Why Does Cannabis Leave Your Mouth High and Dry?!
When it comes to smoking cannabis, there are some downsides to enjoying the ganja. One of the most common issues is the uncomfortable sensation of your mouth feeling like it's hosting the world's driest desert party. Well congrats! You've experienced cottonmouth. The uncomfortable, dry, sticky feeling can make talking, swallowing, and even enjoying your favorite go-to snacks a little more challenging. Suddenly, that bag of Doritos requires a serious hydration plan. But why does cannabis do this? What’s actually happening inside your mouth and body, and how can you kick cottonmouth to the birds? Let’s break it down below!
What is Cottonmouth?
Cottonmouth, also known as xerostomia, is the feeling of having a dry mouth and throat due to reduced saliva. When cannabis causes saliva production to decrease, your mouth will start to feel sticky, dry, and downright uncomfortable. It's like your saliva glands decided to take a little vacation you definitely did not book. Saliva plays a huge role in keeping your mouth comfortable at all times, helping you swallow, and protecting your teeth and gums. Although cottonmouth occurs when consuming any cannabis, it can also happen due to old age, medications, and dehydration. How quickly it starts and how long it lasts can vary depending on individual tolerance, product, dose, and consumption method.
What Causes Cottonmouth?
Well… you can absolutely blame THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Your body contains a system called the endocannabinoid system, which contains receptors called CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors help regulate several functions in our body, including memory, mood, pain, movement, and appetite. Smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures all contain THC, which, when consumed, binds to your endocannabinoid system receptors in your body. When THC interacts with CB1 receptors, it can affect the signals involved in saliva production. Basically, your salivary glands may receive a message to slow down. THC + CB1 Receptors = Dry Mouth. And just like that, your mouth has gone from refreshing normal to the Sahara Desert. Not only does cannabis affect the mouth, but it can also cause dry eyes, which is another reason you may feel like you need a tall glass of water and some Visine. Other factors include individual experience and tolerance; some medications, dehydration, and existing dry- mouth conditions can contribute to your overall experience and dryness.
Tips to Alleviate Cottonmouth
So, what can you do when your mouth feels drier than a desert? Here are a handful of ways to help alleviate such dryness:
- Stay Hydrated!
Staying on top of your H20 intake before and throughout your session will help immensely. You don't need to chug an entire gallon of water before, during, or after. Just simply being mindful of your regular water intake can help your mouth stay feeling comfortable.
- Chewing Gum (Sugar-Free)
Chewing gum, especially sugar-free chewing gum, can help stimulate saliva production. Plus, it helps your brain and mouth do something else besides complain about being so dry. It is recommended that sugar-free is best because eating sugar with a dry mouth is a fast lane to tooth decay.
- Hard Candies or Lozenges (Sugar-Free)
Hard candy or lozenges can also help encourage saliva production and provide temporary relief. Sugar-free is optional, but it really does help protect your teeth in this circumstance!
- Avoid Things That Can Make The Dryness Much Worse
Things like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can all contribute to dry-mouth symptoms for some people. If your mouth suddenly decides to visit the Atacama Desert and is bothering you, consider limiting these during your cannabis consumption.
- Oral Health Upkeep
Dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay because saliva helps protect the overall health of your mouth. Keeping up with regular oral health is key.
Cottonmouth is a very common effect of cannabis consumption, caused by THC interacting with your CB1 receptors that are involved in saliva production. While this effect can be uncomfortable and quite annoying, a few simple steps like continuing to stay hydrated, chewing gum (sugar-free), and maintaining good oral health can help make your cannabis experience more enjoyable. A key thing to remember is that everyone’s cannabis experience is different. Start slow, go low, and pay attention to how your body specifically responds. And if your mouth feels like it's been dragged through the desert sand, keep your water bottle handy. Your salivary glands may have taken that unexpected vacation you didn't book, but that doesn't mean you have to be.
Connect with us on Instagram @North_Star_Manufacturing. We’re always happy to help answer any questions you have about cannabis!
.png)
