Can THC Dehydrate You? Know The Truth Here

Feel relaxed using your favorite cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but then suddenly start experiencing a dry mouth or feeling thirsty. You might wonder, “Can THC dehydrate you”? THC is not the definitive culprit, however, it can indirectly lead to feelings of dehydration by making you feel a “cannabis hangover” like dry mouth. Let’s dive straight into the blog and understand how it can cause dehydration and how to manage it when using cannabis. Read on!

Can THC Dehydrate You?

No—there’s no scientific evidence that shows THC directly causes dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or dark-colored urine.

However, cannabis use, particularly smoking or vaping, can cause:

• Dry mouth (cottonmouth): A study reports that smoking cannabis can cause dry mouth due to the lack of sufficient saliva in the mouth.

• Other dehydration-like symptoms: Some cannabis effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness—can feel similar to dehydration, causing confusion.

Why Does Cannabis Cause Dry Mouth?

Cannabis causes dry mouth due to the following mechanism:

• When you smoke cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) attaches to the submandibular glands responsible for saliva production in the mouth.

• The THC binds to the cannabinoid (CBI) receptors in these glands, temporarily preventing them from producing saliva, leading to dry mouth.

• This causes the feeling of dehydration and discomfort. However, this effect is only localized to the mouth. It does not indicate that the whole body is dehydrated. 

Dry Mouth vs. Dehydration: What’s the Difference?

While dry mouth may feel uncomfortable, it doesn’t necessarily mean your body is dehydrated.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Understanding if it’s drug-induced dehydration or actual hydration is important to prevent any further complications. The actual dehydration is marked by the excessive loss of body fluids and the symptoms include: 

Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

• Thirst

• Dry or sticky mouth

• Less urination

• Muscle cramps

• Darker yellow urine

• Headache

• Dry and cool skin

Severe Symptoms:

• No urination

• Extremely amber-colored or dark yellow urine

• Dry and wrinkled skin

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Rapid heartbeat

• Fast breathing

• Irritability or confusion

• Sunken eyes

Other Factors Contributing to Dehydration While Using Cannabis

The following factors can also cause dehydration when using cannabis:

1. Parched throat

Vaping or smoking cannabis can lead to drying of the lungs and throat. This further increases the feeling of dehydration.

2. Decreased awareness of thirst

Becoming less aware of the water intake under the influence of the drug, especially when using it for long periods can also lead to dehydration. This happens due to reduced fluid in the body.

3. Increased heart rate

Cannabis can increase your heart rate, leading to excessive sweating. When lost fluid via sweating is not replenished, it may cause dehydration.

4. Consuming alcohol & weed together

Research says that alcohol is a diuretic, making you produce more urine and changing the body’s hydration levels. Combining alcohol and cannabis can worsen these effects.

5. Environmental factors

Most users consume the drug hot or dry to get the optimal effects of the drug. The temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration via sweating.

6. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

A condition that occurs when cannabinoids like THC stick to the digestive tract, causing continuous vomiting and nausea. The extreme vomiting can contribute to dehydration and be fatal if left untreated. 

Tips to Prevent Dehydration When Using Cannabis

Follow these tips if you experience dehydration when smoking cannabis:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink a lot of water before, during, and even after using the drug to maintain a hydration level.

2. Choose hydrating foods

Have fruits and green veggies such as cucumbers, lettuce, oranges, strawberries, and watermelons for proper hydration.

3. Avoid diuretics

Limit or avoid the use of alcohol, coffee, and salt as they intensify dehydration.

4. Try saliva-stimulating remedies

Use mouthwashes designed for dry mouth, chew sugar-free gum, or suck on lozenges to find relief.

5. Use humidifiers

Using a humidifier to regulate the moisture levels in the air can prevent discomfort due to frequent dry mouth.

6. Avoid excessive heat

Staying in hot or dry environments can intensify dehydration, so keep the room cool and take breaks for hydration.

7. Choose hydrating beverages

Take coconut water, herbal teas, or sports drinks containing electrolytes to replenish lost fluids.

8. Monitor your body

Pay attention to whether you’re feeling extremely thirsty or fatigued. This can be a sign your body needs more water. 

When to Worry About Dehydration?

Cannabis generally contributes to mild dehydration which is often ignored. However, if it lasts for a longer period, it can be harmful. So, seek medical help, if you notice these signs:

• Dark urine

• Dizziness

• Extreme fatigue

• Confusion

• Fast heart rate

• Fast breathing

• Dry skin and lip

Summing Up

We hope our blog has guided you well on “Can THC dehydrate you”? Though THC does not directly contribute to dehydration, it can cause a dry mouth which can give a feeling of dehydration if you don’t stay hydrated. Moreover, other factors such as parched throat, increased heart rate, decreased thirst, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and using cannabis and alcohol together can also lead to dehydration risk. However, the dry mouth and dehydration are manageable. By drinking plenty of water, avoiding diuretics, or monitoring the body for signals, you can reduce dehydration when using cannabis. 

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