CBD for hangovers: Feel human again without getting high

Overdo it? Here’s how CBD may help get you back on your feet.

Ah, the dreaded hangover—no one enjoys the aftermath of a night of drinking, yet despite knowing the usual advice—drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and pair alcohol with a bit of food—many of us have experienced it. For those seeking relief with cannabis, the question often arises: Could CBD be the hangover remedy we’ve been looking for? Does it actually help?

We think so—read on and learn all about CBD and its effects on alcohol hangovers.

What causes hangovers, and how CBD may help.

It is well-known that over-indulging in alcohol can wreak havoc on the body’s nervous system and organs, notably the liver, which is responsible for clearing out toxins, among other vital functions. However, it also has a negative impact on a lesser-known part of our body: The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a major regulatory network responsible for a wide array of functions, including:

• Learning and memory
• Emotional processing
• Immune response
• Pain control
• Eating

The ECS is also how our bodies interface with the cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant, including THC and CBD. Alcohol affects the production of endogenous—that is, body-produced—cannabinoids such as AEA (anandamide) and 2-AG, and, over time, it can impair the function of critical ECS components such as the CB1 receptors.

Alcohol also affects how our synapses work, which can lead to neural dysregulation, and since the ECS has functions that are heavily affected by alcohol, excessive consumption can degrade the ECS’ ability to prevent alcohol use disorder (AUD). These effects can be difficult to navigate after a night of celebrations, but since both cannabis and alcohol play a role in affecting the ECS, the science is expanding to see how certain cannabis compounds may mitigate hangover symptoms.

What is a hangover?

So…what exactly is a hangover? You’ve likely experienced it after one too many beers or cocktails. Hangovers are the body’s response to an excess of alcohol, and along with its adverse effects on the ECS, overdoing it on booze can cause your blood vessels to expand, leading to headaches and other maladies, including disruption to your blood sugar balance, dehydration, irritation of the stomach lining, and an overall inflammatory response from your immune system.

In short, hangovers are awful, and as some research suggests, the severity of hangovers doesn’t reduce as our bodies become more desensitized to alcohol. Actually, the reverse is true: The more hangovers we experience, the worse they get.

How to use CBD for pesky hangover symptoms.

Cannabis has been used as a hangover cure since time immemorial, and it’s no wonder why—besides the delightful euphoric effects of THC, it has a longstanding track record of helping to address a range of medical symptoms for many patients and aficionados. However, the trade-off is that if you consume THC, you’ll feel its psychoactive effects, which may not be what you’re looking for the morning after a night out.

But what about CBD? The research continues to grow on this non-psychoactive cannabinoid—here’s what we’ve found and how CBD may help with your most brutal hangover symptoms.

To reduce inflammation

As noted above, hangovers can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. That’s where CBD comes in. Whether consumed as an oil, tincture, edible, or vape, CBD has been shown to decrease inflammation in multiple ways, including downregulating cytokine production and upregulating T-regulatory cells, which can both help suppress inflammatory responses.

For headache and migraine relief

While there isn’t definitive research on CBD for migraines, one study suggests that cannabis’ anticonvulsant, analgesic, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory effects—as well as its current use as a treatment for migraine-associated pain—are why cannabinoids are being considered an effective treatment avenue for migraine relief.

For nausea relief

The study of CBD for GI upset and stomach pain is ongoing, but there’s been promising preclinical evidence suggesting that CBD may reduce both nausea and anticipatory nausea in animal models. Some scientists also believe that CBD may be a promising treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, some symptoms of which aren’t all that different from hangover-related GI distress.

Other studies have also shown that CBD could be effective in treating the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or other treatments, so it’s not a stretch to imagine it might reduce the nausea caused by the overconsumption of alcohol.

To support better mood

Hangovers, like many challenging bodily conditions, can often trigger anxiety, but there’s some evidence that CBD may help us feel less anxious in a safe and non-intoxicating way. Some research even suggests that CBD may help reduce the general urge to drink alcohol. While that’s not precisely a reduction in hangover symptoms, it does address the root cause of all hangovers: Consuming too much alcohol.

Explore how CBD may help with hangovers.

While we humans will likely have to contend with hangovers as long as alcohol exists, there are a few reasons to believe that CBD may help reduce their severity. While there’s no conclusive evidence that points to CBD as a hangover cure specifically, there are plenty of studies that demonstrate its positive effects on some of the worst symptoms, including nausea, headaches, gastric distress, and anxiety.

As the studies and research grow, we’ll be learning more and more about the relationship between cannabis and alcohol. But, in the meantime, CBD can be worth a try if you’re worried about hurting the morning after over-indulging. Consider adding a tincture, oil, edible, or vape to your nightstand before heading out.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article by Eaze are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended to serve as or substitute for a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.