No matter how you consume it, weed is likely to give you a few effects beyond the high itself. These can include the “munchies,” dizziness, and even “cottonmouth.”
Weed cottonmouth often leaves your mouth dry, sticky, and with an unpleasant taste. This infamous side effect isn’t always high-ruining, but you’ll want to avoid its symptoms when possible.
What Is Weed Cottonmouth?
“Cottonmouth,” also called dry mouth or xerostomia, occurs when the mouth doesn’t produce the usual amount of saliva. This condition is caused by a cannabinoid receptor reaction that slows down your saliva glands.
Cottonmouth symptoms include:
- Sore or dry throat
- Sticky feeling in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or talking
- Lack of taste
- Bad breath
- Cracked lips
- Increased risk of tooth decay and infections
Some people still believe that cottonmouth is only caused by smoking or vaping weed. This is based on the idea that the smoke dries out your throat, causing decreased moisture and irritation. However, we now know that the smoke and vapor have very little impact on cottonmouth’s effects. So, you can still experience it from edibles, tinctures, and other consumption methods.
How to Get Rid of Cottonmouth
There’s not necessarily a fix-all solution for dry mouth from weed, as it’s a natural bodily reaction. Fortunately, there are many ways to make it more manageable. Here’s how to get rid of cotton mouth:
1. Stay Hydrated
Try to keep a water bottle nearby during every high. Staying hydrated isn’t just important for your overall well-being — it also keeps your saliva glands functioning properly. Staying hydrated before smoking weed can indirectly decrease your risk of cottonmouth. Additionally, sipping water can temporarily ease symptoms.
2. Use Food and Drinks That Produce Saliva
Certain foods and drinks can help relieve your cottonmouth symptoms by essentially waking your saliva glands back up. Some of the best options include:
- Caffeine-free herbal teas, such as lemon, honey, chamomile, and ginger
- Sugar-free yogurt
- Frozen grapes
- Watermelon, pineapple, and other fruits
- Sugar-free gum
- Hard candy
- Popsicles
Avoid alcohol, sugar, caffeine, tobacco, and other consumables that cause dehydration and dry mouth.
3. Try Mouthwashes and Sprays
Many moisturizing sprays and mouthwashes are specialized for dry mouth. These contain ingredients that temporarily relieve symptoms. You can typically find decent options for under $10 at local pharmacy stores. If possible, search for mouth sprays and washes that don’t contain alcohol.
4. Use Lower THC Potencies
As mentioned, you can experience cottonmouth from practically any type of cannabis product, including edibles, vapes, and pre-rolls. However, products with higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) tend to deliver stronger symptoms than those with lower levels.
If your cottonmouth symptoms are becoming too much, consider products with lower THC percentages next time you’re at a dispensary. Alternatively, try decreasing your dosage or taking a tolerance break.
Make the Most of Your Next High
The most important part of cannabis usage is understanding your limits. Take proper precautions if your weed cottonmouth symptoms are becoming too much. Stay hydrated, plan ahead with the right snacks, and consider lowering your cannabis dosage or THC levels.
At Harbor House Collective, we are dedicated to empowering our community with high-quality products and up-to-date education. Our budtenders can answer any questions you may have about each product’s potency to help you balance your next high.
