Best CBD for Hangovers - September 2024

How CBD May Help With Hangovers

Cannabidiol or CBD is a natural cannabis plant component believed to have antioxidant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), immunomodulatory (stimulates or suppresses the immune system), and anti-epileptic properties⁽¹⁾.

Such properties are believed to help deal with alcohol-related conditions.

Hangovers may be caused by alcohol mini-withdrawal, and one of the symptoms of a hangover is anxiety⁽²⁾.

CBD’s anxiolytic effects may work in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by inhibiting the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that degrades endocannabinoids such as anandamide⁽³⁾.

Anandamide is often called the “bliss molecule”⁽⁴⁾. Studies suggest that it may modulate brain reward circuitry, and the molecule’s activation may reduce anxiety due to alcohol withdrawal⁽⁵⁾.

CBD may also help with the modulation of serotonin receptors⁽⁶⁾. These receptors influence various neurological and biological processes, including anxiety, aggression, appetite, mood, sleep, and cognition⁽⁷⁾.

These processes suggest that CBD, working with the serotonin receptors, may help address some hangover symptoms.

Benefits of Using CBD for Hangovers

There are no clinical studies at present indicating that CBD may be used as a hangover cure.

However, studies suggest that CBD may help reduce alcohol drinking among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD)⁽⁸⁾.

AUD is the inability to control or stop alcohol consumption and may lead to alcohol abuse, dependence, or addiction⁽⁹⁾. Hangovers can be an AUD symptom or cause AUD risk⁽¹⁰⁾.

CBD may improve hepatic (related to the liver) and neurocognitive (pertaining to thinking and reasoning) outcomes in individuals with AUD by helping reduce alcohol-related steatosis (fatty liver disease) and brain damage⁽¹¹⁾.

Another symptom of a hangover is muscle pain⁽¹²⁾. A 2020 study suggested that CBD may help manage nociceptive pain⁽¹³⁾. This pain is caused by body tissue damage. Examples of nociceptive pain are joint and muscle pains⁽¹⁴⁾.

AUD can also cause alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI) and alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), which involve inflammatory conditions due to alcohol use⁽¹⁵⁾.

CBD may contain pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, and the compound may interact with the central nervous system receptors to provide a calming effect⁽¹⁶⁾.

These properties suggest that CBD may have the potential to help manage alcohol-related inflammatory problems.

Nausea is one of the effects of alcohol. This condition happens when your body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a substance that can cause nausea and sweating⁽¹⁷⁾.

One potential benefit of CBD is its purported antiemetic (anti-nausea) effect. A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology mentioned that cannabinoids, including CBD, may effectively manage the sensation of nausea and vomiting⁽¹⁸⁾.

How to Use CBD Oil for Hangovers

Depending on the individual’s needs and preferences, they may take CBD oil to help with hangovers using various delivery methods. These practices include the following:

• Ingestion: This administration method involves taking CBD orally. Ingestion allows CBD to pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract before the drug spreads into the bloodstream.

Some CBD brands may claim that their edible CBD products, such as gummies or capsules, are formulated to help alleviate the effects of hangovers.

Oral administration may be effective for inflammations and stomach and bowel disorders⁽¹⁹⁾.

Stomach pain is a symptom of being hungover⁽²⁰⁾. This factor suggests that oral drug administration may help with GI tract-related symptoms associated with hangovers.

• Sublingual administration: This method delivers CBD oil sublingually or under the tongue, allowing the drug to enter the bloodstream directly and bypass your GI tract.

One method to take CBD sublingually is through tinctures, administered using droppers for accurate dosing.

CBD oil tinctures may have an earthy flavor, which may not appeal to some alcohol users. Thus, consumers should consider mixing CBD oil tinctures with food or drinks⁽²¹⁾.

• Inhalation: This method administers CBD through vaping or smoking. CBD taken through inhalation passes through the lungs and brain before the drug spreads throughout the body⁽²²⁾.

Inhalation is a fast way to deliver CBD into the system, making this method appropriate for conditions like nausea⁽²³⁾.

Be advised that vapes may be linked to lung disease⁽²⁴⁾. Exercise caution and be mindful of this adverse effect before vaping or smoking CBD.

• Topical application: This delivery route involves applying CBD to the skin to provide relief. Topical CBD products have zero bioavailability, meaning they are not absorbed into the bloodstream⁽²⁵⁾.

Examples of CBD topicals include creams, lotions, and ointments.

If you have AUD or any alcohol-related medical conditions, consult a doctor or therapist for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment before taking CBD.

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can cause you to urinate a lot. This condition can make you lose more fluids and create an electrolyte imbalance⁽²⁶⁾. Alcohol can also lead to low blood sugar levels, which can lead to fatigue, sweating, and hunger⁽²⁷⁾.

Your doctor may recommend drinking water and other non-alcoholic beverages⁽²⁸⁾. Hydration through sufficient water intake allows you to keep your organs functioning, regulate body temperature, prevent infections, and keep joints lubricated⁽²⁹⁾.

CBD Dosage for Hangovers

At present, there are no standard CBD dosage guides specific for hangovers.

However, you may consider taking CBD starting with a low dose and gradually raise the dosage⁽³⁰⁾.

One recommendation is to start with 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day. If your CBD oil product contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), you may take a low THC dose of 1 to 2.5mg⁽³¹⁾.

THC is a psychoactive cannabis compound that produces a “high” associated with marijuana usage⁽³²⁾.

Your CBD dosage may differ from other individuals depending on your health conditions, diet, exercise, genetics, and stress levels⁽³³⁾.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Hangovers?

There are no conclusive clinical trials at present that determine CBD onset times specific for hangovers.

In general, the time taken for CBD to become effective may depend on the administration method, such as the following⁽³⁴⁾:

• Ingestion: 30 to 90 minutes
• Sublingual method: 15 to 30 minutes
• Inhalation: 2 to 15 minutes
• Topical application: 15 to 30 minutes

How Long Will CBD Help With Hangovers?

There is currently no definitive clinical data on the duration of CBD’s effects on hangovers.

However, different delivery routes may have varying durations of effect, as shown below⁽³⁵⁾:

• Ingestion: six to eight hours
• Sublingual administration: two to four hours
• Inhalation: two to four hours
• Topical application: two to four hours

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Hangovers

The adverse effects of using CBD for managing hangovers or its symptoms have not been thoroughly studied. In general, the side effects of CBD among humans include fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, appetite loss, and diarrhea⁽³⁶⁾.

However, hangovers can also cause fatigue⁽³⁷⁾. This condition suggests that taking CBD after drinking alcohol may potentially worsen the effects of hangovers.

In another study, some participants given CBD prescriptions reported experiencing sedation and vivid dreams⁽³⁸⁾.

Is It Safe to Use CBD for Hangovers?

In a World Health Organization (WHO) report, CBD was noted to have a good safety profile and no association with abuse potential⁽³⁹⁾.

Additionally, one study suggested that humans may tolerate chronic use and high doses of CBD, up to 1,500mg per day⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Best Type of CBD Products for Hangovers: How to Choose CBD for Hangovers

When choosing the best CBD oil that may help with hangovers and provide health benefits, factors like extraction methods, CBD product categories, and personal preferences may influence your buying decisions.

Extraction Methods

Manufacturers use various extraction processes to obtain CBD and other compounds from the cannabis plant. These methods include the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrocarbon, and ethanol.

• CO₂ extraction: Manufacturers use highly pressurized and liquefied carbon dioxide to extract CBD.

CO₂ is a non-combustible and odorless gas recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally safe for use as a food ingredient⁽⁴¹⁾.

• Hydrocarbon extraction: CBD suppliers utilize hydrocarbons like propane or butane for CBD extraction.

One safety concern with hydrocarbons is that they are flammable and neurotoxic. They may become a health hazard if not purged from the extracted CBD.

• Ethanol extraction: Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is used as a solvent for extracting CBD from the cannabis plant.

Many cultures have used this method for centuries to derive medicinal compounds from cannabis⁽⁴²⁾.

Product Categorization

After extracting the cannabis extract, manufacturers process it into CBD oil products and categorize it as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all essential cannabis plant compounds, including THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Terpenes produce the distinct aroma of cannabis and are used as essential oil ingredients⁽⁴³⁾. Meanwhile, flavonoids are plant substances with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains most compounds and cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD oil. The difference is that broad-spectrum CBD products do not have THC.

CBD isolates comprise pure CBD only. These products are THC-free and contain no other cannabinoids or compounds.

You may consider purchasing CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD oil if you prefer CBD products without the psychoactive effects of THC.

Individual Preferences

Your personal preferences also factor in when deciding what CBD product to purchase.

For example, you may choose a CBD product based on personal goals such as maintaining mental health, improving wellness, or making lifestyle changes.

Legality of CBD

Under federal law, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal⁽⁴⁵⁾. However, state laws and restrictions on cannabis use vary.

Before buying CBD products, consumers must review and understand their state’s laws regarding CBD use.

FAQs

1. How can CBD help with hangovers?

CBD works in the endocannabinoid system to help produce anxiolytic effects⁽⁴⁶⁾. This benefit may help manage the anxiety brought by hangovers.

CBD may also interact with serotonin receptors⁽⁴⁷⁾. These receptors play a role in influencing aggression, anxiety, mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition⁽⁴⁸⁾. This interaction suggests that CBD may be beneficial to individuals experiencing hangovers.

2. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD helps with hangovers?

Studies showed that CBD may help manage alcohol consumption among individuals with AUD⁽⁴⁹⁾. Hangovers can cause AUD risk or be an AUD symptom⁽⁵⁰⁾.

Another study mentioned that CBD may effectively manage nausea and vomiting⁽⁵¹⁾. Nausea is a symptom of hangovers⁽⁵²⁾.

3. Is there any evidence that CBD can make hangovers worse?

One of the side effects of CBD is fatigue⁽⁵³⁾. However, fatigue is also caused by hangovers⁽⁵⁴⁾. Thus, CBD may potentially cause the effects of hangovers to worsen.

4. Will CBD interact with any current medication I may be taking for hangovers?

CBD may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prevent them from being metabolized or processed by the cytochrome P450 liver enzymes⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Examples of NSAIDs are naproxen or ibuprofen for hangover symptoms like headaches or muscle aches⁽⁵⁶⁾.

5. Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD to help with hangovers?

At present, there are no remedies scientifically proven effective for curing hangovers⁽⁵⁷⁾.

Some practices that may help with hangovers include drinking water, getting sleep, and waiting for the symptoms to ease⁽⁵⁸⁾.

6. Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD for hangovers?

Using CBD products with less than 0.3% THC should not cause you to fail a drug test.

Still, frequent CBD use may increase the THC concentration in your body to detectable levels⁽⁵⁹⁾. This outcome may result in a drug test failure.

7. What is the CBD dosage for hangovers?

There are no approved CBD dosage guides specific to hangovers.

However, one general suggestion is to start with 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day⁽⁶⁰⁾.

8. What risks does CBD pose for individuals looking to nurse a hangover?

A WHO report noted that CBD may have a good safety profile and no abuse potential⁽⁶¹⁾. This report suggests that CBD may not cause significant risks when used for hangovers.

---

1. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
2. Hangovers
   https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
3. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
4. The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
   https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
5. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss?
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6460372/
6. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
7. 5-HT Receptor
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/5-ht-receptor
8. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
9. Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
   https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
10. Hangover and Risk for Alcohol Use Disorders: Existing Evidence and Potential Mechanisms
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264051/
11. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
12. Hangovers
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
13. Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7338332/
14. What Is Nociceptive Pain?
    https://www.beaumont.org/services/pain-management-services/nociceptive-pain
15. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
16. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
    https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
17. Hangover
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
18. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/
19. Advances in Oral Drug Delivery
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.618411/full
20. Hangovers
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
21. Page 208 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
22. Best Way to Take CBD
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/best-way-take-cbd
23. Ibid.
24. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
25. Page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
26. Hangover
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
27. Ibid.
28. Ibid.
29. The importance of hydration
    https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/the-importance-of-hydration/
30. CBD Dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
31. Page 218 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
32. Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tetrahydrocannabinol
33. CBD dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
34. Page 190-193 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
35. Ibid.
36. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
37. Hangovers
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
38. Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice: an audit on the first 400 patients in New Zealand
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330185/
39. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report Agenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
40. Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa Constituent
    https://doi.org/10.2174/157488611798280924
41. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1240
42. CBD oil: An introduction
    https://www.projectcbd.org/wellness/cbd-oil-introduction
43. The Cannabis Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7763918/
44. Flavonoids as antioxidants
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10924197/
45. CBD & THC: Myths and misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/cbd-misconceptions
46. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
47. Ibid.
48. 5-HT Receptor
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/5-ht-receptor
49. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
50. Hangover and Risk for Alcohol Use Disorders: Existing Evidence and Potential Mechanisms
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264051/
51. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/
52. Hangover
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
53. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
54. Hangovers
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
55. Page 114-115 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
56. Hangover
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
57. Hangovers
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
58. Hangover
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
59. Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/
60. Page 218 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
61. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report Agenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf

CBD Clinicals is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more