Dry mouth, cottonmouth, and even dry skin are all common side effects of consuming cannabis. But what's causing these symptoms? And can they be avoided?
Can Cannabis Dehydrate You?
Does Cannabis Make You Dehydrated?
The short answer is yes! Cannabis makes you appear dehydrated because it's a diuretic — it increases the flow of urine and causes you to lose more water than normal.
This means that if you're not drinking enough water while using cannabis, your body may feel dryer than usual because your kidneys are more active. This is especially true when you use edibles: since they take longer to digest than smoking or vaping, they can cause you to urinate more frequently than usual over the course of several hours.
Tips to Help Avoid Dehydration When Using Cannabis
So now that we know why cannabis might make us feel thirsty, let's talk about how best to stay hydrated when using it.
In general, try to consume enough water, stay away from diuretic foods, or consume cannabis in beverages to avoid dehydration.
If you find that dehydration when using cannabis can be a problem for you, here are some additional tips to keep in mind for the next time you partake:
- Remember to drink water before, during, and after use
- Avoid diuretic foods like coffee, alcohol, and salt
- Try consuming cannabis in beverages if edibles are your preferred method of ingestion
- Drink more water as soon as you're feeling dehydrated
The Verdict
So, can cannabis dehydrate you? There may be some truth to this, but it all really depends on how much cannabis you consume, what type of weed it is, and your own personal physiology. It's important not to forget that there are many other ways that cannabis can affect your body and lead to dehydration such as by increasing your heart rate or causing dry mouth symptoms.
As always, if you're concerned about the effects of THC on your body then make sure to talk with your doctor before making any changes in how much cannabis you consume.