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Cannabis has been the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States, with around 42% of 19-to 30-year-olds admitting to using it in 2023. [1][2] Its legalization in 40 states is thought to have increased its use even more. Following cannabis use, some people experience a variety of symptoms the following day, which has become known as a weed (or cannabis) hangover. But can you really get a hangover from weed?
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What is a weed hangover and is it real?
A weed hangover is any adverse symptoms, ranging from very mild to more severe, which are felt the morning after consuming cannabis. A weed hangover differs from a typical alcohol hangover due to the different symptoms and timeframe. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes more urination, and it also leads to gastrointestinal symptoms as its metabolites are eliminated. As a result, symptoms of an alcohol hangover are more associated with the effects of alcohol metabolism than a cannabis hangover is. Cannabis affects people differently, based on the individual, the amount of cannabis, the type of cannabis, and how it is consumed (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc).
An older study objectively found that some people had a worse performance on tasks the day after cannabis consumption, as a result of having a weed hangover. [3] Although more recent studies dispute this level of impact, there is no doubt that some people do experience symptoms of weed hangovers. [4][5] To add, often people consume cannabis alongside alcohol, which can make a hangover more likely. Yet, this also makes it more difficult to pinpoint exactly what caused the symptoms.
Signs & symptoms of a weed hangover
There are many symptoms of a weed hangover, which vary between individuals. Any adverse symptoms the day after consuming cannabis could be related to a weed hangover. The following lists some of the symptoms that may be experienced:
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Poor concentration
- Eye dryness or redness
- Dry mouth
- Impaired memory
This is not an exhaustive list, and although this sounds like a tough set of symptoms to have, people are unlikely to experience all of these things at once. While the evidence is mixed on the degree of cognitive impacts associated with short-term cannabis use, if you have work or other responsibilities the next day, cannabis is best avoided.
What causes a weed hangover?
Cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol, also called THC, which is the component that causes the “high” by attaching to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. [6] As the effects of THC start to wear off, the adverse symptoms associated with a weed hangover can start. The more weed that is consumed, or the more inexperienced the individual is with cannabis, the more apparent it is when THC is wearing off, increasing the chance of adverse effects.
Vaping or smoking cannabis causes the THC to reach the brain very quickly, but it also means the effects wear off sooner. On the other hand, with edibles, the absorption is slower, and the THC is metabolised by the body differently, creating a different compound that lasts longer in the system. This leads to a longer duration of effects and an increased risk of lingering adverse symptoms the next day.
How long does a weed hangover last?
As mentioned, a weed hangover can be influenced by lots of factors, including the individual’s metabolism, the amount of cannabis, and the route the cannabis is consumed. Generally, a weed hangover can last anywhere from a couple of hours up to a full day, but it’s variable based on these factors. Most people feel worse in the first few hours after waking up, with symptoms gradually improving throughout the day.
How to recover from a weed hangover
There are no specific treatments for the aftereffects of cannabis, but the following can help with the individual symptoms:
- Get more sleep. Fatigue and a lack of energy can be remedied by getting more sleep. Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating meals rich in nutrients can help improve energy and concentration.
- Stay hydrated. Headaches and dry mouth can be worsened by dehydration, so staying hydrated will help resolve these. This is particularly important if alcohol was consumed alongside cannabis, as this can cause dehydration.
- Consider natural remedies. Ginger and peppermint can help with nausea. If this is particularly severe, bland meals are better as they are more easily digested.
- Utilize pain relief as needed. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be helpful for headaches or other pains.
Remember that although each person is different and experiences will vary, the symptoms of a weed hangover will resolve eventually.
Preventing weed hangovers
The only way to stop the risk of getting a weed hangover is to abstain from cannabis. However, for those who still want to use weed recreationally, the following tips might help to reduce the chance of hangovers: [7]
- Reduce the amount of cannabis consumed
- Reduce the frequency of cannabis consumption
- Choose a low-THC cannabis
- Avoid edibles and synthetic cannabinoids, such as spice
- If smoking or vaping, avoid deep inhalation
- Avoid taking other drugs or drinking alcohol alongside cannabis
- Do not consume cannabis too late at night
Is a weed hangover a warning sign?
On its own, a weed hangover is not a warning sign. However, if cannabis hangovers are happening more consistently or more severely, this could be a warning sign that your body is becoming dependent on it. Chronic cannabis hangovers, causing a continuous urge to use cannabis to resolve these adverse symptoms, are a sign of cannabis addiction.
When to consider professional support
If you or someone you know can identify with this chronic need to use cannabis, consider getting professional help. There are lots of support and resources available to help with cannabis addiction, and it’s never too soon to seek help if you’re struggling.
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