The often experienced “Dry Mouth” begs the question, “Why Weed makes you thirsty?”.
Marijuana use can cause an increased appetite and thirst. THC (the psychoactive ingredient in Marijuana) stimulates the release of hormones that increase appetite and lower fluid production.
The feeling of thirst is one of the most common side effects of Cannabis consumption. The reason why Weed makes you thirsty depends on several factors, including the type and quantity of Cannabis consumed and the individual’s tolerance level.
A monkey was in a tree smoking Weed.
A lizard, walking by, looked up and saw him. “Yo, Monkey.” Said the lizard. “What are you doing up there?”
The monkey looked down and answered him. “I’m smoking Weed.”
“Can I have some?” Asked the Lizard.
“Yeah, dude. Come on up here.”
So the lizard climbed the tree and smoked Weed with the monkey. They smoked and smoked until the lizard’s mouth got dry, and he became very thirsty. “Yo, Monkey.” Said the lizard. “This Weed is fire, but my mouth is so dry. Do you have any water?”
“Not on me.” Said the monkey. “But there’s a stream right over that hill, and you can drink all the water you want there.”
“Cool.” Said the lizard, and he headed over to the stream. While he was drinking, an alligator walked by.”
“Yo, lizard.” Said the alligator. You stoned?”
“Haha, yeah,” giggled the lizard.
“You got any more Weed?” Asked the alligator.
“Not on me.” Said the lizard, “but there’s a monkey in the tree over there, and he might have more.”
The alligator walks over to the tree and yells up to the monkey. “Yo, monkey!” He yells. “Have you got any more of that Weed?”
The monkey stared down at the alligator rubbing his eyes in disbelief. “Holy crap, lizard.” He says. “How much water did you drink?!!”
What Is Cottonmouth and What Causes It?
Cottonmouth is a medical condition that causes dry mouth.
The symptoms of Cottonmouth include:
Dry mouth
Persistent dry coughing or throat clearing
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive thirst
Hoarseness or sore throat
The two most common causes of Cottonmouth
dehydration
anxiety/stress.
The medical term for this is xerostomia, which means “dry mouth.” It can be caused by insufficient water intake, medications, chronic health conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and diabetes, smoking cigarettes, or excessive alcohol use.
Does Marijuana Cause Hunger, Red Eyes, & Cottonmouth?
The cannabinoid receptors in our bodies are concentrated in the central nervous system and connect to various other bodily functions. Cannabinoid receptors are activated when you smoke Cannabis.
THC acts on the receptors similarly to Anandamide (the brain chemical responsible for feeling happy and well).
After consuming Cannabis, you may experience Cottonmouth, red eyes, and bloodshot eyes. These symptoms are caused by a side effect of THC that protects your lungs from irritation over time by decreasing mucus production.
The Cannabis plant itself does not make you thirsty. Instead, THC (the psychoactive ingredient) can cause users to feel more dehydrated than usual. This happens because of its ability to stimulate the brain’s hypothalamus region responsible for regulating fluid balance and appetite.
Many Marijuana users find themselves experiencing extreme hunger pangs, despite having just eaten a meal. This effect is also caused by THC stimulation of the hypothalamus region, which regulates appetite and memories. Weed makes you thirsty because it is a diuretic, making you pee more.
The dry mouth effects of Cannabis can be tough to deal with, but there are plenty of ways to cope.
If Weed makes you thirsty, please try some of these proven remedies;
These sound like very simple solutions. However we often overlook the obvious in favor of more complex less effective answers, so here goes;
Drink more water. Cannabis causes the body to release saliva through its natural reactions, so drinking water is a natural way to curb the dry mouth effects of Cannabis.
Chew gum or eat sour candy
Use a humidifier
Use throat drops
Brush your teeth
You can find more advice on How to sober up from Weed here.
The science: red eyes and Cottonmouth.
Cottonmouth is a common symptom of Cannabis use caused by the decreased production of saliva and dryness of the mouth. Cottonmouth is the main culprit in solving why “Weed makes you thirsty?”.
The science behind this phenomenon has been studied over the years. Researchers have found that THC might cause these side effects or that Marijuana’s impact on body temperature could cause drier eyes or Cottonmouth.
Cannabis use can lead to xerostomia by reducing salivary flow
Saliva and Endocannabinoids
Saliva is a complex liquid containing many substances with various purposes in the body. Saliva is a significant component of the endocrine system. It circulates through the mouth and is a critical component in the digestive process.
The most well-known goal of saliva is to keep the mouth moist and feed saliva into buffering substances. But the role of saliva in digestion is also essential, as, without it, food would not be able to be broken down properly.
Saliva contains endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters found throughout the body that works by binding to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found throughout the digestive tract, where they help regulate how food is digested and absorbed by modulating nerve cell activity within these tissues.
Endocannabinoids are substances that interact with receptors on our cell membranes. They are produced from fatty acids that come from many different parts of our body, including saliva. Endocannabinoids can reduce pain by blocking signals to nerves, help to control nausea and vomiting, affect appetite, and control inflammation-related responses in some cells.
Numerous studies have found that the endocannabinoid system regulates saliva production.
Disrupted saliva production could signify certain medical conditions, including Sjogren syndrome, diabetes, and radiation therapy.
Saliva is less dense in people with low levels of endocannabinoids. Therefore, one way to stimulate salivation is to increase levels of endocannabinoids.
Can Cannabis-Induced Cottonmouth be Dangerous?
Cottonmouth. or dry mouth is a common side effect of Cannabis use, and it is usually harmless. However, if the Cottonmouth. seems to be worsening, it could be a sign that it is not that Weed makes you thirsty, but of dehydration.
One can tell if they’re dehydrated by checking for signs such as:
Dry skin
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache
Fatigue or tiredness
Decrease urine output
Dark urine color
Other Marijuana Side Effects
Increased Hunger
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, studies have shown links between Cannabis use and increased appetite. THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors found in the brain’s hypothalamus; it stimulates neurons in the region that make you feel hungry.
Impaired balance
THC targets cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. The receptors are responsible for sensory information like sight and sound and coordination or movement. The cannabinoids attach to these receptors and block them from working correctly, leading to distorted perceptions of time and space.
The ability to drive becomes impaired.
There are many side effects of using Marijuana and driving a car. One potential risk is you may be delayed in making decisions and react slower than when sober. You may also have impaired judgment, affecting your decision-making abilities when stopping at intersections or signaling changes in traffic flow. Another primary concern is you will be less aware of your surroundings because you may divert your attention.
Euphoria
Euphoria is a common side effect of Marijuana. It is the feeling of intense happiness and relaxation. The drug has been linked to feelings of extreme contentment and social comfort. Euphoria can also be a result of:
anxiety reduction
pain relief
Patients using medical Marijuana are often looking for an experience to balance pain, depression, and anxiety. Euphoria is often reported after Cannabis use, with positive feelings, increased happiness, and energy.
Anxiety, paranoia, and panic
Marijuana produces a mellow high that makes people feel less anxiety-ridden by their thoughts. However, it can cause anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks in some people, so it is essential to be aware of this risk before trying Marijuana for the first time.
Red eyes
With THC being a vasoconstrictor, it causes a narrowing of the blood vessels in the eye, resulting in a slowed flow, followed by some degree of swelling. This narrowing also lessens fluid drainage from the eye to the tear ducts, making some people experience dryness that may lead to irritation and inflammation. This can cause red eyes by giving people a “bloodshot” look. It takes about 10 minutes for this effect to set in after Cannabis use, and it will last for 2-4 hours on average, depending on how much THC is consumed.
You can find more details and Cannabis edibles and Red eyes here.
Increased heart-rate
One of the side effects of Marijuana is an increased heart rate.
A person’s heart rate will increase as a result of Marijuana use. This will happen because the drug stimulates the body’s sympathetic nervous system. This nervous system regulates stress and the “fight or flight” response. When a person uses Marijuana, their brain and body release hormones like dopamine and serotonin, increasing heart rate and blood pressure and other reactions such as feeling more relaxed or anxious.
This side effect can be alarming for novice or first-time users who don’t expect an increased heart rate to happen. Cannabis users should be aware that this side effect can occur with any level of use.
One of the most consistent effects of Cannabis smoking on the heart is a 20% to 100% increase in HR which can last up to 2–3 hours, often accompanied by a slight rise in supine blood pressure.
Memory Problems
Memory problems are one of the most common side effects of Marijuana. How Cannabis is consumed and how often it is used can affect these memory problems.
The short-term memory problems from using Marijuana are called ‘temporary memory impairment.’ It usually lasts no more than a couple of hours after being smoked.
The long-term effects on the brain are an ongoing area of study, and findings remain inconclusive.
Ways to counteract Cannabis Side effects
Cannabis side effects can be a thing of the past with these five tips.
1) Get a good night’s sleep:
2) Avoid drinking alcohol:
3) Eat healthy food:
4) Exercise regularly:
5) Talk to your doctor about other Cannabis and prescription drug interactions and alternative medications you can take.
Side effects of Cannabis are caused by THC, which is a psychoactive ingredient. When you use Cannabis, the THC binds to receptors in your brain responsible for regulating memory, pain sensation, mood, and coordination.
There are ways to counteract the side effects of Cannabis. There are many ways to offset these side effects, including using other medicines or supplements, eating healthy food, and taking a break from Cannabis.
For more information on Cannabis side effects, check out “How Long Does a Weed High Last? Avoid Greening-Out”.
Other Possible Causes of Excessive Thirst
Dehydration can also be caused by too much alcohol consumption, certain prescription medications, gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis and ulcers, and even particular minerals deficiency such as iron.
While dehydration is a common cause of excessive thirst, other possible causes can include:
Urinary tract infection
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Many people suffer from excessive thirst, and while some of them might have diabetes, there are other possible causes. For example, dehydration can be caused by many health problems such as tuberculosis or kidney disease.
Scientific References: Why Weed Makes you Thirsty?
Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System
Role of Cannabis in cardiovascular disorders
Long-term effects of Marijuana use on the brain
Endocannabinoids Measurement in Human Saliva as Potential Biomarker of Obesity
