For almost everyone who uses cannabis, experiencing a dry mouth—or “cotton mouth”—is a very familiar sensation. People have been using cannabis for years, and a dry mouth and sore throat have long been accepted as minor inconveniences. But what causes a dry mouth after using cannabis, and what can you do about it? Read more about it in this article and discover how you can prevent it!
What causes a dry mouth?
The real cause of a dry mouth after smoking cannabis has to do with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants and are also present in our bodies. These chemicals affect the body by interacting with receptors in the body, known as the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are primarily located in the brain and the immune system.
Cannabinoids can activate these receptors and thereby trigger various processes. For example, they can make you feel high, but they can also affect your saliva production. This is because there are also cannabinoid receptors on our salivary glands. A well-known endocannabinoid in your body is anandamide. Anandamide is structurally similar to THC (the most common cannabinoid in cannabis and the substance that makes you high). Both cannabinoids can cause reduced mucus production. This is because they can bind to the receptors in your salivary glands and block messages from your nervous system to your salivary glands, which causes your mouth to feel dry.
What can you do about “cotton mouth”?
When you have a dry mouth, it’s due to a lack of saliva. Unfortunately, drinking water doesn’t help combat a dry mouth. A dry mouth isn’t caused by dehydration. Black and green tea can actually make it worse (due to the caffeine). What can help is the following:
Chewing gum or fruit
Chewing or sucking on something stimulates saliva production and can therefore relieve a dry mouth. Sugar-free gum is therefore considered by many to be the best way to get rid of a dry mouth. Don’t like gum? Then you can also chew on dried fruit or beef jerky.
Lollipops and other hard candies
Just like chewing gum, licking a sour lollipop or eating sour candy can stimulate saliva production. Sucking on candy or licking a lollipop has the same effect as chewing. Not a fan of sour candies? Then you can also try a piece of licorice or another type of candy. Just be sure not to eat salty snacks. These can actually make things worse.
Sucking on a slice of lemon or drinking lemon water
Citrus fruits are known for being very sour. Just like sour candy, this stimulates saliva production. Not a fan of citrus fruits? Then you can also mix some lemon juice with water.
Herbal tea
Herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint tea, can provide relief if you have a sore and irritated throat after smoking. Be sure to avoid black and green tea. Caffeine, which is found in many types of tea (and in coffee), can actually make a dry mouth worse. This is because caffeine stimulates urine production. This causes your kidneys to retain water instead of reabsorbing it back into your system.
Unfortunately, a dry mouth after smoking cannabis is an unavoidable discomfort. These tips can help you cope with it a little better and get rid of it faster.
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