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CBD has a well-earned reputation for enabling consumers to cope with everything from chronic pain to anxiety.
More recently, specialists have been discussing the potential of cannabidiol to combat the unpleasant symptoms of the aftermath of a party that's been a little too festive.
If you'd like to get rid of your hangovers quickly and effortlessly, you should probably read on.
What you need to know about hangovers
If you want to understand how CBD can help you fight hangovers, you'd better understand how hangovers manifest themselves. There are many factors involved in the onset of these symptoms.
In any case, the main culprit behind the feeling of tiredness after a night of partying is alcohol. Alcohol is a well-known toxic compound that wreaks havoc on the body. However, the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon are a little more complex than simply saying "alcohol makes you feel bad".
One of the main elements involved in the hangover process is a chemical compound called acetaldehyde.
If the name evokes an aggressive chemical, that's because it is. The name acetaldehyde comes from the combination of two better-known and highly toxic substances: acetone and formaldehyde.
When you drink alcohol, it's absorbed by your body and broken down into a number of components, including acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is one of a group of chemicals called aldehydes.
This product is particularly toxic to our bodies. A large number of reactions are required to break it down effectively so that it can be eliminated.
Your body must therefore reallocate energy and resources to this metabolic process. Meanwhile, acetaldehyde exerts its toxic effects on your body. This is the cause of a number of unpleasant hangover effects.
What causes hangovers?
There are many factors that can lead to a hangover.
One of these factors is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate profusely. If you don't hydrate yourself sufficiently while you're drinking (which very few people tend to do), it's easy to find yourself deeply dehydrated.
The symptoms of severe dehydration are quite similar to many hangover symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.
Some of the gastrointestinal symptoms of a hangover can also be the direct result of alcohol consumption. Alcohol irritates the digestive mucosa and causes your digestive tract to produce more acid. This can contribute to unpleasant phenomena such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Alcohol can also deprive your body of electrolytes. These are important chemical messengers that enable your cells to communicate effectively. When you lack electrolytes, you can suffer from headaches, irritability and general weakness.
Using cannabis as a hangover remedy
It's not uncommon for hemp users to use cannabis to combat hangovers.
It's not just a tall tale or a grandmother's remedy. There' s real science behind the fact that cannabis is an effective way to combat the discomforts caused by alcohol abuse.
One reason for this is the way cannabis affects our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This biological system is one of our body's most extensive regulatory networks. The ECS influences everything from our digestion to our perception of pain and anxiety.
Our endocannabinoid system is made up of two main receptor sites: CB1 and CB2. These receptors are activated by molecules called endocannabinoids and cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are compounds generated by the body itself, while cannabinoids are substances obtained from other sources, such as those present in the cannabis plant. Endo literally means "inside".
Numerous cannabinoids are present in the marijuana plant. However, the two main ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Until now, it was thought that the main reason cannabis helped fight hangovers was due to its THC content. This is because tetrahydrocannabinol has a powerful influence on the ECS, resulting in effects such as relaxation and reduced nausea.
THC binds to receptor sites in the central nervous system. However, by binding to these receptor sites, this psychotropic molecule from the hemp plant also causes an important form of intoxication. Not everyone enjoys this form of intoxication, and many people find it makes them feel paranoid, anxious or uneasy.
Why is this important?
Because alcohol is known to have adverse effects on the SEC. Long-term alcohol consumption can cause serious imbalances in the endocannabinoid system. However, recent research suggests that even short-term alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on this system.
When your endocannabinoid system is out of balance, many dysfunctions can occur. ECS imbalances have been identified in physical and mental health problems ranging from anxiety to inflammation of the intestinal walls, known as irritable bowel syndrome.
The unpleasant symptoms of the day after a binge include these, in an eerily similar way. In this respect, hangovers are often associated with anxiety and digestive problems.
Rebalancing the endocannabinoid system should help alleviate these symptoms, as well as some of the other side effects of alcohol abuse.
Is CBD effective in treating symptoms related to alcohol abuse?
CBD may be useful in helping you get over a hangover. In fact, it seems that CBD is more effective than THC in managing those unpleasant morning-after symptoms.
This is due to the different ways in which each of these hemp-derived substances affects the ECS. THC is a direct agonist of CB receptors. This means it activates them. This direct activation has profound and obvious effects, including a certain state of inebriation.
CBD performs many of the same functions as THC. However, it tends to act more indirectly. By influencing the production of hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes, CBD is able to rebalance the ECS without causing serious intoxication.
This is fantastic news for consumers who are reluctant to use cannabis to treat hangovers.
List of potential hangover benefits of CBD oil
In this section, we'll take a look at some of the findings from research into the use of CBD to treat symptoms associated with alcohol abuse.
CBD to combat symptoms of dehydration
As mentioned earlier in this article, many hangover symptoms are thought to be the result of acute dehydration.
However, some researchers - including Ethan Russo, M.D. - believe that these symptoms may actually be the result of a severely disrupted endocannabinoid system.
Alcohol acts as a diuretic. Not only can the resulting loss of fluid lead to dehydration, it can also cause inflammation in your body. In this sense, cannabidiol can help reduce this inflammatory phenomenon.
Research into CBD reveals that this cannabinoid acts as an anti-inflammatory substance. As such, it can help reduce the discomfort, aches and pains associated with inflammation of all kinds, including those caused by hangovers.
One of the main advantages of this substance from the hemp plant is that it does not interact negatively with alcohol. This is not the case with more traditional anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can lead to increased liver toxicity.
CBD to overcome nausea and vomiting
Cannabis has long been used as an antiemetic to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
In fact, cannabis has proved so effective in this area that it is becoming one of the most popular treatments to be prescribed alongside chemotherapy - this cancer treatment often causes intense nausea and vomiting.
CBD offers the same benefits. While it may be in your best interest to consume marijuana in its whole form to reap the potential benefits of all its cannabinoids in synergy, those averse to its intoxicating effects may find relief simply by using CBD.
CBD to rebalance your moods and emotions
Among the most common symptoms of the aftermath of a drunken evening are anxiety, irritability and even depression.
One reason for this may be an increase in cortisol production. Cortisol is an important hormone, but high levels can lead to mood instability and severe stress.
Regardless of its origin, CBD is reputed to help combat anxiety in all its forms. It has been used to prevent panic attacks, ease social anxiety and help people manage generalized anxiety.
One of the reasons for this is CBD's ability to act on our serotonergic system.
Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters that regulate our moods and feelings. By bringing balance to our serotonin system, CBD can help combat anxiety and depression.
CBD to combat alcohol-related health problems
Although no studies have been conducted to prove it, speculation is rife. This is due to the nature of CBD, which is a powerful antioxidant.
Alcohol is a powerful toxic substance. When you're suffering from a hangover, part of what you're feeling is the result of toxic chemicals building up in your body. As an antioxidant, CBD can help mitigate some of this damage.
How much CBD do I need to relieve my hangover?
This question can be a little difficult to answer.
Not only is everyone designed differently, but the method you use to consume CBD can have a profound influence on how much you consume.
A heavier person taking CBD orally will need a completely different dose than a lighter person using a vaporizer. We'll explain.
Oral CBD to combat alcohol abuse
Oral CBD has the lowest bioavailability of all modes of consumption. Bioavailability is a term that describes how much of a substance is actually absorbed and used by the body.
This means that in pill or capsule form, the amount of CBD taken must be higher than toobtain the same effects from another mode of consumption. It is generally recommended to start with a lower dose, of around 5 mg. This way, you can avoid getting used to too high a dose right away.
However, if you decide to break your capsule and take the substance sublingually, this can change everything. We'll see why in the next section.
Sublingual CBD for post-bender symptoms
Most forms of CBD can be taken sublingually.
Sublingual absorption is the direct absorption of the substance into the bloodstream through the blood vessels in the mouth. To take CBD sublingually, simply slip the substance, whether oil, tincture or powder, under your tongue.
Sublingual absorption has a higher bioavailability rate than oral intake. It also affects the body much more quickly. Sublingual absorption is widely preferred because it gives you more for your money.
As sublingual absorption is much more potent than oral CBD, you may really only need a little cannabidiol. It's worth starting with a dose as low as a few milligrams and gradually increasing.
CBD inhalation for hangovers
CBD can also be smoked or vaporized.
There are also many extracts with high cannabidiol concentrations. These can be vaporized using a steam pen or dab machine.
These extracts, with their high CBD content and minimal THC, can also be smoked like normal marijuana. They are appreciated for their many potential virtues.
Unfortunately, it's virtually impossible to calculate how much CBD you're using if you smoke it.
Topical CBD to recover from a festive evening?
Topical CBD is not generally absorbed into the bloodstream. If it is, it's only in extremely small quantities. As such, topical CBD is generally not useful for managing the psychic side effects of a hangover, such as anxiety and depression.
However, if you're feeling physical pain after a night of drinking, then topical CBD may be just what you need. Lotions, creams, salves and balms: all can be applied directly to the problem area where they will serve to reduce pain.
CBD for hangovers: The final word
CBD, as a component of cannabis, has been used for many years to help combat hangovers. However, scientists have only recently isolated CBD. This allows consumers to enjoy the same potential benefits as cannabis, all without getting "high".
Cannabidiol can potentially help reduce anxiety, manage pain and discomfort, combat nausea and provide a sense of well-being. For all these reasons, it's an excellent ally in the fight against hangovers.
If you've ever used CBD to fight hangovers, leave a comment below to tell us about your experience.
