The Science of Weed Hangovers: Are They Real?

By Cailin Fourie

If you wake up with porridge brain, and even coffee doesn’t seem to crack through the fog, you might be greened out. Yes, that’s a thing

It’s not just you. The idea of a “weed hangover” is gaining traction, especially as more people start experimenting with stronger strains, potent edibles, or weekend benders involving cannabis and chill. But why do we feel this way the next day after a big sesh, and is it legit science, or just leftover laziness?

What Does a Weed Hangover Feel Like?

First, let’s paint the picture. A weed hangover isn’t the screaming headache and nausea kind of affair we associate with too much alcohol. It’s more like the world around you is stuttering by in slow motion, slight brain fog, dry mouth, tired eyes, low energy, maybe even a touch of anxiety or spaciness. Some people call it a “green fog.” Others simply call it Tuesday.

What’s tricky is that these symptoms are subtle. And they’re not universal. Some people can go hard and wake up feeling fresh, while others have a few hits and feel like a sloth crawling through molasses the next day.

Let’s Talk About the Science (What Little There Is)

Here’s the thing: scientific research on weed hangovers is thin. Most of what we know is from small, outdated studies—or anecdotal reports (aka stoner Reddit threads and blunt-fuelled podcasts). But there are a few clues.

A 1985 study—yes, that long ago—tested the day-after effects of THC and found that participants had slight impairments in memory and mental performance the next morning. However, the dosage was mild, and the sample size was tiny. Still, it’s something.

More recently, some researchers have suggested that high levels of THC, especially from edibles or concentrates, can linger in your system long enough to affect how you feel the next day. Your body metabolises cannabis more slowly than alcohol, particularly when ingested, so there might be a lingering effect, especially if your endocannabinoid system is a bit overwhelmed.

The Edible Effect

If you’ve had a cannabis brownie and felt like you were floating in slow motion the next day, you’re not alone. Edibles are notorious for delivering delayed and long-lasting highs. The THC gets processed by the liver and turned into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound more potent and longer-lasting than inhaled THC.

So, if you overdo it on the gummies or cookies, you might still feel some after-effects when you wake up.

It’s Not Just the Weed

Sometimes, the “weed hangover” isn’t entirely about the cannabis. Think about your habits while you’re high. Did you stay up way later than usual? Did you eat a mountain of sugary snacks? Did you forget to drink water? Crash on the couch in a weird position?

Lack of sleep, dehydration, and blood sugar spikes can all contribute to how you feel the next day. It’s easy to blame the plant, but sometimes, it’s the stuff around the session that leaves you sluggish.

The Strain Game

Not all weed is created equal. A heavy indica with high THC and low CBD might leave you more drained than a balanced hybrid or a CBD-rich strain. Some terpenes—like myrcene and linalool—are known for their sedative effects, which could amplify the grogginess if you overindulge.

So next time you’re hitting a heavy strain like OG Kush or Granddaddy Purple before bed, don’t be surprised if you wake up feeling like you’re still halfway in dreamland.

Multiple Views: Is It Real or Just Mental?

Some users are convinced weed hangovers are psychosomatic—that is, they only happen if you expect them. Others swear they only get them with certain methods like dabs or edibles or when combining weed with other substances, like alcohol or prescription meds.

Interestingly, some people describe mental hangovers more than physical ones—like feeling emotionally drained or socially anxious the next day, especially if they were using cannabis to escape a tough mood in the first place.

Then again, some feel perfectly fine, regardless of how much they consumed. For them, it’s just part of the routine—get high, sleep well, wake up sharp.

How to Minimise the Fog

Whether you believe in weed hangovers or not, it’s easy enough to reduce the chances of one:

1. Hydrate: Water is your friend. Cannabis can dehydrate you, especially when smoked.
2. Sleep smart: Don’t just pass out—aim for quality sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime vibe, not just a crash zone.
3. Pick your strain wisely: Avoid heavy-hitting indicas or high-THC edibles if you’ve got responsibilities the next day.
4. Moderation wins: As always, more isn’t always better.
5. Snack smart: Choose healthier options over sugar bombs. Your body will thank you later.

So, are weed hangovers real? For some, absolutely. For others, it’s more about context than cannabis. The effects vary depending on your tolerance, your body chemistry, the type of weed, and how you use it.

There’s no clear-cut answer—but the more mindful you are about your consumption, the more control you’ll have over how you feel the next day.

Until science catches up with what many users already suspect, the best advice is simple: know your limits, listen to your body, and treat your weed hangover (if it happens) with the same care you’d give a food coma or a bad night’s sleep—with water, rest, and maybe a greasy toastie from the corner café.