Does CBD Help with Hangovers?

Hangovers are a common aftermath of alcohol consumption, characterized by symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration. As the popularity of CBD (Cannabidiol) continues to rise, many are questioning Does CBD Help with Hangovers? This article ventures to unravel the current understanding of CBD's potential role in hangover relief.

The Science Behind CBD and Hangovers

What are Hangovers?

To understand how CBD might alleviate hangover symptoms, it's crucial first to recognize what causes a hangover. A hangover is a collection of unpleasant physiological and psychological effects that occur after excessive alcohol consumption. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and mood disturbances.

How Might CBD Interact with Hangover Symptoms?

1. Anti-Nausea Properties: CBD's potential antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects are one of its most promising attributes concerning hangovers. A study in the European Journal of Pharmacology suggested that CBD might suppress nausea and vomiting, possibly by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a key role in nausea.
2. Neuroprotective Effects: Alcohol consumption, especially in excess, can lead to neuroinflammation – essentially, the brain's inflammatory response. CBD has shown potential neuroprotective effects in various studies. For instance, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics highlighted CBD's neuroprotective properties against ethanol-induced neurotoxicity.
3. Anti-Anxiety Effects: Anxiety or mood disturbances can sometimes accompany hangovers. Research published in Neuropsychopharmacology in 2011 demonstrated that CBD might reduce anxiety in patients with a generalized social anxiety disorder, suggesting that it might help alleviate hangover-induced anxiety.
4. Alcohol-induced Liver Damage: Chronic alcohol consumption can damage the liver, leading to inflammation and liver disease. A study in the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine found that CBD might protect the liver from alcohol-generated oxidative stress, potentially preventing acute alcohol-induced liver injury.
5. Pain Alleviation: Headaches are a hallmark of hangovers. Some research, like a study in the European Journal of Pain, indicates that CBD might help in reducing pain and inflammation, suggesting it might help in easing hangover headaches.

Considerations

While the above findings are promising, it's essential to remember:

• Interactions with Alcohol: The concurrent use of CBD and alcohol might lead to enhanced sedation or other side effects. It's crucial to understand how CBD might interact with alcohol in the body.
• Limited Research: Much of the research available does not specifically target hangovers but rather investigates CBD's effects on symptoms related to hangovers. Comprehensive studies focusing directly on hangovers and CBD are still limited.
• Individual Differences: How CBD might affect one individual could differ significantly from another, making it challenging to predict its efficacy consistently.

Which CBD is Best for Hangovers?

The CBD market has seen a surge in products, each claiming unique benefits. When considering CBD for hangover relief, it's essential to understand which products might be best suited for the task, bearing in mind individual needs and preferences. Here's a guide to help you make an informed choice:

1. Full-Spectrum CBD Oil:
   • Description: Contains all cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC (below 0.3%), terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. The combination can result in the “entourage effect,” where the compounds work synergistically to enhance the effects of CBD.
   • Best for: Individuals looking for the combined benefits of all the hemp plant compounds. It may provide a broader range of relief for hangover symptoms.
2. Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil:
   • Description: Similar to full-spectrum but without any THC. It retains most of the beneficial compounds.
   • Best for: Those who want the benefits of the entourage effect but are concerned about THC, either due to personal preference or drug tests.
3. CBD Isolate:
   • Description: Pure CBD without any other cannabinoids or compounds.
   • Best for: Individuals who want the effects of CBD exclusively without any other compounds. Ideal for those sensitive to other cannabinoids.
4. CBD Capsules:
   • Description: Pre-measured CBD doses in pill form.
   • Best for: Those looking for convenience without the guesswork of dosing. It provides a discreet and tasteless option.
5. CBD Edibles:
   • Description: Gummies, chocolates, or beverages infused with CBD.
   • Best for: Individuals looking for a tasty way to consume CBD. However, absorption might be slower compared to tinctures or vapes.
6. CBD Vapes:
   • Description: Inhaled CBD offering fast absorption.
   • Best for: Those seeking rapid relief. However, it's essential to ensure that the vape product is free from harmful additives.

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

• Third-Party Testing: Always opt for products tested by a third-party lab, ensuring quality, potency, and purity.
• Dosage: Start with a lower dose and gradually increase until you find the right amount that offers relief without side effects.
• Source: Choose products derived from organically grown hemp, which is free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.
• Brand Reputation: Opt for reputable brands with positive reviews and transparent practices.

Personal Testimonies and Experiences

The anecdotal evidence surrounding CBD and hangovers is a mixed bag:

• Supporters: Many users report that CBD products, especially oil tinctures and capsules, help them recover faster after a night of drinking.
• Skeptics: Conversely, some believe that while CBD may provide relief from anxiety and other issues, it doesn't notably counteract hangover symptoms.

Expert Opinions on CBD for Hangovers

The medical and scientific communities generally emphasize caution:

• Emerging Potential: Some health professionals believe that while CBD holds promise, more rigorous research is needed to ascertain its efficacy against hangovers.
• Dosage and Quality: The lack of regulation in the CBD industry raises concerns about product quality and appropriate dosage, especially when used as a hangover remedy.

Conclusion

“Does CBD help with hangovers?” remains an intricate question. Preliminary findings and user experiences hint at potential benefits, but comprehensive research is lacking. For those considering CBD as a hangover remedy, consultation with a healthcare professional and ensuring the selection of quality CBD products are paramount.

Where to Buy CBD Online

Pure Spectrum CBD

Established in 2015, Pure Spectrum CBD is an online CBD store that serves customers throughout America and offers free shipping for orders over $100.

Their product range comes in four categories: pure CBD and CBDA isolates, tinctures, hemp seed oil, and CBD for pets. All their CBD products are hemp based and contain less than 0.3% THC, which means that they are not intoxicating. The company is committed to organic cultivation practices and high processing standards including third-party testing.

Kanibi

Established in 2019, Kanibi is an online CBD store that's committed to “raising the bar” on CBD standards. Their product range is diverse, even including CBD chewing gum and sports creams. They also offer high potency CBD up to 1,500 mgs. All their CBD products are made from hemp that is grown in the US using organic practices.

They believe that CBD manufacturing process should be transparent, meaning they double-test every single one of their products never contain artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners,  or dyes. To top things off they offer free shipping on domestic orders exceeding $100.

Zatural

Established in 2018, Zatural was started by a naturopathic doctor and offers CBD products in three categories: recovery & relief, mood support, and sleep. They go the extra mile to offer free shipping on domestic orders over $5. This company has been featured on several reputable media outlets including WebMD, Men’s Journal, US Weekly, and Ministry of Hemp. What we love most about this company is the extensive and creative product range.

Zatural's extensive list of products is sourced from trusted sources here in the U.S. and worldwide. Each product is organically grown and is free from harmful chemicals and additives. Zatural products are third-party tested to ensure each product is safe.