Can THC Dehydrate You? Know The Truth Here

You feel relaxed using your favorite cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but suddenly you start feeling dry mouth and thirst. You may be wondering, “Can THC cause dehydration?” THC isn’t the definitive culprit, but it can cause a “cannabis hangover” feeling, like dry mouth, and indirectly cause dehydration. Jump straight into the blog to understand how dehydration is caused when using cannabis and how to manage it. Read more!

Can THC cause dehydration?

No, there is no scientific evidence that THC directly causes dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more water than it takes in, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and dark urine.

However, cannabis use, especially smoking and vaping, can cause:

• Dry mouth (cotton mouth): the study It has been reported that smoking cannabis can cause a lack of saliva in the mouth, leading to dry mouth.

• Other dehydration-like symptoms: Some effects of cannabis, such as dizziness or light-headedness, can cause dehydration-like symptoms that can be confusing.

Why does cannabis cause dry mouth?

Cannabis causes dry mouth through the following mechanisms:

• When you smoke marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) gets deposited in your submandibular gland, which is responsible for producing saliva in your mouth.

• THC binds to cannabinoid (CBI) receptors in these glands, temporarily interfering with saliva production and causing dry mouth.

• This causes dehydration and discomfort. However, this effect is limited only to the mouth. Not your whole body is dehydrated.

Dry Mouth and Dehydration: What’s the Difference?

Dry mouth may feel unpleasant, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your body is dehydrated.

Symptoms of dehydration

It is important to understand whether it is drug-induced dehydration or actual hydration to prevent further complications. Actual dehydration is characterized by excessive loss of body fluids, and symptoms include:

Mild to moderate symptoms:

• thirst

• Mouth feels dry or sticky

• urinate less

• muscle spasms

• dark yellow urine

• headache

• dry and cold skin

Severe symptoms:

• do not urinate

• very amber or dark yellow urine

• dry wrinkled skin

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• fast heart rate

• rapid breathing

• irritation or confusion

• depressed eyes

Other factors that contribute to dehydration during cannabis use

The following factors can also cause dehydration when using cannabis:

1. I’m thirsty

Vaping or smoking cannabis can cause dryness in your lungs and throat. This makes dehydration even worse.

2. Decreased awareness of thirst

Under the influence of drugs, people become less conscious about their fluid intake, which can lead to dehydration, especially if taken for a long period of time. This occurs due to a decrease in water in the body.

3. Increased heart rate

Cannabis can increase your heart rate and cause excessive sweating. If water lost through sweat is not replaced, it can lead to dehydration.

4. Consuming alcohol and cannabis together

the study Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing urine production and changing the body’s hydration levels. Combining alcohol and cannabis can worsen these effects.

5. Environmental factors

Most users take their medicines hot or dry to get the best effect of the medicine. Warmer temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration from sweating.

6. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

It occurs when cannabinoids such as THC land in your digestive tract, causing continuous vomiting and nausea. Severe vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can lead to death if left untreated.

Tips to prevent dehydration when using cannabis

If you experience dehydration when smoking cannabis, follow these tips.

1. Stay hydrated

To maintain your hydration levels, drink plenty of water before, during, and even after using your medication.

2. Choose foods that keep you hydrated

Consume fruits and green vegetables such as cucumbers, lettuce, oranges, strawberries, and watermelon for proper hydration.

3. Avoid diuretics

Limit or avoid alcohol, coffee, and salt use, as they worsen dehydration.

4. Try a treatment that stimulates saliva

Use mouthwash, chew sugar-free gum, or suck on lozenges to relieve dry mouth.

5. Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier to regulate the humidity level in the air can help prevent the discomfort caused by frequent dry mouth.

6. Avoid excessive heat

Staying in hot or dry environments can worsen dehydration, so keep your room cool and take breaks to rehydrate.

7. Choose a hydration drink

Consume coconut water, herbal tea, or a sports drink containing electrolytes to replenish lost fluids.

8. Observe your body

Watch for extreme thirst and fatigue. This can be a sign that your body needs more water.

When should you worry about dehydration?

Cannabis commonly causes mild dehydration, which is often ignored. However, it can be harmful if it continues for a long time. Therefore, see your doctor if you notice any of the following signs:

• dark urine

• dizziness

• extreme fatigue

• confusion

• fast heart rate

• rapid breathing

• dry skin and lips

summary

We hope our blog has successfully guided you on “Can THC cause dehydration?” THC doesn’t directly cause dehydration, but if you don’t stay hydrated, it can cause dry mouth, which can lead to dehydration. Additionally, other factors such as increased thirst, increased heart rate, decreased thirst, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and combined use of cannabis and alcohol can also lead to the risk of dehydration. However, dry mouth and dehydration are manageable. You can reduce dehydration when using cannabis by drinking plenty of water, avoiding diuretics, or monitoring your body’s signals.

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