Beat the Cannabis Hangover

A Cannabis "hangover" is caused by residual metabolites made by the body as it breaks down Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These metabolites have a long half-life, enabling them to remain for upwards of 24 hours, leading a user to feel subtle effects from heavy Cannabis use from the day before. (1, 2)

The Endocannabinoid System is a complex network of ligands for receptors that is responsible for balancing numerous physiological functions. It also adapts to chronic heavy THC use by reducing the density of Endocannabinoid Receptors CB1. This reduction in receptors leads to a tolerance to the effects of THC and can lead to heavier use, however; it is reversible over time. (1) A key component of a Cannabis hangover may be that the circulating residual THC metabolites are temporarily fooling the body into producing lower amounts of normal Endocannabinoids that are normally produced on demand. This does explain some of the possible mechanisms behind hangovers to Cannabis. Excessive Cannabis consumption can temporarily upset how your body uses its own Cannabinoids. (1)

Learn tips to treat a Cannabis hangover below.

As a recreational user of Cannabis, I've had Marijuana hangovers that left me with a "cloudy head" feeling the next day. In comparison, a Cannabis hangover is a far cry from one caused by alcohol that can leave victims suffering physiological symptoms such as shaking, vomiting, severe headaches and sensitivity to light. The Endocannabinoid System does not have receptors in the brain stem, preventing Marijuana use from affecting basic life support functions such as breathing, heart rate and temperature control. Too much alcohol in the bloodstream from over consumption can cause these functions to shut down, resulting in death. (3)

Research shows what Cannabis users know, it doesn't take a lot of Cannabis to feel the psychoactive side effects of THC. In fact, inexperienced users can begin feeling the effects after only 2.5 mg of THC. (4, 5) A moderate dose for a new user is 5 mg and a dose over 7.5 mg is considered a high dose.

Michael Backes, founder of the first research based Medical Marijuana collective in the world, Cornerstone Research Collective in Eagle Rock, California and author of Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana provides tips on how to counter a Cannabis hangover.

1. Supplementation with essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3s or N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Fresh salmon is an excellent source, as are many tree nuts. Some of these fatty acids are used by the body to produce Endocannabinoids, some have Endocannabinoid-like effects.
   
   
2. Consume Cannabis terpenes, the essential oils produced by Cannabis, specifically limonene and beta-caryophyllene. In Morocco, a popular home remedy for hashish overindulgence is fresh lemonade containing plenty of fresh lemon zest/rind plus a generous sprinkling of fresh ground black pepper and fresh ground cloves. This concoction delivers both of these terpenes, though most of the effective absorption will be through the tissues of the mouth, rather than the digestive tract. And the water in the lemonade will help, too. Our understanding of how these terpenes work is increasing, and this very early research supports their effectiveness.
   
   
3. A high-quality CBD tincture (rarer than you think) is an excellent choice, since CBD appears to act as a general Endocannabinoid System tonic and it specifically counteracts many of the adverse effects associated with THC alone. If fact, the use of CBD at the same time as THC may reduce the hangover effect, though it can extend maximum amount of psychoactivity associated with THC because CBD is an allosteric modulator of THC’s effects at the CB1 receptor. CBD also is also an allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor and increases the calming effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, similar to Valium. CBD also protects the function of the Salience network in the brain, which reduces the tendency of THC to cause anxiety, paranoia or memory impairment. This last protective effect may be important in reducing the slight risk of THC to disrupt the normal functioning of the brains of a few young adults.
   
   
4. If you want to get more exotic, you could supplement with N-palmitoylethanolamide and N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA), but it’s a lot simpler just to control your dose of THC and take a little CBD.
   
   
5. Caffeine helps.
   
   
6. Our understanding of the Endocannabinoid System is constantly expanding, so here’s a 2019 update. Try stimulating the related thermoreceptors, which will stimulate release of your body’s Endocannabinoids in response, which will produce a mild and restorative “runner’s high” feeling, but without running anywhere. How? Take a hot shower or try eating a spicy small meal with chili peppers to activate capsaicin receptors, followed by a quick cold water shower. Sounds ridiculous, but it works for many. Doesn’t have to be extreme.
   
   
7. If you are inhaling Cannabis, choose products derived from Cannabis cultivars that produce the essential oils called alpha- and beta-pinene, which smell a bit reminiscent of fresh cut pine wood, drier than the smell of pine needles. Pinene tends to protect the brain’s hippocampus from the memory effects associated with THC e.g., “Uhh, geez, what did I do with my keys/phone?” Blue Dream is the most common high-pinene Cannabis variety and its tendency to protect memory function may be a key reason underlying its incredible popularity.
   
   
8. Don’t mix alcohol and Cannabis, as the hangover effects between them are synergistic and you’ll feel worse.
   
   
9. Lastly, control your dose. Seriously. Too many Cannabis users consume excessively high doses of Cannabis. Why? Too often, simply because they can…Too many Cannabis users choose their dose by the level Cannabis they can withstand, not the dose that will benefit them the most. Wise up, enjoy more and experience fewer side effects.

Michael Backes answers hundreds of questions regarding Cannabis on his Quora profile ans also a presenter for Greenflower Media.

References
1) Michael Backes,What is the Cure for Marijuana Hangovers; That Dull Groggy Stupid Feeling One Can Get the Next Day?; Quora Forum — Link
2) Huestis MA. Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007;4(8):1770–1804. doi:10.1002/cbdv.200790152 — Link
3) Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Updated October 2018 — Link
4) Russo, EB., Grotenhermen, F., Cannabis and Cannabinoids Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential. Routledge, Sep 5, 2013 — Link
5) Sellers EM, Schoedel K, Bartlett C, Romach M, Russo EB, Stott CG, Wright S, White L, Duncombe P, Chen CF A Multiple-Dose, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group QT/QTc Study to Evaluate the Electrophysiologic Effects of THC/CBD Spray. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2013 Jul;2(3):285-94. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.36. — Link