Does Marijuana Dehydrate?

Temperatures are soaring and people are sweating under the record heat and trapped smoke from the wildfires. Sticky clothes, irritable moods and hot cars seem to be on the menu this summer.

Country singer Jason Aldean had to postpone a concert that was interrupted due to his serious illness heatstroke on stage, said a representative. Aldean later said he was “fine” after storming off the stage on Saturday with a “combination of dehydration and sheer heat exhaustion.”

Alcohol is known to be dehydrating and not recommended in extreme heat, but what about marijuana?

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Alcohol is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration. As a result, your body removes fluids from your blood through your renal system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, much faster than other fluids. Marijuana is not a diuretic, so it doesn’t send out a message that causes the body to become dehydrated.

One of the signs of dehydration is the “cotton mouth”. However, contrary to popular belief, marijuana cotton halitosis is not caused by consumption. Scientists have found that it occurs when active compounds in marijuana, called cannabinoids, interact with the human endocannabinoid system. This system consists of cannabinoid receptors in our brain and body that are activated when we consume cannabis. These receptor sites include submandibular salivary glands, which are located at the bottom of our mouth and produce nearly three-fourths of the saliva we need. When you consume marijuana, certain cannabinoids attach themselves to areas of the brain that normally send signals to your parasympathetic nervous system to produce saliva, essentially slowing it down. This slowdown quickly leads to a lack of saliva, making your mouth very dry.

Very frequent users and high doses may experience some dehydration from extreme nausea from overuse, but the occasional user need not worry.

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When the thermometer hits the high mark, you may want to adjust your spending habits. Avoid things associated with active heat and consider a vape, gummy, or oil.

The first symptoms of dehydration include thirst, lightheadedness, dry mouth, reduced use of the toilet and fatigue. If you notice any of these symptoms, go to a cool place and drink plenty of water.

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A little lagniappe, as long as you stay hydrated while eating spicy food, the sweat that comes from enjoying a three-clock meal will force your body to cool down faster and more efficiently.