Hangover? Can cannabis help!
With the end of carnival, many people are experiencing those symptoms caused by excessive alcohol consumption, but can the plant help?
Published on 03/02/2022
By João R. Negromonte
We all know that the more alcohol consumed, the worse the hangover will be the next day, and with the end of the carnival festivities, many people are feeling the effects of this disturbance.
No one knows for sure how hangovers happen, however, researchers claim that it is caused by the consequence of dehydration caused by alcohol, which hinders the production of enzymes and increases urine production, predominant factors for triggering symptoms such as discomfort, headaches, nausea, and sometimes even vomiting.
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Even though many people still do not believe or use cannabis as a possible alternative in treating hangovers, some patients reveal that the benefits help a lot in treating the manifestations of hangover symptoms, as well as preventing irritability caused by alcohol action in the body and increasing appetite.
But let's get to the point: how can cannabis help in treating hangovers?
Reduces nausea and the urge to vomit
Studies have long pointed to the benefits of cannabis against the urge to vomit. According to researchers at the University of New Mexico, people who consume natural cannabis flowers have a reduction of approximately 90% in nausea. So, why would it be different with a hangover? Well, the study suggests that cannabis, besides removing the urge to vomit, has very few side effects and also treats stomach discomfort. However, it is necessary to have medical supervision before using these substances, as unlike nausea caused by chemotherapy, a hangover may last only one day, depending on the case, which changes the dosage of cannabinoids consumed.
Reduces muscle pains
Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of some components of the plant, cannabinoids, such as CBD, can help relieve pain, especially neuropathic pain. That's what this study says. That is, for those who can't even get out of bed because of muscle pains, cannabis can be an ally.
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Reduces headache
A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Pain revealed that cannabis can reduce pains caused by migraines and other headaches by about 50%, but it emphasizes that not all people adapt to this type of treatment, which can instead of reducing, increase headaches, the so-called “rebound” effect.
Increased appetite
It is very difficult to eat something when hungover, especially when nothing stays in the stomach. But food will help prevent the hangover. Researchers at the University of Bordeaux found that THC acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain in a way that increases our olfactory perception, enhancing the desire to eat because of the smells.
Reduce irritability
A study conducted by Washington State University and published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2018, showed that inhaled use of cannabis can reduce anxiety and stress levels, which are usually the main causes of irritability. For scientists, the psychoactive effects of THC produce a feeling of relaxation and, when consumed together with CBD, the feelings of well-being can be even more pronounced.
Therefore, we cannot affirm that cannabis can cure a hangover, however, it can indeed be beneficial against some of the main symptoms of this discomfort, resulting from high alcohol consumption.
