While medical marijuana is lauded for its therapeutic potential in alleviating symptoms related to severe conditions such as cancer and AIDS, its use is not without potential side effects. Studies have highlighted a range of these, with the most commonly reported including dizziness (8.2%), dry mouth (6.7%), increased appetite (4.7%), psychoactive effect (4.3%), and, notably, sleepiness (4.4%). It is these latter effects, encompassing drowsiness, dizziness, and an overall sense of fatigue, that patients often describe as a pervasive feeling of tiredness. In this article, we will delve into questions such as “Why does weed make me tired?”, and “Does marijuana make you sleepy?” We’ll also explore some strategies on how to not get tired from weed and how to stay awake while high. In doing so, LAMMD aim to help you better understand and navigate the complexities of medical marijuana use.
How does marijuana affect your body and brain?
It’s crucial to note that the effects of cannabis on the body and mind can significantly differ from one individual to another, due to our unique physiological and psychological makeups. As such, the question, does weed make you sleepy or why does smoking weed make you tired, may have varied responses depending on individual experiences. Some users might find themselves in a state of relaxation, calmness, and euphoria after consumption, while others might have a diametrically opposite experience, battling feelings of anxiety or paranoia. The social responses can be just as variable – where some might become animated and talkative, others may find themselves retreating into quietness.
Possible positive outcomes
- Relief from chronic pain
- Euphoria or a sense of calmness
- Increased sociability in some users
- Possible enhancement of specific cognitive processes
Possible negative outcomes
- Feelings of anxiety or paranoia
- Impaired motor skills
- Possible cognitive disruptions
- Sleepiness, fatigue, or cannabis hangover
To better acquaint yourself with the effects of marijuana, both positive and negative, we encourage you to read our detailed article, “Is marijuana safe and effective as a treatment?“
The difference between sativa and indica
Understanding the distinction between the two primary types of cannabis strains, namely Indica and Sativa, is pivotal to addressing concerns like does weed make you sleepy, or why does weed make you tired? Each strain has a unique influence on the body and mind, primarily due to the differing levels of THC and CBD present.
Indica strains are commonly associated with a sense of tranquility and can foster feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. They typically contain higher amounts of CBD than THC. Thus, some users might ask, does Indica make me sleepy or feel tired after smoking weed? These strains are often recommended for nighttime use due to their calming effects. When used in the daytime, it might cause intense feelings of tiredness or overrelaxation.
On the other hand, Sativa strains have a reputation for invigorating the user. Sativa plants typically have higher amounts of THC than CBD. They do not generally induce the immediate drowsiness often linked with Indica strains, leading some to believe that sativa doesn’t make me tired. These strains facilitate an increase in serotonin levels. Serotonin boost makes Sativa strains suitable for daytime use, potentially helping you avoid that feeling of marijuana-induced tiredness.
More about the differences between types of strains you may learn in our other article, “What is Indica? The Pros and Cons of Sativa vs. Indica”. It might help you to understand why weed makes you sleepy all the time.
Reasons why does weed make you sleepy
Exploring the question of why does weed make you tired involves a multi-faceted investigation. There are several contributing factors ranging. Let’s take a closer look at them.
- Misusage. Medical marijuana, like any therapeutic substance, can lead to undesirable side effects like feeling tired after smoking weed when misused. Overconsumption or inappropriate dosage can lead to increased sleepiness and fatigue.
- Lack of medical provider support and consultations. Without professional guidance from a provider such as LAMMD, patients may unknowingly use medical marijuana in a manner that exacerbates feelings of tiredness. Consulting with us as your healthcare provider can help adjust dosage and consumption methods to avoid unnecessary fatigue.
- Unreliable source of weed. The quality and strain of marijuana can significantly impact its effects. Poor quality cannabis or strains not suitable for the user’s specific needs might leave one asking, why does marijuana leave me tired after? Always ensure that you’re sourcing your medical marijuana from certified dispensaries to guarantee safety, quality, and efficacy.
- Natural biochemical properties of cannabinoids. According to Sleep Foundation, cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, are believed to promote sleep due to their interactions with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Upon binding to these receptors, cannabinoids elevate the levels of the sleep-promoting chemical adenosine while suppressing the brain’s arousal system. This can lead to individuals feeling tired after smoking weed or having the sensation of marijuana-induced tiredness.
How to prevent cannabis hangover?
Feeling tired after smoking weed or experiencing a cannabis hangover can be inconvenient. Our experienced medical marijuana doctors prepare several strategies that can help you avoid or minimize these effects.
Stay hydrated
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after consuming cannabis to help your body process the cannabinoids more efficiently and avoid dehydration, which can cause fatigue.
Control your dosage
Using smaller amounts of cannabis may help prevent excessive tiredness or a cannabis hangover. Try to start low and go slow, especially if you are new to cannabis use or trying a new strain.
Consume with care
Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other substances, as this can increase the chances of feeling tired and having a cannabis hangover the next day.
If you’re a patient in Baton Rouge experiencing persistent or severe side effects from medical marijuana use that don’t improve with these recommendations, we strongly advise you to contact LAMMD for professional assistance and further exploration of the issue.
What to do if you feel tired after weed?
Feeling tired after smoking weed or experiencing sleepiness can be inconvenient, but there are several practices that can help you avoid or minimize these effects.
Aim for quality sleep
Ensure you get enough sleep the night after cannabis use. THC can sometimes interfere with the sleep cycle, so allowing your body ample time to rest can help to minimize feelings of tiredness.
Check your diet
Consuming a balanced diet can help your body recover faster and manage the effects of cannabis more effectively. Foods rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, can help boost your energy levels.
Do not avoid physical activity
Light physical activity such as a short walk or gentle yoga can help wake up your body and mind without straining you.
However, if these recommendations don’t alleviate your feelings of tiredness or if you’re a patient in Alexandria feeling tired the morning after using marijuana, please don’t hesitate to contact us at LAMMD. We can provide professional assistance and help investigate and address the problem.
Medical research to study about marijuana and energy
At LAMMD, we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. This is why we ensure our guidance is grounded in the most up-to-date and authoritative research available. In this section, we will delve into recent medical research that has studied the complex relationship between marijuana and energy. We recommend further exploration of the following studies:
- Cannabis and sleep disorders: not ready for prime time? A qualitative scoping review. A qualitative scoping literature review for studies involving the effects of cannabis on sleep and sleep disorders. Further studies assessing cannabis and sleep are needed.
- Gaining a better understanding of cannabidiol. This paper differentiates between what is perceived by the surveyed population versus the actual toxicology and potential health risks associated with CBD use and/or consumption.
- Cannabis sleep aid use in daily college life: an intensive longitudinal assessment approach. Cannabis sleep aid use may not achieve the intended function of improving same-night sleep quality or insomnia symptom severity over time, but instead may increase vulnerability to next-day fatigue or cannabis hangover.
- The “next day” effects of cannabis use: a systematic review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. There is limited scientific evidence to support the assertion that cannabis use impairs “next day” performance to the broad demographic.
If there is still remain something unclear, feel free to ask Louisiana Medical Marijuana Doctors. We always rely on new findings and are willing to share our experiences with you. Moreover, we also provide care and exclusive attention.
Conclusions
Understanding the intricate relationship between marijuana and fatigue can empower patients better to manage their medical marijuana usage and its effects. From the distinctions between Indica and Sativa strains, the role of THC and CBD, to the influence of personal habits and physiological factors, the landscape is varied. However, as we have explored, strategies do exist to manage the common concern of feeling tired after smoking weed.
At LAMMD, we believe in the potential of medical marijuana as a transformative force in healthcare, but we also understand that its usage must be guided by informed professional advice. We’re here to support you through any challenges that arise, like the common query why does weed make you tired, offering tailored, expert advice for every step of your journey. If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to create an account with us and begin your medical marijuana journey under our care and guidance. Remember, your wellbeing is our utmost priority, and we are committed to helping you navigate the world of medical marijuana safely and effectively.
