A weed hangover is the groggy, foggy aftermath of a night spent indulging in a bit too much weed. It’s something every cannabis enthusiast has to go through at some point — kind of like a rite of passage.

If you’re reading this, chances are you or a friend might be dealing with this very issue. But don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll discuss the most effective and science-backed methods to say goodbye to that weed hangover. Let’s start!

How to get rid of a weed hangover

Waking up with a weed hangover is never a good start to your day. Here are several tried-and-true methods to help alleviate the symptoms and get you back on your feet.

Hydration

Drinking water and electrolyte-rich beverages

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to overcome a weed hangover. Ever notice how your mouth feels dry after a session? That's because cannabis can lead to dehydration, intensifying the unpleasant symptoms of dry mouth, headaches, and dizziness. 

Drinking water or other electrolyte-rich drinks can help combat dehydration and replace the vital minerals your body may have lost. Studies show that keeping hydrated and maintaining proper electrolyte balance can lead tobetter cognitive and physical performance, making this a critical step in your recovery process.

Consuming hydrating fruits and vegetables

To lessen the likelihood of weed hangovers, you can incorporate hydrating fruits and vegetables into your diet. Foods like cucumbers, watermelons, strawberries, and oranges are high in water content and rich in essential vitamins and minerals that can help detoxify your body and boost recovery. The natural sugars found in these foods can also give your body a healthy boost in energy, while the fiber helps digestion and steady glucose absorption.

Nutrition

Foods that may help alleviate symptoms

Eating the right foods can speed up recovery from a weed hangover. Some foods contain the right nutrients to help alleviate the common hangover symptoms. Here are some examples:

• Bananas and avocados, rich in potassium, help replenish electrolytes.
• Sweet potatoes, rich in Vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium, can help replace lost nutrients in your body for faster recovery.
• Eggs, which contain cysteine, can aid in toxin breakdown.
• Meat and high-protein foods can help your body absorb more amino acids.
• Nuts and seeds, high in magnesium, can help improve mood and reduce headaches.

Importance of a well-balanced meal

A well-balanced meal can reduce the duration and intensity of weed hangover symptoms, which helps quicken your recovery. This is because foods rich in proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates work together to stabilize blood sugar levels, replenish nutrients, and facilitate bodily repair.

A well-balanced meal should contain the following components:

• Proteins (lean meats, fish, beans) for muscle repair and growth
• Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables) for sustained energy
• Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) for brain health and hormone production
• Fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall body functions and digestion

Rest and relaxation

Napping and allowing time for recovery

Whether you’re sick or tired, there’s nothing a good nap can’t fix. The same goes for weed hangovers. Giving your body enough time to recover through napping or resting can significantly reduce hangover symptoms. Sleeping is your body’s natural healing process, so spending quality time with your bed can expedite your recovery.

Engaging in calming activities to reduce stress

When you have a hangover, it’s important to reduce stress by engaging in calming activities, like meditation, yoga, listening to music, or even just walking outside. When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol (AKA the “stress hormone”), which can exacerbate hangover symptoms. The relaxation response triggered by such activities can counteract the stress hormones in your body, easing the symptoms.

What causes a weed hangover?

A weed hangover can be a result of various factors. Understanding these can help mitigate their effects:

THC levels and strains

The intensity of your hangover can have a lot to do with your chosen cannabis strain and therefore, THC content. High-THC strains can havemore pronounced effects due to THC's potent psychoactive properties. Particularly strong strains can disturb your sleep patterns and cognitive function, leading to next-day grogginess and mental fog.

Additionally, the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in different strains can also affect your body’s response, with some strains more likely to induce weed hangover symptoms.

Individual tolerance and metabolism

Your cannabis tolerance and metabolism can play a big role in how often or intense your weed hangovers are. Those with lower tolerance tend to experience more intense effects since their bodies aren’t used to processing THC.

Similarly, a person with a fast metabolism can break down and eliminate THC from their bodies faster than others, leading to shorter, less intense hangovers. Those with slower metabolism might feel THC's effects longer, contributing to hangover symptoms like fatigue and impaired cognitive function.

Consumption method (smoking, edibles, etc.)

How you consume cannabis also affects whether or not you experience a hangover, as well as how intense the effects are. Smoking or vaping leads to faster effects that tend to wear off relatively quickly, while edibles have a delayed onset of effects that can last much longer. Thus, weed hangovers are more likely to occur with edibles due to prolonged exposure to THC.

Hydration and dietary choices

How much water you drink and what you eat before, during, and after consumption also influences how intense a weed hangover can be. Not drinking enough water can exacerbate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or dry mouth.

Eating sugary snacks or alcohol while using cannabis can also worsen symptoms. As mentioned before, a balanced diet rich in nutrients and adequate water intake can help mitigate these effects.

Preventing a weed hangover

Monitoring THC intake

It’s important to track how much THC you're taking. By controlling your dose, you minimize the risk of overwhelming your system with THC. Instead of going all out every time, try to find that sweet spot where you can enjoy without having next-day regrets.

Choosing strains with lower THC content

When in doubt, opt for strains with lower THC content. It’s like choosing a light beer over a strong spirit; you still get the buzz but with less risk of a hangover. You still get all the benefits but with a lower chance of getting hung over. 

Importance of drinking water during and after cannabis use

Make it a habit to always drink water during sessions. Not only does it counteract dry mouth — but it also helps your body flush out THC more efficiently and lessen the impact of any next-day sluggishness. 

Incorporating hydrating foods and beverages

Aside from drinking water, include water-rich foods and beverages in your munchies lineup. Eat foods like watermelon, cucumber, and herbal teas as healthy dietary supplements supporting your body's natural detoxification process. 

Proper sleep

Get some proper shut-eye after cannabis use. Heavy THC use can affectsleep time and sleep efficiency, which leads to feeling groggy the next morning. To counter this, consider having your session earlier in the evening or choosing strains that have less impact on sleep so you’re more likely to get a proper night’s rest.

Frequently asked questions

What to take after a weed hangover?

First and foremost, drink water or any other electrolyte-rich drink to get hydrated. You can also take supplements like Vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium to replenish nutrients and recover quicker. Eating a healthy meal with proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats can also support your body's metabolism and help alleviate hangover symptoms.

What exercise is good for a weed hangover?

Gentle exercises — like yoga, stretching, or light walks — can be beneficial during a weed hangover. They can help increase blood flow to flush out the THC in your body and reduce stress. Avoid intense workouts since they can worsen dehydration and fatigue.

Does ibuprofen help with a weed hangover?

Yes, it can help by relieving weed hangover symptoms like headaches or body aches by reducing inflammation. However, it’s only a temporary relief measure. Proper hydration, healthy food, and rest are still the best remedies. 

How long does a weed hangover last? 

It depends. The duration of a weed hangover varies depending on factors like individual tolerance and metabolism, amount consumed, method of consumption, cannabis strain, and others.