Does Cannabis Cause Dehydration?

Have you ever experienced that dreaded “cotton mouth” after smoking a joint? If so, you are not alone. Cannabis, depending on the chosen strain, may reduce saliva gland production. Because of this, the body produces less saliva and the mouth becomes drier than the Sahara Desert! But does this mean that cannabis dehydrates you?

This is a question that many consumers ponder over, particularly the consumers who endure a “ganjover”—a term used to describe a cannabis hangover—the day after a smoke session. Then there are the long-term cannabis users, who are prone to developing something called “cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome,” a condition that can cause nausea and vomiting, which, consequently, may result in dehydration.

The good news is that there is no solid proof to prove that cannabis causes dehydration. On the other hand, dehydration headaches are reported in some cases of cannabis withdrawal, which is why it’s important to learn some prevention strategies.

Preventing Dehydration Headaches After Consuming Cannabis

The human body relies on water to survive. After all, our bodies are made up of 60% water! When the body loses too much water, its cells, organs, and tissues struggle to function properly, which can result in serious complications. If severe dehydration is not dealt with quickly, it can progress to blue-colored skin, weak pulse, shock, and in the worst-case scenario, death.

At the current time, no medication exists to help people recover from the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. However, the remedy could be the plant itself, so long as you know how to remedy the dehydration aspect. Studies have shown that cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) can help dehydrated muscles to recover.

Common signs of dehydration include:

• An intense feeling of thirst
• Tiredness
• Dizziness/lightheadedness
• Dry eyes, lips, and/or mouth
• Urine with a strong odor
• Dark yellow or orange urine
• Lack of urination (less than four times daily)

Get Hydrated With These Cannabis-Infused Drink Ideas

The Mayo Clinic advises females to drink at least 92 fluid ounces (11.5 cups) of water daily and males to drink a minimum of 124 fluid ounces (15.5 cups) daily.

With the following cannabis-infused drinks ideas, you can stay hydrated without missing out on your daily dose of the green stuff:

• CBD-Infused Coconut Water – Coconut water is the number one thing to drink when you’re feeling dehydrated. It is naturally enriched with electrolytes, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Plus, it has few carbs.
• CBD-Infused Watermelon Limeade – Watermelon is also a great choice for replenishing lost fluids. Mix with a dash of water-soluble CBD powder and some limeade for a zesty kick on a summer’s day.
• Cucumber Cannabis and Mint Sparkling Water – Refreshingly cool, this drink idea pairs well with fish dishes, fruits, and salads. Prepare it using decarboxylated cannabis and a blend of cucumber, soda water, and mint leaves. Drizzle over ice in a sugar-rimmed cup.

Lean Toward CBD vs. THC

Medical professionals are still uncertain about whether or not cannabis can cause a hangover and the dehydration that comes with it. However, since tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is usually the main cause of dry mouth, you should stick to CBD-rich strains. Examples of some CBD-rich cannabis strains include Charlotte’s Web, Sour Tsunami, ACDC, Ringo’s Gift, and Harle-Tsu. Combined with adequate daily fluid intake, taking in more CBD will reduce the chances of dehydration occurring after cannabis use.