Anyone familiar with the high from weed has experienced the well-known phenomenon of "cotton mouth". It’s a strong sensation of thirst and dryness in the mouth that often follows smoking a joint, blunt, and/or consuming an edible as if they’ve taken away all the hydration. Many people equate this feeling with the dry mouth associated with dehydration.
Even if you regularly drink water, the symptoms can still sneak up on you. Sometimes, it happens unintentionally. Whether we're caught up in a busy day, not feeling thirsty, or simply under marijuana’s influence, we might forget to stay adequately hydrated. Given that dry mouth is a common side effect of getting high, it leads to the question: what's the connection between marijuana and dehydration?
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Is Weed Dehydrating?
You just got your monthly weed box sub and you are excited to get started right away. But soon after, you feel like your mouth is getting uncomfortably dry. The first thing that might pop up in your head is whether the weed caused it. In general, the answer is no. Many people link recreational or medical cannabis with dehydration because of the post-consumption effects, which also include lightheadedness and dizziness. Some users label these after-effects as a "weed hangover," contributing to the confusion with dehydration symptoms.
Smoking weed and dehydration exhibit similar signs, but it’s not the same thing. The dryness you experience from the former results from decreased saliva production and chemical alterations in the mouth. Conversely, dehydration-induced dry mouth stems from insufficient water or electrolytes in the bloodstream.
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Dehydration from Marijuana
When smoking marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) binds to the submandibular glands responsible for saliva production, inhibiting saliva release and causing the familiar sensation of dry mouth. This dryness, often referred to as "cottonmouth," can make users feel like they are dehydrated. However, it's important to note that smoking marijuana itself does not cause actual dehydration.
The sensation of dryness or dizziness that some people experience is not a result of fluid loss but rather a temporary side effect of THC affecting the salivary glands. This is often confused with dehydration, but in reality, the feeling of a "marijuana hangover" is due to other factors like reduced saliva production, not a true depletion of bodily fluids. You can often find this information on websites where you get your weed subscription boxes, as this is a common concern among cannabis users.
You can usually find this information on the website you get you weed subscription box from too.
In summary, while marijuana can make you feel dry, it doesn't dehydrate you—so stay calm, drink water if you feel the need, but know that your fluid levels are likely just fine.
Regular Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water and electrolytes than it replaces. Any factor causing fluid loss, such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating in cold weather, or exposure to high summer temperatures, can lead to water lack if fluids are not adequately replenished.
There's no concrete evidence supporting the idea that weed dehydrates the body, but maintaining proper hydration is always advisable. Some cannabis users may experience cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition involving vomiting that, if not addressed promptly, can result in dehydration.
Dehydration Symptoms Linked To Marijuana Use
Surprisingly, around 75% of Americans, regardless of their cannabis use, suffer from chronic dehydration without recognizing it. This suggests that a person who uses weed may already be dehydrated before engaging in smoking.
The impact of smoking dehydrated weed can be more severe compared to someone who is well-hydrated. This is because getting high causes blood vessels to constrict, making it even more challenging to transport water to the body's cells that are already dehydrated.
For individuals who regularly smoke, it is advisable to prioritize good hydration to prevent the following symptoms:
- Intense thirst
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- White tongue
- Back pain
- Irritability
An easy way to assess if it’s a regular situation or caused by weed is by checking the color of urine; a dark color indicates the need for more water.
Tips To Avoid Dehydration While Consuming Weed
Moderation is key. If you want to maintain good hydration and don’t want to give up your edibles, maintain a balance. This also reduces the risk of developing CHS.
Additionally, steer clear of alcohol when smoking weed, as alcohol is known to dehydrate the body. If you do choose to consume alcohol, ensure you accompany it with plenty of water. If you experience drowsiness or a hangover the day after smoking weed, it's best to avoid coffee or other caffeinated drinks. Instead, opt for extra sleep to allow your body to recover.
Make Wise Choices In Snacks And Food
Being mindful of your snack and food choices, especially when dealing with the munchies, can prevent dehydration. You might even get some good options in your monthly weed sub boxes. But remember, consuming excessive salty or processed foods can elevate the sodium levels in your body, increasing thirst. To maintain the electrolyte balance, drink more water. Failing to do so may lead your body to extract water from cells, resulting in dehydration.
Typically, about 20% of our daily water intake comes from food. When smoking weed, focus on snacks and foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, peppers, celery, or lettuce. Watermelon and strawberries are also excellent choices, providing hydration during your cannabis experience.
Ensure an Adequate Supply of Hydrating Drinks
- Skimmed milk has been demonstrated to be more hydrating than water.
- Tea, aside from being hydrating, offers a calming effect and aids in stress reduction. However, avoid caffeinated tea varieties like green tea, as already mentioned.
- Coconut water is not only hydrating but also rich in various electrolytes.
- Keep hydration mixes readily available, whether throughout the day or when smoking marijuana. These mixes not only hydrate and nourish your body but also provide a sweet and pleasant taste to help curb the munchies.
- Make smoothies using your preferred fresh fruits and vegetables. Enhance their hydrating benefits by incorporating milk or coconut water. For an extra twist, consider adding CBD or liquid cannabis extracts to your beverage.
Additional Suggestions for Hydration
As a general guideline, it's recommended to consume approximately 3 liters of water per day (around 100 oz) to maintain proper hydration. Steer clear of sugary sodas or energy drinks, as they have the potential to contribute to the issue.
Here are some practical tips to stay hydrated while smoking marijuana:
- Chew on ice cubes.
- Consider using a lozenge.
- Incorporate regular water consumption throughout the day, not just during smoking sessions.
- Reduce the consumption of processed and fried foods
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