By Luke Sumpter

How to treat and prevent weed hangovers.


The term “hangover” often conjures flashbacks of severe headaches, intense nausea, and even puking after a night of heavy drinking. However, many cannabis users also report a hangover-like effect after hitting one too many bowls the night before.

The phenomenon of the weed hangover remains contested throughout the cannabis world. Some users report feeling fine the next day—maybe even better than waking up from a sober night—whereas others truly feel lingering effects that trickle into the next day.

Cannabis scientists have solved a lot of things. But these white coat-wearing, weed-loving geniuses have yet to uncover any solid mechanism behind the elusive weed hangover. Still, we can do our own research in hopes of drawing some conclusions. Continue reading to find out what causes weed hangovers, how to treat them, and if they really exist at all.

What Is a Weed Hangover?

A weed hangover refers to the lingering after-effects of a heavy smoking session. Although the term also applies to alcohol, weed hangovers are almost never as bad as those felt after too many beers.

Smoking weed causes several physiological and psychological changes. After hitting a joint or bong, THC enters the bloodstream and starts binding to CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system —resulting in a high. The cannabinoid also causes typical side effects from smoking weed, including dry mouth, increased appetite, heightened senses, reduced reaction times, and short-term memory impairment.

Although most of these effects occur during the peak of the high—between 1 and 3 hours—some users may feel them ripple into the following day, especially after a late session the night before.

Essentially, any residual effects experienced hours after consuming cannabis can be classed as a weed hangover. Some users might find these sensations pleasant and enjoyable, and frequent drinkers will certainly laugh at classifying these effects as a hangover at all.

However, these effects quickly become less desirable upon waking up early for a meeting or another commitment. Learn more about weed hangovers below, including how to treat and prevent them.

What Is a Weed Hangover?

What Are the Symptoms of a Weed Hangover?

Cannabis hangovers affect different people in different ways. Some users shoot out of bed ready to tackle the day, and others need time to get their engine started. Regardless of these differences, the most common symptoms of a weed hangover include:

  • Brain fog
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue
  • Red eyes
  • Dry mouth and eyes
  • Headaches
  • Nausea

While most of these symptoms are subjective and anecdotal, cannabis scientists have delved into the domain of weed hangovers to try and suss the phenomenon out. A series of questionnaires and objective tests have enabled them to target some core symptoms.

Researchers set out to analise the effects of weed hangovers[1] way back in 1985. The study involved 13 male smokers split into two groups—one received cannabis, the other received a placebo. After a smoke, the participants were asked to complete behavioural tasks that involved card sorting, recall, and time production. After the session, they went to bed and then repeated the same tasks nine hours later the following morning.

Upon repeating the tasks, the researchers found that the cannabis group produced significant differences in the time production task and also reported residual subjective effects. The researchers concluded that cannabis does indeed cause a hangover effect. However, the cannabis used in this study contained only 2.9% THC, around 80–90% less than most strong modern strains.

A study conducted 5 years later[2] produced different results, somewhat changing the perception of the so-called weed hangover. 12 regular cannabis smokers were observed over the course of two weekends. During the first weekend, they received a placebo, and on the next, they received active cannabis.

Each participant inhaled exactly 40 standardised puffs before sleeping, and answered a questionnaire and performed several tests to measure the residual effects the next morning. After a stoned weekend, the researchers found little changes in mood scales, subjective intoxication, and residual effect. They found no evidence of a hangover effect, yet the cannabis used only clocked in at 2.1% THC.

More recent research has probed the symptoms of the cannabis hangover[3]. A 2017 study explored the effects of medical cannabis in patients experiencing chronic pain. As well as producing positive effects in many users, some patients reported side effects the following day. These sensations were described as a foggy and non-alert feeling the following morning.

Modern cannabis science definitely considers cannabis hangovers as real. In fact, healthcare professionals are now recommended to inform medical cannabis users of the potential for a hangover and what effects to expect. A 2016 review suggests telling patients to expect residual effects[4] up to one day after using the herb.

What Are the Symptoms of a Weed Hangover?

What Causes a Weed Hangover?

Weed hangovers are certainly multidimensional, and many variables contribute to how smokers feel the next morning. 

If a cannabis user exposes themselves to the following factors, they’ll likely feel a hangover the next day.

  • High Doses of THC

Hitting moon rocks and chomping on THC-laced brownies all night will boost the chances of a weed hangover. Such high levels of THC take longer to process, and you’ll probably wake up stoned.

Although the effects of smoked cannabis peak at around 1–3 hours, edible cannabis takes another route through the body. Following digestion in the GI tract, the body shuttles THC off to the liver and converts it to 11-hydroxy-THC. This molecule takes effect over a much longer window, making it more likely to feel effects the next day.

  • Smoking

Smoking cannabis may produce more fatigue than other methods of consumption, such as vaping. If you’ve ever smoked a large cigar late at night, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. Some users even choose to add tobacco to their joints, which can cause a foggy and lethargic feeling the following morning.

  • The Munchies

Cannabis makes people hungry. Really hungry. THC triggers the release of hunger hormones and also shifts certain areas of the brain into a state of hunger. These effects cause users to head to the fridge after an hour or so of smoking, often leaving nothing behind but a few carrots and some gone-off milk.

Cannabis and booze both cause a hangover, but so does excess food. If the munchies get the better of you, high levels of fats and sugars will add fogginess and irritability to your experience the following morning.

How to Recover From a Weed Hangover

Weed hangovers are much more forgiving than those induced by alcohol. Look at it this way: you’ll be able to get out of bed, walk around, and even eat something! Although weed hangovers can leave users feeling spaced out, you’ll still remain fully functional—meaning you can take the following measures to fight off any fogginess.

1. Drink Water

Drinking water upon rising will help you feel better with or without a weed hangover. Drink a glass of water after climbing out of bed to hydrate yourself and combat your dry mouth and eyes. Continue sipping on water throughout the morning, and you’ll feel better in no time.

Drink Water

2. Caffeine to the Rescue

After hydrating yourself, turn on the kettle and brew a fresh cup of coffee. Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant. The moreish molecule helps to elevate levels of cortisol and adrenaline, making you feel more focused and switched on. Caffeine can also help to relieve headaches by constricting blood vessels around the head.

Caffeine to the Rescue

3. Jump in the Shower

Starting the day without a shower just doesn’t feel right. Steam up your bathroom, play some upbeat music, and step under the flow of water. Not only will a shower wake you up and make you feel refreshed, but feeling clean will give you an additional psychological boost. If you're feeling brave, turn the tap to cold for a few seconds to send a jolt of energy to your brain and release some endorphins.

Jump in the Shower

4. Eat a Filling Breakfast

Now that you’re clean, hydrated, and caffeinated, you need to eat something! Make yourself a filling but nutritious breakfast. Throw in some oats and fruit to increase your blood sugar, raise your mood, and provide stable energy for the next few hours.

Eat a Filling Breakfast

5. Take CBD Oil

Finish off your anti-hangover regimen with a dose of CBD oil. Place a few drops of a high-quality full-spectrum CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there for a couple of minutes. As CBD rapidly enters your bloodstream through sublingual tissues, it may help to prevent any lingering THC from making you feel foggy.

Is There a Way to Avoid a Weed Hangover?

Preventing a weed hangover will allow you to immediately get on with your day—no need for lengthy strategies just to feel right in the morning. Of course, not smoking weed the night before remains the most consistent way to wake up without a hangover. However, sometimes we just have to indulge. Use these tips to prevent a weed hangover when you have to get up early the following day.

Use Low-THC Strains

Not all strains are loaded with THC. While these varieties are great during parties and weekends, they aren’t always the best option during the week. You can choose low-THC strains that contain high levels of CBD for a clear-headed and relaxation sensation. These strains still provide a pleasant effect, just without the risk of a hangover.

Don’t Mix Substances

When you start mixing your weed with booze and other substances, the effects of THC will be the least of your worries in the morning. Avoid mixing to minimise the negative effects when you wake up, especially when you have places to be!

Start and Finish Early

If you want to enjoy some high-THC cannabis in the evening, make sure you start early and put the joints down well before sleep. Fire up some bongs straight after dinner to enjoy a high throughout the evening, but stop around 3 hours before bed to let the THC clear out of your system.

External Resources:
  1. 'Hangover' effects the morning after marijuana smoking - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Subjective and behavioral effects of marijuana the morning after smoking | SpringerLink https://link.springer.com
  3. Chronic Pain Patients’ Perspectives of Medical Cannabis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Medical Marijuana: Review of the Science and Implications for Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Practice https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: