THC Hangover: Symptoms, Causes, and Relief

About half of the states in the US have legalized marijuana for recreational or medicinal use. With so many people in the country gaining legal access to cannabis and THC products, people need to understand the potential risks and effects of THC.

Surveys find that some people experience symptoms of a hangover after using THC products. Some of the symptoms of a THC hangover are similar to the hangovers people get after drinking alcohol.

This article will explore weed hangover symptoms and how to manage them. You will learn:

• The effects of THC
• Symptoms of a weed hangover
• Why cannabis users may experience hangover symptoms
• How to manage hangover symptoms after consuming cannabis
  Where to find effective substance abuse treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with cannabis or other substance abuse, you are not alone. Find the treatment, resources, and recovery support you need at New Jersey Addiction Interventions. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound found naturally in cannabis plants. People may consume THC by smoking marijuana or consuming products containing THC.

When people consume marijuana or cannabis products, they may experience desirable side effects that include:

• Relaxation
• Increased hunger
• Excessive laughter
• Euphoria
• Changes in sensory perceptions

THC may also produce unwanted side effects, including:

• Altered sense of time
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Psychosis

Marijuana and THC products are legal in about half of the states in the US. Research from 2021 showed that over 52 million people reported using marijuana in the previous year.

Legal access to marijuana and THC products can give people the impression that there are no risks in using these products. However, people may experience unwanted side effects while smoking cannabis or using other THC products, such as concentrates. Research also shows that heavy or repeated use can lead to symptoms of addiction.

If you or someone in your life needs help to stop using cannabis, find treatment and support at New Jersey Addiction Interventions.

What is a THC Hangover?

Many people associate hangovers with drinking alcohol. However, many people report experiencing hangover symptoms after consuming cannabis or THC products.

Some lingering effects of a THC hangover might include:

• Headaches
• Mild nausea
• Dry mouth
• Feeling sluggish or fatigued
• Dry eyes
• Brain fog

Drinking alcohol while consuming cannabis may increase the unwanted effects of cannabis or lead to hangover symptoms.

Experts recommend taking precautions when consuming THC products to avoid the unwanted effects of cannabis.

Some steps you can take to avoid residual effects of THC include:

• Choosing low-potency cannabis products
• Avoiding smoking cannabis
• Taking breaks from using marijuana or THC products
• Avoiding synthetic THC products
• Not mixing THC and other substances, such as other drugs or alcohol
• Reducing the frequency of using THC

These steps may reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. If you or a loved one struggles to control your cannabis use, you may need professional treatment or support to address substance use disorder (SUD).

Contact the New Jersey Addiction Interventions specialists to learn the signs of cannabis addiction or to explore our comprehensive treatment programs.

What Causes a Cannabis Hangover?

Experts are exploring the risk of cannabis hangovers and why they occur. Some proposed causes of a weed hangover include:

• Consuming too much THC at one time, which is more common among people who use edibles
• Low tolerance to THC
• Lack of hydration during and after cannabis use
• A diet that does not provide essential electrolytes or other nutrients
• Combining cannabis with other substances, such as other drugs, medications, or alcohol
• A lack of good sleep after using cannabis or THC products can lead to fatigue and brain fog

Some researchers believe certain strains of cannabis may contain chemicals that put users at higher risk of developing lingering unwanted symptoms. People need to understand the dosage and strain of cannabis they are consuming and adjust their usage if they experience unwanted effects.

People who use cannabis frequently may develop symptoms of addiction, including tolerance (needing more to get the desired effects) and cravings. If you or someone you love struggles with cannabis abuse, contact the New Jersey Addiction Interventions team to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs.

How to Manage a Marijuana Hangover

The symptoms of a weed hangover can make people very uncomfortable. There are things people can do to manage the symptoms of a cannabis hangover, including:

• Eating a balanced diet to replenish nutrients, balance electrolytes, and stabilize blood sugar
• Drinking plenty of water during and after cannabis use to stay hydrated
• Not mixing cannabis with alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Reducing cannabis use

If it feels challenging to control your cannabis consumption, you may need professional treatment and support. Contact the New Jersey Addiction Interventions specialists to explore our comprehensive treatment and compassionate recovery support programs.

References:

1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Marijuana
2. Science Direct: Tetrahydrocannabinol
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): The “Next Day” Effects of Cannabis Use: A Systematic Review
4. NIH: ‘Hangover’ effects the morning after marijuana smoking