CBD for Hangover - September 2024

CBD for Hangover

According to the NIAAA or National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a hangover is a set of symptoms that develop due to excessive drinking⁽⁹⁾. 

The effects of alcohol may cause sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscular pains, nausea, stomach discomfort, vertigo, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and elevated blood pressure⁽¹⁰⁾. These are all common symptoms of a hangover.

CBD has many potential therapeutic benefits⁽¹¹⁾. Many of CBD’s putative therapeutic benefits may likely reduce hangover symptoms. For instance, CBD may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects⁽¹²⁾. 

Alcohol use may result in oxidative stress⁽¹³⁾, which causes the body to manufacture more free radicals (unstable atoms that damage cells)⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Oxidative stress disrupts the equilibrium of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses⁽¹⁵⁾.

Oxidative stress occurs when an excess of free radicals accumulates in the body and cannot be progressively eliminated. This mechanism contributes to chronic and degenerative illnesses, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, or autoimmune diseases⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Preventive antioxidants serve as the first line of protection since they inhibit the generation of free radicals⁽¹⁷⁾.

Meanwhile, cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the cannabis plant’s most potent phytocannabinoids⁽¹⁸⁾. 

CBD is nonpsychoactive and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Although the pro-oxidant capacity of CBD has been reported, caution should be applied when considering its therapeutic potential.

How Can CBD Help With Hangovers?

There are no direct studies linking CBD to hangover cure. However, CBD may help reduce some hangover symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. 

CBD may exert its putative anti-nausea properties indirectly by activating the 5-HT1A receptors in the brain stem⁽²⁰⁾. 5-HT1A is a serotonin receptor subtype. The mechanism of action of anxiolytic, depressive, and antipsychotic medicines has been implicated in the activation of the serotonin receptor⁽²¹⁾.

One clinical study has shown that cannabinoids, such as CBD, may potentially manage both nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy ⁽²²⁾.

Cannabidiol may suppress the effects of vomiting and nausea within a limited dose range by activating the somatodendritic 5-HT1 receptor in the dorsal raphe nucleus⁽²³⁾. Thus, studies suggest that cannabinoids, which include cannabidiol (CBD), may be effective in treating both nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS,  is a neurobiological component that regulates the effects of substances on the brain⁽²⁴⁾.

When users consume CBD, CBD attaches to the naturally existing cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2⁽²⁵⁾. These receptors are components of a more extensive system in the body called the endocannabinoid system.

The ECS, particularly endocannabinoids, is involved in most physiological activities, including mood, sleep, cognitive function, and motor control⁽²⁶⁾. The ECS, in essence, maintains the body’s homeostasis or balance⁽²⁷⁾. 

The effects of the ECS on vomiting and nausea in humans and other animals are well-documented. In response to a toxic challenge, cannabinoids may suppress vomiting⁽²⁸⁾.

Meanwhile, drinking alcohol reduces the brain’s serotonin levels⁽²⁹⁾. Serotonin is known as a feel-good neurotransmitter.

Both short-and long-term exposure to alcohol can affect the function of the serotonin receptors in the brain, altering the effects of alcohol on the body⁽³⁰⁾. Serotonin also contributes to the addictive and rewarding effects of alcohol.

When serotonin levels drop, alcohol users are more prone to experience depression or anxiety⁽³¹⁾.

Current evidence shows that cannabidiol (CBD) has the potential to manage anxiety disorders⁽³²⁾. However, it is currently only being studied in acute doses. Further studies are needed to confirm CBD’s efficacy and identify its chronic effects.

 On the other hand, CBD may possess various therapeutic characteristics⁽³³⁾. CBD may affect total alcohol consumption in animal models of AUD or alcohol use disorder by decreasing ethanol intake, relapse, anxiety, and impulsivity⁽³⁴⁾.CBD may protect against alcohol-induced brain damage by acting as an antioxidant and immunomodulator.

CBD Dosage

Dosing CBD correctly can be challenging, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution for CBD dosage. Due to the varying effects of CBD in individuals, there is no conclusive evidence of CBD’s safety.

However, one research hypothesized that daily doses of up to 1,500mg of CBD were safe and well tolerated in healthy individuals⁽³⁵⁾.

Consumers also consider their health status and genetic makeup that may dictate how CBD is administered⁽³⁶⁾.

If users suffer from specific medical disorders, they may start with a lower CBD dosage and may gradually increase it until they achieve the desired amount⁽³⁷⁾.

It is essential to adjust the dosage gradually to help an individual determine the amount of CBD right for them.

Most studies regarding CBD are still in their infancy. Therefore, more longitudinal research about the efficacy of CBD is necessary. Consequently, anybody considering using CBD should speak with their doctor beforehand.

How to Take CBD

The following CBD products are primarily available in the market⁽³⁸⁾:

• CBD sprays or tinctures administered sublingually
• Consumption of CBD-infused edibles such as capsules, gummies, cookies, or chews
• CBD lotions, creams, balms, and salves for external use
• CBD vapes and smokes for vaping or inhalation

There is a study on the interaction of CBD with alcohol⁽³⁹⁾. In a double-blind crossover study, four female and six male volunteers were randomly assigned to receive a placebo, cannabidiol, alcohol, and both.

The study results show that CBD does not influence motor or mental performance or effects when combined with alcohol.

The result of the study shows that CBD may not influence motor or mental performance or effects when combined with alcohol⁽⁴⁰⁾.

 Thus, using CBD after drinking alcohol may or may not be safe depending on CBD’s effects on individuals.

Effectiveness of CBD

The first clinical research on CBD was conducted in the 1980s. However, many studies and trials testing its usefulness have only been explored lately⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Currently, CBD is available in many forms, and most individuals use it for various medical conditions.

However, it is unknown which form or amount of CBD is safe and effective. Currently, cannabidiol is available in different forms and formulations for various health conditions⁽⁴²⁾. CBD may be used in combination with other medical treatments for specific conditions. However, it is not yet clear which form and dose should be used to assess its safety and efficacy.

The systematic review highlights existing data, literature, and experiences on how and in what dose CBD may be delivered⁽⁴³⁾.

Studies were carried out in five nations, with the majority in the U.K. The studies were all in journal publications. CBD was given to participants in single doses or chronic dosages for up to 48 weeks. Except for two studies that utilized seed CBD oil and CBD-rich botanical extracts, most used pure CBD⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Oral CBD capsules were the most popular medication delivery method, followed by vaporization and sublingual CBD oil⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

Side Effects of CBD

Results from preclinical studies suggest that cannabidiol may reduce the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. However, these findings do not provide definitive proof of how CBD interacts with alcohol. There are also few clinical studies on the effects of CBD and alcohol on humans⁽⁴⁶⁾.

While CBD is typically well tolerated in humans, CBD may induce side effects such as⁽⁴⁷⁾:

• Dry mouth 
• Drowsiness
• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea

For the consumer’s wellness, recent developments in cannabidiol administration allow for safe human and animal trials. However, additional clinical research is required to prove the safety and usefulness of CBD⁽⁴⁸⁾.

What Is CBD?

CBD, commonly known as cannabidiol, is one of the numerous naturally occurring cannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Both hemp and marijuana are derived from the cannabis plant⁽⁴⁹⁾, even though hemp is nonpsychoactive. 

CBD products, such as CBD oil made from hemp, have less than 0.3%  tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. 

On the other hand, even if a state-sanctioned program provides consumers with the opportunity to purchase cannabidiol products, CBD are still illegal under specific circumstance⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

The FDA does not regulate most CBD products in the market. Thus, CBD manufacturers cannot claim CBD can treat any medical condition⁽⁵¹⁾. 

What Are Hangovers All About?

For many individuals, a night of drinking may result in an unpleasant morning with the dreaded hangover symptoms⁽⁵²⁾. While alcohol is the primary cause of a hangover, additional components of alcoholic drinks may contribute to or exacerbate hangover symptoms.

For instance, alcoholic drinks are not suggested for adequate hydration. These fluids draw water from the body, resulting in dehydration⁽⁵³⁾.

Suppose alcohol drinkers excrete more fluid than they consume. They will get dehydrated if alcohol drinkers do not drink enough water.

Alcohol users, if dehydrated, may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and experience dry mouth the next morning⁽⁵⁴⁾.

However, alcohol is a diuretic⁽⁵⁵⁾ that may cause the body to have an inflammatory response in the body’s immune system⁽⁵⁶⁾. Alcoholic beverages increase urine output⁽⁵⁷⁾. 

Meanwhile, the liver removes over 90% of alcohol; approximately 2% to 5% is expelled unaltered in the urine, perspiration, or breath⁽⁵⁸⁾.

What Causes Hangovers?

Hangovers may be caused by several factors⁽⁵⁹⁾:

• mild dehydration
• mini-withdrawal
• gastro-intestinal irritation
• disrupted sleep 
• inflammation

Effects of Hangover

Cleveland Clinic cited some of the effects of alcohol hangover⁽⁶⁰⁾:

• Drinking alcohol can cause drinkers to lose many fluids. It also lowers the release of a hormone that helps regulate the flow of fluids in the body. This hormone balances the body’s fluids.
• The body needs certain chemicals to perform at its best. When too much urine is consumed, it can lead to an electrolyte imbalance.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages can also cause inflammation in the intestine and the stomach lining. Alcohol consumption also lowers the rate of digestion, leading to an upset stomach.
• Drinking alcohol can also lead to low blood sugar levels in individuals with a substance use disorder. The condition occurs when the body processes alcohol and produces lactic acid, lowering blood sugar production.
• While alcohol can help other users fall asleep, alcohol can also disrupt various processes in the body. Drinking alcohol can also make it hard for the body to regulate its temperature.

Treatment or Tips for Preventing Hangovers

Moderate alcohol use may help individuals live longer and healthier. For example, alcohol drinkers may have one drink each day. Other tips to prevent hangovers are the following⁽⁶¹⁾:

• Try to eat a nutrient-dense meal before drinking alcohol to slow down absorption.
• Note that several alcohols may cause a hangover. However, having fewer congeners (alcohol mix) reduces the risk.
• Remember that drinking a glass of water between alcoholic beverages is important to keep oneself hydrated. Water hydration can also help users drink less alcohol.
• Ensure to set a limit before starting drinking and stick to it.
• Slow down in alcohol consumption.

Individuals may use aspirin or ibuprofen to avoid nausea and other hangover symptoms. Still, these medicines may interact with other pharmaceuticals and cause liver damage if administered in excess⁽⁶²⁾. 

Nevertheless, a hangover needs time to subside. There is no quick way to get rid of a hangover. Although alternative hangover treatments are many, no natural remedy has been shown to relieve symptoms reliably.

Hence, consumers must discuss any alternative medication with a doctor. Remember, natural alternatives, like CBD, do not always imply safety. 

Before individuals start using CBD for hangovers, talking to a healthcare expert about CBD is advisable. Doing so will enable them to learn more about the compound’s potential risks and benefits when used for hangovers. 

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1. Hangovers https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
2. Ibid.
3. Alcohol-induced oxidative stress https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17570440/
4. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
5. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
6. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21175589/
7. Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic component of cannabis, attenuates vomiting and nausea-like behaviour via indirect agonism of 5-HT1A somatodendritic autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423241/
8. 5-HT1A Receptors in Psychopharmacology https://psychopharmacologyinstitute.com/publication/5-ht1a-receptors-in-psychopharmacology-2123
9. Hangovers https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
10. Ibid.
11. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
12. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
13. Alcohol-induced oxidative stress https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17570440/
14. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
15. What is oxidative stress? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10693912/
16. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
17. Ibid
18. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
19. Ibid.
20. Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic component of cannabis, attenuates vomiting and nausea-like behaviour via indirect agonism of 5-HT1A somatodendritic autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423241/
21. 5-HT1A Receptors in Psychopharmacology https://psychopharmacologyinstitute.com/publication/5-ht1a-receptors-in-psychopharmacology-2123
22. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21175589/
23. Ibid.
24. Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
25. Ibid.
26. Role of the Cannabinoid System in Pain Control and Therapeutic Implications for the Management of Acute and Chronic Pain Episodes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430692/
27. The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
28. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21175589/
29. Serotonin’s Role in Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826824/
30. Ibid.
31. Ibid.
32. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
33. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
34. 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/
35. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
36. CBD dosing https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
37. Ibid.
38. Page 190-193 of Healing With CBD https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
39. Interaction of cannabidiol and alcohol in humans https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00431988
40. Ibid.
41. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092763/
42. Ibid.
43. Ibid.
44. Ibid.
45. Ibid.
46. Effects of cannabidiol on alcohol-related outcomes: A review of preclinical and human research https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31120285/
47. 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
48. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituentn https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
49. Defining Hemp: A Fact Sheet page 1 https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R44742.pdf
50. The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/
51. Ibid.
52. Hangovers https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
53. Dehydration https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration
54. Ibid.
55. The Diuretic Action of Weak and Strong Alcoholic Beverages in Elderly Men: A Randomized Diet-Controlled Crossover Trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537780/
56. Immunomodulatory Potential of Diuretics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8698805/
57. The Diuretic Action of Weak and Strong Alcoholic Beverages in Elderly Men: A Randomized Diet-Controlled Crossover Trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537780/
58. Alcohol in the body https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC543875/
59. Hangovers https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers
60. Hangover https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16627-hangover
61. Hangovers https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hangovers/symptoms-causes/syc-20373012
62. Ibid.

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