Can Weed Help a Hangover?

1. Reduce Nausea

One of the most common symptoms associated with a hangover is nausea. But, regardless of why you feel nauseous, cannabis may help provide relief.

In 2021, researchers at the University of New Mexico examined the effects of cannabis on those suffering from nausea symptoms. They discussed the impact of cannabis consumption over a period ranging from 5 minutes after consumption to one hour after. 

The study found that using cannabis resulted in people finding relief from their nausea just minutes after consuming it.

Cannabis flowers and concentrates provide faster relief than edibles. Smoking or using a bong was also found to offer more significant relief than vaping.

2. Relax & Calm Headaches

The cannabinoids in cannabis may help reduce inflammation and help those suffering from a drink-induced headache. 

A recent study found that cannabis can help alleviate headaches and migraines. The study found that cannabis could effectively decrease the intensity of headaches and reduce the intake of pain relievers in those who consumed cannabis.2 

3. Improve Mood

Alcohol is a depressant and can impact the levels of "feel good" chemicals in our brains. When you drink, alcohol boosts serotonin and dopamine levels. Then the next day, we are left with lower levels of these chemicals, leaving us feeling anxious or depressed.

Cannabis can help, not just because of THC but also because of the cannabinoids found in weed that can help improve our Mood after a long night of drinking. One of these cannabinoids is Anandamide is a mood enhancer that provides a calming effect. 

Anandamide is also naturally produced in our bodies, but usually, enzymes break down the Anandamide in our system. CBD, however, can stop those enzymes from breaking down. This allows the Anandamide in cannabis to attach to the receptors in our brains, resulting in the calming effect commonly attributed to CBD. Anandamide is also thought to be responsible for the euphoric "runner high" that joggers get.

4. Boost Metabolism & Energy 

Contrary to the classic "stoner" myth that cannabis users are all lazy, some studies have found that cannabis use can help to increase metabolism – which can help to boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.

Terpenes can also play a part in stimulating energy levels, and strains with high levels of limonene are thought to be effective for an energy boost.

5. Sleep Better

Alcohol is well known for disrupting sleep which will only worsen your hangover. Cannabis strains high in the terpenes myrcene and caryophyllene are thought to have sedative properties, which may help to encourage sleep and rebalance your natural melatonin levels.

6. Detox 

Alcohol is a toxin and can cause inflammation in the body, and inflammation can lead to many other health issues. Cannabis, however, is naturally detoxifying and anti-inflammatory; therefore, using cannabis may reduce inflammation and help detoxify your system.

7. Increase Appetite

One way to get over a hangover is to eat. However, you may lack an appetite if you feel nauseous with a hangover.  

Well, as we mentioned earlier, weed can help to relieve nausea. Not only can weed help to alleviate nausea, but it is also known to stimulate the appetite. Once you get some food in your belly, you should be on your way to recovery with higher energy levels and less tiredness.

While cannabis may help relieve or treat some hangover symptoms, it will not cure it. So, of course, the best way to avoid a hangover entirely is to drink in moderation or avoid it altogether.