We’ll keep this one short, as – if you’re reading this article – you’ve probably seen better days (no judgement, we’ve all been there!). And when we were, the same question kept playing over and over in our heads…
What’s the Fastest Way to Cure a Hangover?
Scientists have won Nobel Prizes for the synthesis of quantum dots and discovery of microRNA’s role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. And yet, millions of Americans continue to wake up on Mondays with (self-inflicted) headaches, nausea, and anxiety. As the kids say: Make it make sense!
But, good news: While the research community remains too busy to develop an official cure (okay, okay – maybe studying how cells adapt to oxygen availability is more important…), a number of existing studies – along with patient feedback – suggest medical marijuana may just act as a secret weapon against your hangover’s worst symptoms!
So what’s the fastest way to put all this science into action?
Step one: Chug water.
Granted, this is a non-marijuana related recommendation, but according to the Annals of Internal Medicine:
Hangover severity is proportional to antidiuretic hormone concentration. Alcohol inhibits the effect of antidiuretic hormone on the kidneys, thereby inducing diuresis that is out of proportion to the volume of fluid ingested. As blood alcohol concentration decreases and dehydration persists, the serum level of antidiuretic hormone increases, maintaining water retention in dehydrated patients with a hangover.
(If none of that made sense, blame it on the hangover and just keep drinking water!) According to the study authors, water won’t solve all your problems, but it will get you moving in the right direction. Another solid tidbit from our scientist friends?
Approximately 5 to 6 drinks for an 80-kg man and 3 to 5 drinks for a 60-kg woman will almost always lead to a hangover.
Hindsight’s 20/20, am I right?
Okay, back to marijuana.
Chances are you may be experiencing the following hangover symptoms:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Tremors
If any of that rings a bell (ah! no loud noises – sensitivity to sound also ranks high on the hangover list!), grab your preferred form of medical marijuana and take your standard dose immediately. Don’t worry, we’ll explain why – but some routes of administration take longer than others, and our goal is to cure that hangover as fast as possible!
CannaMD‘s team of experienced medical marijuana physicians can explain in more detail (seriously, call us – that’s what we’re here for!), but here’s some quick estimates on how fast different routes kick in, if you’re in a pinch:
Don’t have a medical marijuana card? No worries (well, a couple of worries… because the rest of this hangover might not be that great!). But CannaMD‘s got you covered for next time! Before you forget: Fill out a quick qualification form and we’ll take care of the rest!
Now, for current patients who have taken their standard dose: sit back, relax, and let’s review why this life hack is about to work like a dream…
How Does Marijuana Help Hangovers?
Remember that list of pesky hangover symptoms? Cannabinoids (the chemical compounds in marijuana that make cannabis “work”) have been shown to help all of them! We promised to keep things short, so here’s a super quick snapshot of the heavy hitters:
Headaches: According to the Journal of Pain, smoking marijuana improves self-reported headache severity by 47.3% and migraine severity by 49.6%. (Check out this earlier CannaMD article to learn more!)
Fatigue: Forget that myth that marijuana makes you lethargic. While certain strains certainly can (and sometimes relaxation is the goal!), a large number of medical marijuana products actually increase energy. The trick? Look for strains marketed as “sativa.” (Note: Labels like “sativa” and “indica” don’t tell the whole story; so be sure to consult with your physician on specific product recommendations.)
Nausea: Cannabis has long been recognized – by the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, European Journal of Pharmacology, and more – for its ability to combat nausea and stop vomiting. Curious about the details? Check out this summary of marijuana and nausea studies.
Now, we could go on (after all, the National Library of Medicine currently recognizes over 30,000 peer-reviewed studies on cannabis!), but since your medication is hopefully starting to kick in, we’ll leave it there. But, if you need something to keep you distracted until your hangover is completely gone, consider checking out the following posts to learn more about how marijuana fights common hangover symptoms:
- Migraine Patients: 82% Say Marijuana Works
- How Marijuana Helps Insomnia in Depression, Anxiety Patients
- How Medical Marijuana Helps Nausea
Still have questions? CannaMD‘s state-certified doctors are here to help!
How to Get Medical Marijuana (Fast!) to Help Hangovers
While hangovers aren’t an approved condition, CannaMD physicians are able to certify patients for a number of ailments including alcoholism, insomnia, anxiety, and more! Give us a call today (855-420-9170) or fill out a quick online form to get started!
