Understanding Edible Hangover Duration
Consuming too many edibles can lead to an unpleasant next-day experience known as an "edible hangover." This differs from an alcohol hangover in timing and symptoms. Learning what to expect can help you manage an edible hangover.
What Is an Edible Hangover?
An edible hangover occurs when you consume more THC from edibles than your body can comfortably handle. THC is the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis that generates the "high" feeling.
Edibles take longer to digest and produce effects than smoking or vaping cannabis. It can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin feeling high after eating an edible. The peak high occurs around 3 hours post-ingestion and can last up to 12 hours total. Consuming very high THC doses can extend these effects even longer.
An edible hangover is the lingering after-effects once the peak high wears off. It can involve feeling foggy, dizzy, anxious, fatigued, and nauseous the next day or longer.
Edible Hangover vs. Alcohol Hangover
Alcohol and cannabis both act on the brain's neurotransmitters to alter mood, perception, cognition and more. Both can cause next-day hangover symptoms from overconsumption. However, the timing and quality of edible vs alcohol hangovers differ significantly.
Alcohol hangovers typically begin a few hours after your last drink once blood alcohol levels drop back to zero. Edible hangovers begin after the peak high dissipates, which can take 6 to 12+ hours post-ingestion.
Alcohol hangovers also often cause intense headaches, stomach pain, vomiting, tremors, heart racing, and temporary hypertension. Edible hangovers tend to involve more cognitive impairment with less physical symptoms.
What Causes Edible Hangovers?
Two key factors determine edible hangover occurrence and severity:
- High THC dose - Consuming too much THC can overload the endocannabinoid system
- Tolerance level - Those with low cannabis tolerance get worse edible hangovers
The endocannabinoid system regulates memory, movement, appetite, pain and many other processes in the body and brain. It uses natural endocannabinoids to bind with cannabinoid receptors. Consuming a lot of THC flooding the receptors. Once the excess THC clears, it leaves the system temporarily depleted or disregulated.
Those who rarely use cannabis have lower tolerance. Their endocannabinoid system is more easily overloaded. Frequent cannabis users adapt to handle higher THC intake without as many after-effects.
How Long Do Edible Hangovers Last?
Most edible hangovers last around 6 to 24 hours from the time the peak high wears off. But in some cases with very high dose THC edibles, impairment can linger 48 hours or longer.
Factors that influence edible hangover duration include:
- THC dose consumed
- Your natural tolerance and metabolism
- Whether you smoke or ingest cannabis regularly
- If you have pre-existing health conditions
- How much sleep you get while high/recovering
THC Dose Effects on Hangovers
Studies show the higher the THC dose you consume, the worse and longer-lasting the edible hangover may be.
One study gave participants 30mg THC doses. Effects lasted up to 14 hours, with hangover symptoms lingering a further 38 hours on average.
Another study using 10mg THC doses found effects lasted only up to 8 hours with less extended hangovers.
Consuming a 50mg or 100mg THC edible can surely exacerbate and prolong a hangover compared to standard 10mg to 30mg serving sizes.
Metabolism and Tolerance Effects
Your natural metabolism processes and eliminates THC and other cannabinoids over time. The faster your metabolism, the quicker a high and hangover may dissipate.
Additionally, people who use cannabis frequently and have a higher tolerance report shorter, milder hangovers. Their brains adapt better to higher THC doses.
For new cannabis users, even a standard 10mg edible may lead to an overly intense high and long-lasting foggy after-effects.
Health and Lifestyle Factors
Those dealing with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders or other health issues may struggle more with extended edible hangovers.
A lack of sleep while coming down can also prolong the recovery. Make sure to rest and hydrate as much as possible after overdoing it on edibles.
Tips to Sober Up and Recover Faster
While no shortcuts can completely avoid edible hangovers, the following self-care strategies can help you feel better sooner:
1. Sleep It Off
Getting ample rest is key for metabolizing excess THC and its effects on your body. Sleep also helps reset strained cannabinoid receptors in the brain after a THC overload.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drink extra fluids during the high phase and as you come down from edibles. Water helps flush out lingering THC metabolites faster.
3. Consider Lemon Juice
Some research reports that lemon juice may help your liver better process THC, potentially speeding up hangover recovery.
4. Take Anti-Inflammatories
Ibuprofen or other NSAID pain relievers have anti-inflammatory effects that may counteract some immune system disruption from high-dose THC.
5. Use CBD Oil
High quality CBD oil may help normalize the endocannabinoid system and reduce anxiety after overdoing THC edibles.
6. Exercise Lightly
A little light exercise can boost blood flow and circulation, potentially helping your body purge lingering THC faster through sweat and respiration.
7. Consider Activated Charcoal
Some use activated charcoal supplements to absorb leftover cannabinoids from the digestive tract.
8. Try Green Tea
Sipping green tea may stimulate liver detoxification to speed THC metabolization and excretion from the body.
Preventing Edible Hangovers
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to problematic edible experiences. Using reasonable THC doses and allowing enough time between dosing can go a long way in avoiding nasty next day hangovers.
Start Low and Go Slow
If new to THC edibles, start with very low doses such as 2 to 5mg and wait at least 2 hours before considering another dose. Overdoing it too quickly is a recipe for disaster.
Read Labels Closely
Some black market edibles have incorrect or dangerously high THC levels. Always know exactly how much THC you are getting from regulated, tested products.
Have CBD on Hand
If you unexpectedly feel too impaired from an edible, taking some CBD oil can sometimes help level out the high.
While edible hangovers are usually temporary, seriously adverse reactions can occur in high doses. If experiencing prolonged vomiting, extreme paranoia or other concerning symptoms, seek medical help right away.
Otherwise, employ self-care patience allowing time for the THC overload to fully leave your system. In a day or two, you should bounce back to normal without any lasting edible hangover effects.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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