Sometimes you want to truly chill but have some lethargy – here is how to minimize it
A night kicking back and enjoying a margarita or rum and coke can make for a rough morning. Headaches, dry mouth and more, but cannabis doesn’t provide the same hangover. But, for some, it can leave you tired. So how to avoid post cannabis grogginess?
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Many cannabis users report feeling groggy, sluggish, or mentally foggy the day after consumption. This “weed hangover” isn’t universal, but it’s common enough to raise questions. Understanding why this happens — and how to minimize its effects — can help you enjoy cannabis more responsibly and comfortably.
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, can stay in your system long after the high wears off. Depending on dosage and your metabolism, residual THC may subtly affect cognitive function the next day, making you feel tired or foggy.
Cannabis can alter REM sleep, the stage associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration. While it may help you fall asleep faster, regular use can reduce REM sleep quality, leading to feelings of fatigue or grogginess the next day — even after a full night’s sleep.
Cannabis use often causes dry mouth and mild dehydration, which can carry into the next morning. Even slight dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
High doses, particularly from edibles, stay in the body longer and can cause an extended high. This can disrupt sleep, affect mood, and linger into the following day.
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To avoid the grogginess the next day, start low and go slow with smaller doses — especially of THC. It reduces the risk of next-day fog. Consider microdosing or using cannabis strains lower in THC and higher in CBD. Avoid consuming cannabis late at night, especially if it’s a potent strain. Give your body several hours to metabolize it before bedtime to reduce sleep disruption. Opt for strains known for relaxation without heavy sedation. Sativa-leaning or balanced hybrids may be less likely to cause lingering drowsiness compared to strong indica strains.
It is important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after using cannabis. Staying hydrated helps your body flush out cannabinoids and reduces fatigue-related symptoms.
Create a healthy bedtime routine. Even if cannabis helps you fall asleep, combine it with practices like limiting screen time, reducing caffeine, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.
Feeling groggy the day after using cannabis can be frustrating, but it’s not inevitable. By understanding how cannabis interacts with your body and making mindful adjustments, you can reduce or even eliminate that dreaded next-day slump. As with any substance, listening to your body and using it responsibly is key.
