Can Weed Cure a Hangover?

There is no "ultimate" cure for a hangover, but cannabis may help to alleviate certain symptoms. A hangover is an uncomfortable feeling that comes after heavy drinking. Consuming cannabis after waking up with a hangover could reduce headaches, fatigue, and mild nausea. 

Cannabis consumption for alcohol-induced hangovers may also stimulate your appetite and increase thirst. This can be key for getting hydrated and nourished after a long night out. Below are a few ways cannabis may help to relieve the negative consequences of alcohol hangovers.

1. Relieves Headaches and Migraines

Cannabis has pain-relieving properties that can be effective against headaches. Certain cannabinoids have been shown to manifest analgesic activity, inhibiting pain sensations and reducing inflammation. These effects may soften the intensity of a hangover headache. 

One study showed that marijuana smoking (inhaling cannabis) reduced the severity of self-reported headaches and migraines by almost half. This supports the idea that cannabis could help to cure a headache after drinking alcohol.

2. Reduces Nausea and Vomiting

Smoking weed or consuming cannabis can reduce nausea and vomiting. Nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach are common symptoms after heavy drinking due to increased acid production in the digestive tract and the formation of acetaldehyde in the liver.

THC and other cannabinoids in cannabis influence nausea and vomiting via the body's endocannabinoid system. Some popular cannabis strains for nausea and vomiting include Durban Poison, Northern Lights, and Blue Dream. 

3. Helps with Sleep Quality

Alcohol consumption has been linked with poor sleep quality, even though you might feel tired or fall asleep after drinking. Cannabis has been shown to improve study subjects' self-reported sleep scores. 

While some individuals will feel a sedative effect from cannabis, others may feel a stimulating effect. The effect on sleep may also depend on the strain you consume. Some of the best strains for insomnia are Granddaddy Purple, Purple Punch, and Northern Lights.

4. Relieves Fatigue

Fatigue, sleepiness, and “fogginess” are direct effects of a hangover and are usually the result of disturbed sleep. Cannabis consumption can be an effective strategy for relieving fatigue and feeling more alert and clear-headed. Some popular cannabis strains for mental alertness include the following sativa strains:

• Sour Diesel: a popular THC-dominant strain with up to 25% THC content. This strain is ideal for smoking or infusing in edibles.

• Jack Herer: asativa-dominant cannabis strain with around 24% THC. Jack Herer is described as producing a stimulating head high.

• Durban Poison: a strain with THC levels ranging from 15-25% that is known for its uplifting and energizing effects.

• Super Silver Haze: a sativa-dominant strain that provides a long-lasting and clear-headed buzz.

• Lucid Blue: a sativa-dominant hybrid strain with a 4:1 THC/CBD ratio that could serve as a great hangover cure for individuals who need to focus.

5. Stimulates Appetite

Hangovers often involve a loss of appetite. Weed is known to stimulate appetite. When the body is still battling to heal from a hangover, it may be hard to keep anything down. 

THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus and stimulates the release of the hormone ghrelin, which is associated with hunger. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as getting the "munchies." Consuming cannabis could help you feel like eating again so that you can down a nourishing meal and recover from your hangover faster. 

6. Stimulates Thirst

Some individuals say they feel thirstier after consuming cannabis. So while cannabis itself is not hydrating, CBD and THC-infused products may encourage the consumption of more fluids. 

Drinking water is one of the most effective strategies for relieving a hangover. Electrolyte drinks could also be helpful, especially if you have been vomiting (which can lead to electrolyte imbalances).

7. Reduces Inflammatory Response

THC and CBD help to reduce inflammation by acting upon the body’s endocannabinoid system. Alcohol is known to provoke an inflammatory response through the GI tract and affect the immune system both within and external to the GI tract. THC and CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce these effects and the uncomfortable symptoms that go along with them.

8. Eases Muscle Pain

Muscle aches often occur with alcohol hangovers. Weed may assist in easing this pain. The following are common causes of muscle pain after drinking alcohol:

• Arthritis sufferers may find that their symptoms worsen after a night of drinking. Arthritis causes stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort in the joints of the body. Cannabis is a popular remedy for symptoms of arthritis.

• Back pain is a common hangover symptom, either due to dancing all night, standing for long periods, or twisting your body in unusual ways. Cannabis may help to ease muscle pain related to back aches by reducing inflammation.

• Muscle spasms and cramps can be a symptom of dehydration after a hangover. Cannabis's muscle-relaxing properties can alleviate muscle cramps, helping to lessen their frequency and intensity while you rehydrate with water and electrolytes.

9. Enhances Mood

Cannabis use may enhance your mood when you’re feeling down after a big night out by elevating dopamine in the brain. While cannabis is not necessarily a cure-all for depressive symptoms, cannabis research has shown that cannabis may help to relieve depression. Some of the best strains for depression include Blue Dream, Cherry Punch, and Super Lemon Haze. 

10. Relieves "Hangxiety"

A night of drinking alcohol can lead to "hangxiety," which describes anxious-like physical and emotional symptoms. Cannabis may help to reduce anxiety when taken in regimented doses. Some highly recommended cannabis strains for relaxation and alleviating anxiety are:

• Northern Lights: an indica-dominant strain that is known for its relaxing and sedative effects.

• OG Kush: an indica-dominant strain said to help alleviate stress and anxiety.

• Grandaddy Purple: one of the strongest indica-dominant strains that has become popular because of its powerful sedative properties.

• Lavender: an indica-dominant hybrid that contains 14-20% THC and is known for its soothing effects.

• Purple Kush: a pure indica strain that combats stress and anxiety by producing euphoric effects.

Pro tip: Cannabis can be used to lessen anxiety and stress. However, consuming too much cannabis can lead to a panic attackor a weed hangover. It may be best to start with lower doses of cannabis to help with an alcohol hangover and see how your body responds before having more. It’s also advisable to avoid mixing alcohol and cannabis as alcohol can heighten the intoxicating effects of THC.

Does Weed Help Hangovers? Yes!

Evidence suggests that weed can help with several common symptoms of hangovers. However, studies documenting the effects of cannabis on hangovers (specifically) are limited. 

The available research shows that:

• Cannabis can reduce nausea and vomiting and relieve headaches. 

• Cannabis helps to stimulate appetite and thirst. 

• Cannabis helps to combat inflammation in the body. 

• Cannabis may enhance mood and alleviate anxiety when taken in small amounts. 

The best way to avoid a hangover altogether is not to drink in excess. However, if you do, cannabis offers a helpful crutch while you recover.