Can using weed cause headaches?
Weed is used for a multitude of medical benefits. For example, there is evidence that marijuana use can help alleviate migraine symptoms for some people. However, for others, using weed may actually cause them to have headaches. The headache may come with other symptoms as a result of a marijuana hangover.
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What is a marijuana hangover?
According to Healthline, there is debate about whether or not marijuana hangovers are real. However, the website believes they are likely real and are usually easier to deal with than a hangover from alcohol. The following list of symptoms may appear the day after someone uses weed:
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- lethargy
- brain fog
- dry mouth
- mild nausea
Healthline stated that the use of other substances may cause hangover symptoms after. The article said, “If you tend to consume other substances while smoking marijuana, they might affect how you feel the next morning”.
Is the headache always due to a marijuana hangover?
No, a marijuana hangover isn’t the only way that weed may cause a headache. Some people report having headaches shortly after using weed. According to the study titled, Short- and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Headache and Migraine, some migraine suffers, particularly women, had their headaches exacerbated. The study says that users are supposed to record what they’re feeling 20 minutes after weed use. Even though it’s self-reported and that could be a limitation, we’re going to assume the participants really did record having a worse 20 minutes after weed use. That proves that headaches can occur shortly after using weed.
Another reason for headaches or other hangover symptoms may be due to weed withdrawal. If you’ve started using less weed than usual then you may experience headaches as a result of that.
Ways to treat weed headaches and other marijuana hangover symptoms
Regardless of the reason why marijuana is causing you a headache (or other symptoms), there are a number of ways you can alleviate it.
Medication
Headaches may often be cured with over-the-counter painkillers. Healthline suggests ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, please seek medical advice when using any medication with weed because there may be an interaction.
Stay hydrated
Being hydrated is key but you’ll have to chug water even before you start light up. Healthline suggests staying hydrated before, during and after using weed to help symptoms such as headache. Medical News Today says marijuana may cause dehydration. Dehydration can trigger headaches and so it’s always a good idea to keep hydrated to keep them at bay.
Opt for a healthy breakfast
According to Healthline, opting for a nutritious breakfast the day after could do wonders for the hangover symptoms. The article said, “Try a small serving of whole-grain carbohydrates along with a lean source of protein and healthy fat.” Medical News Today also said that a nutritious breakfast would be helpful.
Hop in the shower
Medical News Today says that a hot shower can help with lethargy and fatigue. Healthline echoed the same sentiments and added that the steam may open up your airways.
Have a cup of coffee
Healthline says that a cup of coffee may make you feel more alert which is good since fatigue is a symptom of a marijuana hangover.
Put down your morning cup of coffee
Medical News Today on the other hand says to avoid coffee. The article said, “Although caffeine can help with sleepiness, it can also worsen dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of other fluids.”
Ginger can be your friend
Having a cup of ginger tea may help with digestive issues such as nausea. Healthline says, “add a bit of grated ginger to hot water with lemon and honey to soothe an upset stomach.”
Ways to avoid weed headaches and other marijuana hangover symptoms
Limit weed use
Everyone responds to weed differently and so you may be someone who gets headaches from weed. You may have to limit the weed you use. That’s not to say you can’t ever use weed but maybe you have to try different strains, different potency, etc. According to Healthline, “You might be more likely to experience a weed hangover if you overconsume. Decide on an appropriate quantity before you get high, and stick with that.”
In addition to that, if you’re trying a new marijuana product, Healthline suggests starting with a low dose.
Opt for more CBD
There has research indicating that CBD works to dull some of the effects of THC. THC is often seen as the cause of some of the more undesirable effects of cannabis. According to Healthline, “cannabis products containing high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that makes you feel “high” or impaired, can also cause a bad reaction in some people, especially those who don’t use cannabis often.” Cannabis that has more CBD can help to counteract the effects of THC. Healthline suggests low THC marijuana.
Maybe take a weed break
Healthline says that using marijuana every day may build up a tolerance and then cause withdrawal symptoms in the morning. Suddenly stopping could cause withdrawal symptoms regardless so if that’s what you choose to do, check out the section above to manage the symptoms.
Don’t mix weed
As mentioned before, sometimes when you mix weed with other substances such as alcohol, the hangover effects may be even worse. To have a better hangover or maybe even none, it’s probably best not to mix weed with anything else.
Conclusion
Even though headaches can be alleviated by marijuana, some people may experience headaches after using weed. The foolproof way to avoid that is to avoid weed but if that’s not what you want to do, there are many other treatment options. Headaches aren’t the only symptom that may arise because of a marijuana hangover or weed use in general. Headaches may come with other symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and others, which can be easily treated. It may just take someone some experiment with dosage, method of use, frequency, etc to find out the best way to cannabis to reduce negative effects for them personally.
