One of the downsides to eating weed is the unpleasant sensation of feeling like you’ve swallowed a bunch of cotton balls. Cottonmouth, or having a mouth and throat as dry as the Sahara desert after consuming cannabis, is one of the weird side effects of weed. When that happens, all bets are off — you might find yourself splashing around in the water and chewing gum like a fiend to get your saliva flowing again.
So what is cannabis that dries up the mouth and sore throat? And how do you fend off the cottonmouth when it strikes, or better avoid it altogether?
What is hemp cotton?
Hemp cotton, or as it is formally known, Dry mouthWhen the mouth and throat dry after using cannabis. When dry mouth sets in, saliva production in the mouth decreases, and with less natural lubricants in the mouth, speaking and swallowing become more difficult. Dry mouth can arise when we consume cannabis, but it can also be caused by aging, certain medications, or even dehydration. The term “xerostomia” refers to a symptoms or sensationrather than a specific medical condition.
If you consume a bunch of cannabis and then go to bed, you may have the unforgettable experience of waking up coughing and vomiting, with the feeling that your salivary glands have disappeared (writing from first-hand experience here). Most smokers have experienced this condition at some point.
Despite the somewhat entertaining name, the cottonmouth experience is no funny matter. Predominant symptoms include unquenchable thirst. Significantly dry mouth, throat and tongue. trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking; And chapped lips.
Furthermore, quenching thirst with a mouth as dry as sawdust is also less than ideal for optimal oral health. Saliva acts as a natural disinfectant for our mouths, so when it dwindles, there is a higher chance of bacteria multiplying. In the case of some cannabis delivery methods, the cotton mouth can stay on for a long time.
said Ethan Pompeo, founder and CEO of Green Valley Feed.
Since the time for onset of effects varies based on the method of delivery, cannabis smokers will typically experience the smell of cotton within 30 minutes to an hour, while the cottony mouthfeel may not begin for an hour or more, but may last longer.
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What causes hemp cotton?
There is a common misconception that cotton poop is caused by weed smoke, which dries out the mucous membranes and throat. However, all forms of cannabis consumption can cause cottonmouth.
“Smoking, vaping, eating, and tinctures all activate the same cannabinoid receptors that decrease saliva production,” Pompeo said. When it comes to identifying the culprit, there is compelling evidence from animal studies THC is a major factor due to its effects on CB1 receptors. The CB1 receptor is one of the two most important endocannabinoid receptors in the human body that interact with THC. THC binds to CB1 receptors located in various parts of the body, triggering effects such as euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. There are CB1 receptors in our salivary glands, which is why THC can affect saliva production.
“The theory is that with THC on board, salivation is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner — so the more THC, the less salivation,” she says. Dr. Benjamin KaplanMD, founder and chief medical officer of the CED Clinic And Syed Foundation. “THC hits the CB1 receptors in the brain to feel good, but it also hits similar CB1 receptors in the salivary glands, effectively causing them to cool down and stop lubricating in a regular and consistent manner.”
As a result, the nervous system reduces salivation, and presto – your mouth is dry as a desert. THC can also reduce moisture elsewhere in the body, leading to dry eyes and dry eyes inhibition of the ability to rupture.
According to Kaplan, the drying effects of THC are similar to endurance. Seasoned cannabis aficionados may not experience the same level of suffocating dry throat as novices. “Just as some people stop getting high because they consume a lot of cannabis over time, similarly, the symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes also seem to fade.”
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Is cotton harmful to your health?
There is no imminent risk associated with dry mouth or throat. In the short term, it’s just annoying.
However, in the long run, problems may arise. “Cottonmouth can be very uncomfortable and can trigger a gag reflex if not treated or managed,” Pompeo said.
Frequent dry mouth can lead to oral health problems. Saliva plays an important role in oral health by protecting the teeth and mouth from bacteria. When saliva production is interrupted for long periods, Plaque can build upThis leads to tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections such as candidiasis, and bad breath.
Research has shown 70% of people with dry mouth regularly have tooth decay in at least one place, compared to 56% of those without dry mouth. Basically, the evidence suggests that the more dry the mouth, the more likely it is to develop oral health issues.
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Tips on avoiding and treating the catarrhal mouth of cannabis
If you want to avoid cotton pads completely, the only sure way is to avoid THC. But for those who like THC-rich products that may not be an option, so the next best bet is to use cannabis with care.
“If you must ingest THC, be careful not to overdo it,” Pompeo said. “Remember that the duration and intensity of the effects depend on the amount of THC that is ingested.”
Kaplan noted that CBD may also help moderate the drying effects of THC. “studies It showed that CBD can counteract the effect of THC, and these studies have been confirmed by clinical experience,” Kaplan said.
To help relieve dryness if it strikes, copious hydration is helpful, and water is best.
“You can also manage the symptoms of cottony mouth by using saliva-inducing products such as sugar-free candy, unsweetened beverages, or chewing gum,” Pompeo said. “Drinking herbal tea and honey can reduce soreness in the throat and allergies.”
It is recommended to reduce the consumption of sugar, caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can also dehydrate the body. Kaplan advises regular weed users to visit the dentist and brush their teeth more frequently.
And if all else fails, Here’s a fun suggestion from a reddit user:
“For years my wife rang the bell right before she fed me, so now whenever the bell rings I start salivating even if there’s no food in there. Works great for a cottony mouth. Get high and ring the bell = a mouth-watering moment.”
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