Key takeaways
- CBD may deal with headaches, inflammation, nausea, and vomiting which are all signs associated with hangovers.
- Alcohol can dampen the effect of the endocannabinoid system.
- Combining alcohol and CBD may lead to adverse effects such as prolonged intoxication.
Hangovers are associated with several symptoms which can cause discomfort in many people. These symptoms range from headaches, vomiting, and nausea. Recently, some scientists have documented the possible roles of CBD in dealing with headaches, inflammation, nausea, and vomiting. In this article, we would look at how some of these therapeutic benefits can help people.
How does alcohol affect the endocannabinoid system?
Alcohol and compounds like CBD are opposite sides of the same coin. They both interact with the endocannabinoid system and can trigger a lot of activities. While CBD is the good guy, alcohol is the bad guy who will always make your endocannabinoid system do bad things.
Alcohol can influence the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in various ways. The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system in the body that plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function. Like compounds in the cannabis plant, alcohol can interact with CB1 receptors in the brain, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This interaction may contribute to some of the behavioral and psychoactive effects associated with alcohol consumption. In addition, chronic alcohol use has been associated with changes in endocannabinoid levels in different brain regions. This can impact the balance of the endocannabinoid system and may contribute to the development of alcohol-related disorders.
Both alcohol and the endocannabinoid system influence neurotransmitters in the brain. Alcohol can alter the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and these changes may intersect with the effects of the endocannabinoid system.
Can CBD help with hangovers?
Prolonged alcohol use can disrupt the endocannabinoid system, causing significant imbalances. Even short-term alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on the endocannabinoid system as indicated by a 2007 study involving rats. The study observed changes in endocannabinoid levels when the rats were given a liquid alcohol diet for 24 hours. The researchers discovered that brief exposure to alcohol led to a decrease in endocannabinoid levels in the brain. Additionally, they noted a reduction in certain N-acylethanolamines, substances chemically similar to cannabinoids that have been associated with mood improvement, according to a 2013 research review.
Using CBD and other cannabinoids can help restore the activity of the endocannabinoid system. These cannabinoids will trigger the activity of the ECS and keeps it as active as possible. Asides activating the balancing effect of the ECS, CBD can help with the following effects
- Chronic pain relief
- Reducing the severity of headaches and migraines
- Improve sleep-related challenges,
- Anti-inflammation roles
- Anxiety-reducing effects.
Is it safe to use CBD after drinking?
No, you should give it a few hours before taking CBD. CBD and alcohol are digested by the same liver enzyme. Taking CBD immediately after taking alcohol may reduce the effect of the CBD and cause your endocannabinoid system to malfunction. The best thing will be to take CBD when experiencing signs of hangover or trying to overcome alcohol addiction.
Other ways of dealing with a hangover?
If you want your CBD to be more effective at helping with hangovers, we suggest you practice the following habits.
- Stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat nutritious foods
These will help your choice CBD oils to work best for dealing with symptoms of hangover. We also suggest you contact an expert on how to combine these habits with CBD therapy.
Frequently asked questions
Can CBD help hangovers?
Yes, CBD can help relieve the symptoms of hangovers. Researchers have discovered the anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anxiety-reducing, depression-reducing, anti-nausea and anti-vomiting roles which can be useful to people dealing with hangovers.
Can you take CBD after drinking?
While there are limited research on these topics we believe it is not safe to use CBD immediately after drinking. Alcohol will reduce the effect of the CBD since they both affect the endocannabinoid system. We suggest you allow some few hours before using CBD.
Does CBD sober you up from alcohol?
Yes, some researchers discovered that taking 200 mg of CBD lowered the blood alcohol levels. This is a significant finding that shows the possible role of CBD in dealing with hangovers.
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Sources
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De Ternay J, Naassila M, Nourredine M, Louvet A, Bailly F, Sescousse G, Maurage P, Cottencin O, Carrieri PM, Rolland B. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain. Front Pharmacol. 2019 May 31;10:627. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00627. PMID: 31214036; PMCID: PMC6554654.
Turna J, Syan SK, Frey BN, Rush B, Costello MJ, Weiss M, MacKillop J. Cannabidiol as a Novel Candidate Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy: A Systematic Review. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2019 Apr;43(4):550-563. doi: 10.1111/acer.13964. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PMID: 30698831; PMCID: PMC6910215.
