. Many people may not get cannabis hangovers, but there have been numerous anecdotal reports that suggest for some people it is a very real thing.

So what causes cannabis hangovers? Those who are trying cannabis for the first time or even trying a new method of consumption (such as edibles) are more likely to experience a hangover from the substance. While overdosing on cannabis is impossible, ingesting or smoking too much is anecdotally one of the main causes of cannabis hangovers. Nutrients and pesticides are used commonly in the growing industry, and sometimes residual amounts of these substances can be left in the final product. These are just a few of the potential causes of cannabis hangovers.

Common Cannabis Hangover Symptoms

Brain fog – Often characterized by a lack of focus, diminished ability to recall memories, and reduced alertness. It essentially produces a groggy, dazed feeling. There are a few things you can do to help combat this symptom.

• Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water.
• Trying a stimulant like caffeine may also help kickstart your brain into action.
• If possible go for a walk or a run and get your blood pumping.

Headaches – A commonly reported symptom of cannabis hangovers, they are often attributed to dehydration. While cannabis doesn’t actively dehydrate you, it’s safe to assume that when getting extremely high you may forget to drink enough water. If you do end up getting a headache, drinking tons of water can help immensely. And for most standard headaches, a simple fix is usually an over the counter painkiller such as aspirin.

Fatigue – This symptom is particularly common in those who take large amounts of edibles. If you take a strong edible at night, depending on how fast you metabolize the active cannabinoids; you could experience after-effects the next morning. Fatigue is essentially characterized by extreme tiredness. Treating this particular ailment can be a challenge, in general, it’s best to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water.

There have been very few studies on cannabis hangovers. However, one of the most notable studies was published in 1985. The experiment included 13 men who were either given a joint containing a low amount of THC or a placebo. They were then asked to complete a myriad of behavioral tasks. The next day they were tested again, researchers saw some residual effects in those that used cannabis, stating that “The findings suggest that marijuana smoking can produce residual (hangover) effects the day after smoking.”

The study was small, and notably contained only men. While some people do claim to experience a cannabis hangover, more research needs to be done on the subject before adamant opinions can be formed.