Cannabis Hangover: Understanding Symptoms & Causes

Alternaleaf Team
Written by
Alternaleaf Team
Dec 4, 2024
Last updated:
Dec 4, 2024

It’s still up for debate on whether or not cannabis hangovers are real - mainly due to lack of research and evidence. But, there are some studies that suggest consuming cannabis, even for medical reasons such as relieving chronic pain, can result in symptoms the next day. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some people would say these symptoms, which could be described as something similar to a hangover by others, are positive. The bottom line is, when cannabis is used responsibly, and as recommended by a specialist doctor, our patients report minimal unwanted side effects.

What is a Cannabis Hangover?

Although there is some evidence to suggest cannabis hangovers are a real thing people experience, they’re definitely not the same as the ones experienced the day after drinking a lot of alcohol. In fact, they’re actually reported to be much more tolerable than alcohol hangovers. So, definitely don’t worry about it too much if it’s putting you off from trying medical cannabis. 

Common Symptoms of a Cannabis Hangover

Cannabis (also referred to as weed) hangover symptoms aren’t really anything too bad. They include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Dry eyes and mouth
  • Headaches
  • Mild nausea - although this is uncommon 

And these may not even be a direct result of cannabis. If you drink alcohol or use other medication around the same time as consuming cannabis, the above symptoms may be due to those instead. It might be a good idea to have a conversation with your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms and drinking alcohol/consuming other medication. They’ll advise you on what’s best to do to avoid a ‘cannabis hangover’ and whether or not it’s a better idea to avoid alcohol and other medication altogether. 

You may also be experiencing cannabis withdrawal, which we explore more in this article

What Contributes to a Cannabis Hangover?

There can be a couple of causes of cannabis hangover and if you find you get cannabis hangovers often, you might want to pay attention to these. Altering one of the below slightly could lead to less symptoms. 

Dosage

The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. THC and CBD are just two of these compounds and even though they have many similar medical benefits, they can have different effects. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’ when used recreationally in higher doses, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently. 

Medical cannabis is completely safe when prescribed by a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, but you can still react differently to another person. If you think your medication is causing lingering, negative effects the day after consuming, have a chat to your pharmacist or specialist doctor. It may be as simple as them altering your medication to change the levels of THC or CBD.  

Method of consumption

There are lots of options available in terms of both form and strain when it comes to the way you use medical cannabis. We go into a bit more detail here about the different methods of consumption, how long it can take before you feel the effects, and then how long those effects last. It could be that a method with longer lasting effects produces less of a hangover than something that provides relief for a shorter period of time. And vice versa. It all depends on you as an individual. 

Remember, you might not get it right the first time, so you can always change up your treatment plan if you find something isn’t working. Communication with an educated healthcare professional is key.

How long does cannabis hangover last?

A cannabis hangover shouldn’t last too long. In fact, they typically disappear after a good night's sleep. Although there’s not a lot you can do to immediately get rid of the symptoms, there are a few things you can do to get some relief. We’ll get onto that in a minute. 

But for the most part, take it easy for the day if you do have a cannabis hangover. And as always, if you’re worried, speak to your specialist doctor. 

Are There Any Remedies for Cannabis Hangover?

If you’re looking to alleviate the symptoms of a cannabis hangover - or in other words get rid of it - here’s a few things you can do. They’re super simple fixes that are part of everyday life, nothing too stressful. And hopefully you’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time. 

  • Hydration and Nutrition: If you’re eating well and staying hydrated, your body is going to be a lot happier than if you’re not. So, try to eat a balanced healthy diet and drink plenty of water. This will help a lot with relieving headaches, dry mouth and dry eyes. 
  • Physical Activity and Fresh Air: Getting up and moving your body, especially outside, is again going to do your body a world of good. Even if it’s for a short walk. 
  • Caffeine or Herbal Teas: Coffee can help you feel more awake and different herbal teas can help settle an upset stomach. 
  • Rest and Relaxation: One of the best ways to help your body recover is to literally let it recover. If you can, take it easier on days where you wake up with a headache, or you feel a little nauseous. 

If your cannabis hangover is disrupting day-to-day tasks, and no matter what you try, you simply can’t get rid of the symptoms, speak to your specialist doctor. They’ll be able to give you tailored advice based on how you’re feeling specifically. And try not to worry too much. It could be something as simple as lowering your dose. 

Tips for Preventing a Cannabis Hangover

Something we always like to remind our patients is the importance of starting low and going slow. That way, you can build up a tolerance to your medication, learning what’s best for your needs as you go. It’s also the easiest way to minimise side effects, especially if you’re new to medical cannabis. 

It’s also important to follow what your doctor has prescribed you. They’ll tell you exactly what your dosage should be, and how often you should be consuming your medication to make sure it’s not only effective, but also safe. They may start you on lower levels of THC and CBD to begin with, and if you find this isn’t easing your symptoms, they’ll gradually increase the levels. The main thing to remember is they’re working with you to get the most out of your medication, but in the safest way possible. 

Communication is always key. If you’re not getting any relief from your symptoms, tell your doctor. And equally, if you're experiencing side effects, like a cannabis hangover, tell them. It’s by working together that you’ll succeed in your journey to better health. 

Summary 

So, now you’ve got a few tips on how to recover from a cannabis hangover. Hydrating, resting and staying active are key. If you make those a part of your daily routine, chances are you’ll have less side effects and no ‘hangovers’ after consuming medical cannabis. And if nothing is working, speak to your specialist doctor. At Alternaleaf, we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.