Why Does Cannabis Give You Cottonmouth? Here’s What You Can Do About It

Cottonmouth is a common side effect of consuming cannabis. It’s harmless, but certainly annoying, especially if you experience it every sesh. Thankfully, with a little prep, cottonmouth isn’t difficult to manage.

Why does Cottonmouth happen?

Cottonmouth caused by weed is one of the most common side effects of consuming THC. It’s most prevalent with smoking and vaping but can happen with edibles as well. Cottonmouth may feel like a dry mouth, dry teeth, or dryness at the back of your throat.

In medical terms, cottonmouth is called xerostomia, or “dry mouth syndrome,” and it happens when certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in your brain) are blocked. Weed is not the only substance that causes dry mouth: many pharmaceuticals do as well. It’s relatively harmless in the short term, but persistent dry mouth isn’t good for your teeth and oral health over time.

How to stop Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth is annoying, but it’s fairly simple to deal with. If you find yourself with cottonmouth from weed, you can try the following:

Drink water

Hydration is a key part of cannabis consumption, and many of us don’t drink enough water daily as it is. Fill a water bottle before you start consuming, especially if you’re smoking or vaping. Tea with honey also works if you prefer something warm and cozy.

Add electrolytes

If you’re quite dehydrated or have recurring bouts of dry mouth, add a pinch of table salt or over-the-counter electrolytes to your water. Electrolytes help your body retain and absorb water more efficiently.

Suck on hard candies or lozenges

Sucking on a hard candy, cough drop, or lozenge helps stimulate saliva production to combat cottonmouth. It’s helpful if these aren’t infused, though, so opt for something from a different type of drugstore. Look for candies or lozenges with xylitol, a natural sugar commonly used as a sugar substitute that stimulates saliva production. These can be particularly effective at rehydrating your mouth.

Try mouthwash

Some mouthwashes contain xylitol. Look for ones that are made to help combat dry mouth.

Use a humidifier

If you live in an arid climate, using a humidifier can help you combat dry mouth before and after your smoke seshes, especially at night while you sleep. Run a humidifier after you’re done smoking, though.

Products that can help with Cottonmouth

Besides drinking enough water, having hard candy on hand is the fastest way to deal with an unwanted case of cottonmouth.

Products like Flintts Mouthwatering Mints are quick-dissolving lozenges the size of a small mint — think similar to a round and flat Tic-Tac. Flintts Mints were specifically made to maintain proper moisture levels, acting quickly to banish the desert-like conditions forming in your mouth. They’re vegan and non-medicated and come in a dedicated tin so you can bring them with you to the cypher.

Don’t let Cottonmouth ruin the vibe

Cottonmouth happens, but combating it isn’t hard. Have a glass of water on hand before you start smoking or vaping and keep a package of mints or hard candies near. And if you still have questions about combating cottonmouth, our budtenders at The Travel Agency may have some more tips. Stop into our Union Square, Downtown Brooklyn, or Fifth Avenue locations for some IRL connection and advice.