Can CBD Help a Hangover?

We’ve all been there. Whether it was one too many glasses of wine after dinner or you’re recovering from your college friend’s extravagant wedding party, hangovers are pretty much the worst. In a study that involved having participants consume alcohol to the point of moderate intoxication, it was found that 76% of people experienced either mild or moderate hangover symptoms.

If you’re currently experiencing a hangover, though, there’s a good chance that the knowledge that you’re not alone isn’t particularly welcome or useful. This isn’t a time for interesting factoids. It’s a time for answers!

So without further ado, let’s get to it. Can CBD help a hangover? Will this delightful cannabinoid help to pull you out of the dark well you’re in and bring you back into the light of day?

Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

How Does Alcohol Interact With the Endocannabinoid System?

The human body has a vast network of cellular receptors and chemical signals known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Initially discovered by researchers analyzing THC in the 1990s, the ECS plays an important regulatory role having to do with a number of different processes and functions. These include:

• Mood
• Memory
• Fertility and reproduction
• Appetite
• Sleep

Both CBD and alcohol interact with the endocannabinoid system. However, it is through this interaction that CBD has its positive effects, while the effects of alcohol interacting with the ECS are negative.

Serious imbalances in the ECS may result from long-term alcohol use. There have also been some studies that point to the possibility that short-term alcohol consumption can also have negative effects on the endocannabinoid system.

These studies suggest that endocannabinoid levels were lowered in the brain due to short-term alcohol use as well as decreases in a number of related N-acylethanolamines. This is a substance that is thought to have an impact on mood and is chemically similar to cannabinoids.

Because both CBD and alcohol interact with the endocannabinoid system, there is interest both in the scientific community and among laymen about whether or not CBD can help with the negative aspects of hangovers.

Can CBD Help a Hangover?

It is possible that CBD might help to improve some of the effects of a hangover. Some of the most common symptoms associated with hangovers include nausea, headache, fatigue, sensitivity to light or sound, and thirst.

People take CBD for a wide variety of conditions including nausea and migraines. One 2011 animal study review found that CBD might be effective in reducing vomiting and nausea. At this point, though, there hasn’t been much research done regarding the efficacy of CBD for migraine headaches.

Another reason that people take CBD is to help reduce inflammation. Consuming a lot of alcohol can lead to inflammation, and the available research points to the fact that CBD might be able to decrease inflammation.

It’s important to understand that the world of CBD research is still quite young. It has only been recently that researchers have had more accessibility to studying cannabis and cannabinoids, and there are a lot of questions left unanswered.

If you are considering taking CBD for hangovers, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first. While CBD is considered generally safe, it can have some contraindications with other medications. Your physician should be able to help you understand the potential risks and benefits of using CBD for hangovers or for any other purpose.

(Wondering how to get a much-needed energy boost? Check out the benefits of CBD, taurine, and L-theanine for energy here.)

Is It Safe to Use CBD After You’ve Been Drinking Alcohol?

According to the World Health Organization, CBD is generally considered to be safe for consumption. There are a few side effects that are associated with CBD, though, including fatigue, changes in weight, changes in appetite, and diarrhea.

Both alcohol and CBD are known to help promote feelings of relaxation. Alcohol also reduces inhibitions, while CBD can help to calm your nerves and reduce anxiety.

There isn’t much research into the effects of taking CBD and drinking alcohol at the same time. Some anecdotal claims point to the notion that both of these substances can intensify the effects of the other.

There is some research that shows that CBD might protect against some of the negative effects of alcohol by helping to prevent cell damage and disease, reducing blood alcohol levels, and acting as a therapy for alcohol addiction.

As mentioned above, the best course of action is to discuss taking CBD with your doctor before you begin. If you have specific purposes in mind, such as using CBD oil for hangovers, tell this to your doctor so they can help you navigate the decision making process.

What’s the Best CBD for Hangovers?

As you can see, there’s a lot more research that needs to be done before the answer to “can CBD help a hangover?” is definitive. That being said, there is definitely some evidence that CBD could help to combat the inflammation, nausea, and anxiety that often accompanies the morning after a night out.

If you’re searching for the best CBD for hangovers, the most important thing is finding high-quality CBD from a reputable company you can trust. Because the CBD industry isn’t regulated by the FDA, you’ll want to do your own research before choosing your CBD supplier.

If you’re looking for the right CBD product to help with your hangover, you’ll want to check out our Electric Elixir. With added taurine to help you get the energy and focus you need for the day, this might become your best friend on the morning after a night on the town.