How to Cure a Weed Hangover (What Actually Works)

You went to bed feeling like a philosophical genius and woke up feeling like a damp sock with opinions. Welcome to the weed hangover.

Yes, it’s real. No, you’re not “just being dramatic.” And also yes, you can usually fix it in a day if you stop treating your body like an afterthought.

This guide is the no-fluff, actually-helpful plan for getting rid of weed hangover symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, and that mild “my stomach is confused” nausea.

First, what a weed hangover actually is (and why it happens)

A weed hangover is the leftover effects of THC (and sometimes other compounds) after the high wears off. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, which is part of why you feel altered, relaxed, distracted, creative, sleepy, snacky, or all of the above.

The next day, the “after” can show up as:

• Cognitive effects: brain fog, slower recall, reduced concentration, low alertness
• Physical effects: headache, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, mild nausea, upset stomach
• Emotional effects: irritability, mood swings, anxiety, low mood

Most symptoms fade within 24 hours. Longer-lasting issues are uncommon unless use is heavy, frequent, or paired with bad sleep, poor nutrition, or high stress.

Why some people get wrecked and others don’t

Weed hangover severity varies based on:

• Dose and potency: higher THC, bigger fallout
• Method: edibles tend to last longer and hit harder than smoking or vaping
• Tolerance: low tolerance equals higher odds of regret
• Metabolism: how quickly your body processes cannabinoids matters
• Hydration and electrolytes: dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can amplify headaches, fatigue, dizziness
• Sleep quality: THC can affect sleep architecture, so you may sleep long but not well
• Nutrition: an empty tank makes recovery slower

Translation: the hangover isn’t only “the weed.” It’s the weed plus everything else you didn’t do.

The fastest way to cure a weed hangover (the real checklist)

Do these in order. Repeat for emphasis: hydrate, eat, move, sleep. Hydrate, eat, move, sleep.

1) Rehydrate like you mean it

Start here. Most weed hangovers are made worse by dehydration, and dehydration loves to cosplay as brain fog and headache.

Do this:

• Drink 16–24 oz (500–700 ml) water soon after waking.
• Add electrolytes. Use a low-sugar sports drink, an electrolyte packet, or coconut water.
• Keep sipping for the next 2–3 hours.

Skip this:

• Chugging a gallon at once. You want steady intake, not a waterboarding.

Why it works: Hydration supports circulation and helps your body normalize after THC’s lingering effects. Electrolytes help with headaches, fatigue, and dizziness when plain water isn’t cutting it.

2) Eat a simple, balanced breakfast (even if you’re not thrilled about food)

Your goal is stable blood sugar and a calm stomach. Not a punishment smoothie made of kale and regret.

Good options:

• Eggs + toast + fruit
• Oatmeal with banana and peanut butter
• Greek yogurt + berries + granola
• Rice or toast with a little protein if nausea is present

If your stomach is cranky:

• Go bland: toast, crackers, rice, bananas, applesauce.
• Small portions. Eat, pause, eat again.

Why it works: Weed hangovers often feel worse when you’re underfed. A balanced meal supports energy and focus and can reduce nausea and shakiness.

3) Use ginger for nausea (because it actually helps)

If your stomach is doing that gentle-but-annoying rollercoaster thing, ginger is a solid move.

Do this:

• Drink ginger tea or warm water with ginger.
• Try ginger chews if tea isn’t your vibe.

Why it works: Ginger is widely used for nausea and stomach discomfort. It’s simple, safe for most people, and effective enough to earn its spot here.

4) Use green tea for the fog (and for your dignity)

Coffee can help, but it can also turn mild anxiety into a full Broadway production. Green tea is the calmer cousin.

Do this:

• Have 1–2 cups of green tea.
• If you drink coffee, keep it modest and pair it with water.

Why it works: Green tea provides a gentler caffeine lift plus antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help you feel more human. In fact, there are other teas like matcha that also offer calming effects and clarity, which can be beneficial in stressful times.

5) Move your body for 10–20 minutes (yes, even if you hate this idea)

No, you don’t need CrossFit. You need circulation, fresh air, and a signal to your brain that the “sleepy cloud mode” is over.

Do this:

• Take a brisk walk.
• Do light stretching or a short mobility routine.
• Get sunlight in your eyes (no staring at the sun, obviously).

Why it works: Light activity can reduce grogginess, improve mood, and help headaches. Sunlight supports your circadian rhythm, which matters if your sleep got weird.

6) Take a shower. Make it slightly dramatic.

A shower is underrated medicine. Hot water relaxes tense muscles. Cool water can wake you up. Either way, you win.

Try:

• Warm shower + a 20–30 second cool finish, if you can handle it.

7) Nap strategically (don’t “accidentally” ruin your night)

If you’re exhausted, sleep helps. But don’t take a three-hour nap at 4 p.m. and then act confused at midnight.

Do this:

• Nap 20–30 minutes, ideally before mid-afternoon.

Why it works: Short naps improve alertness without wrecking nighttime sleep.

8) Use pain relief wisely (and don’t mix chaos with ignorance)

If you’ve got a headache, OTC meds may help, but use them responsibly.

General guidance:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): avoid if you’ve had alcohol recently or have liver issues.
• Ibuprofen/naproxen: take with food to reduce stomach irritation; avoid if you have ulcers, kidney disease, or certain medical conditions.

If you’re not sure what’s safe for you, ask a pharmacist. They’re underused and wildly helpful.

What not to do (popular myths that waste your time)

“Just drink more coffee”

Caffeine can help fatigue, but it can also worsen anxiety, jitters, and dehydration. If you do caffeine, pair it with water and keep it reasonable.

“Take another hit to take the edge off”

That’s not a cure. That’s a sequel. You’re not recovering, you’re rescheduling.

“Sweat it out in a sauna or hardcore workout”

If you’re dizzy, nauseous, or dehydrated, going hard can backfire. Start light. Earn the intensity later.

“Ignore it and doom-scroll”

Brain fog plus doom-scrolling equals a lost day and a sour mood. Move first. Hydrate first. Then scroll like a responsible adult.

How long does a weed hangover last?

Most people feel better within a few hours to 24 hours.

It can last longer if:

• You had high-dose edibles
• You slept poorly
• You were dehydrated
• You’re new to THC or had unusually potent product
• Your metabolism processes cannabinoids more slowly

If you feel significantly impaired beyond 24 hours, take it seriously. At minimum, take a full rest day and avoid driving or risky tasks.

The best prevention (so you don’t do this again)

You don’t need a “cure” if you don’t create the problem. Be clever. Be boring. Your future self will write you a thank-you note.

1) Hydrate before, during, and after

Repeat for emphasis: hydrate before, during, after.

• Water is good.
• Electrolytes are better if you’re prone to headaches or dizziness.
• Coconut water counts.

2) Don’t treat potency like a personality

If you’re getting weed hangovers, your THC dose is probably too high for your body, your tolerance, or your schedule.

• Choose lower THC products.
• Consider strains/products with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio if available and legal where you live.
• Take fewer hits. Take smaller edible doses. Wait longer.

3) Eat real food

Have a balanced meal earlier in the day and a light snack later if needed. Don’t run your night on vibes and gummy bears.

4) Protect your sleep

Sleep quality heavily influences next-day symptoms. To ensure you get restful sleep, consider following these tips from the Mayo Clinic:

• Stop earlier in the evening.
• Keep your room cool and dark.
• Don’t scroll in bed like it’s your job.

5) Manage stress (because THC plus stress can equal emotional fallout)

Weed hangovers can include mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. If you’re already stressed, the next day can feel sharper and sadder.

Do the basics: hydrate, eat, sleep, move. It fixes more than you think.

When to worry (rare, but important)

A weed hangover should be mild and temporary. Get medical help if you experience:

• Chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath
• Severe confusion, hallucinations, or panic that won’t settle
• Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration you can’t correct
• Symptoms that last well beyond a day, especially after edibles or concentrates

Also: don’t drive if you feel impaired. “I think I’m fine” is not a safety standard.

Weed hangover cure: the quick routine (copy/paste this into your brain)

• Drink water + electrolytes.
• Eat a simple breakfast with protein and carbs.
• Ginger tea for nausea.
• Green tea for a gentle lift.
• Walk for 10–20 minutes and get sunlight.
• Shower.
• Nap 20–30 minutes if needed.
• Early bedtime. No heroics.

Do less. Recover more.

FAQ: Weed Hangovers

What are the most common weed hangover symptoms?

Fatigue, dry mouth, headache, brain fog, reduced concentration, mild nausea or upset stomach, dizziness, and sometimes irritability or anxiety.

Why do I get a weed hangover from edibles more than smoking?

Edibles often produce longer-lasting effects and can feel stronger because THC is processed differently when ingested. That longer duration can mean more next-day grogginess and fog.

Does hydration really make that big of a difference?

Yes. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can worsen headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Use water plus electrolytes for best results.

What should I eat when I feel nauseous from a weed hangover?

Start bland and small: toast, rice, crackers, bananas, applesauce. Add protein slowly as your stomach settles.

Is green tea better than coffee for a weed hangover?

Often, yes. Green tea gives a gentler caffeine boost and may be less likely to spike anxiety. If coffee makes you jittery, switch.

Does ginger actually help nausea?

For many people, yes. Ginger tea or ginger chews are common, practical options for mild nausea and stomach discomfort.

How long will my weed hangover last?

Typically a few hours to 24 hours. It may last longer with high doses, edibles, poor sleep, dehydration, or low tolerance.

Can I “sleep it off”?

Sleep helps a lot, but quality matters. A short nap can help during the day, and an early bedtime is a strong move. Avoid long late-day naps that wreck nighttime sleep.

Is it safe to take painkillers for a weed hangover headache?

Often, yes, if you use OTC medications as directed and consider your health conditions. Avoid acetaminophen if you’ve been drinking alcohol recently. Take NSAIDs with food and avoid them if you have contraindications.

How do I prevent a weed hangover next time?

Use less THC, choose lower potency or higher CBD-to-THC options, hydrate before/during/after, eat real food, and protect your sleep. Repeat for emphasis: hydrate, eat, sleep.