Yes, being high causes a dry mouth, a common and well-documented side effect often referred to as “cottonmouth.” This sensation is a genuine physiological response, not merely the result of smoke irritation or dehydration. The technical term for this reduction in saliva production is xerostomia. This effect is observed regardless of the method of consumption, indicating a systemic biological mechanism is at work. The feeling of a parched, sticky mouth is a temporary but predictable consequence for users.
The Physiological Mechanism of Xerostomia
The cause of this dryness is rooted in the interaction between cannabinoids and the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which regulates functions like saliva production. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), acts as an agonist, meaning it binds to and activates cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.
Both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are expressed in the major salivary glands, including the submandibular and parotid glands. The submandibular glands are particularly relevant as they produce approximately 70% of unstimulated saliva flow. When THC reaches these glands and binds to the receptors, it inhibits the normal signaling cascade that stimulates saliva secretion.
Saliva production is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, which uses chemical signals to stimulate secretion. By binding to the CB receptors on these glandular cells, THC essentially blocks the signals necessary for the normal volume and composition of saliva to be produced. This direct pharmacological action is why drinking water only provides temporary relief and does not address the root cause of the reduced flow.
Factors Influencing Severity and Duration
The intensity and length of the dry mouth sensation vary significantly based on several factors. The most direct influence is the dosage, as higher concentrations of THC lead to a more pronounced inhibition of saliva production. Products with balanced or higher ratios of cannabidiol (CBD) to THC may result in a less severe dry mouth effect.
The method of consumption also influences the duration of xerostomia. While both inhalation (smoking or vaping) and ingestion (edibles) cause dry mouth, edibles often lead to a longer-lasting effect. This is because compounds from edibles are metabolized more slowly by the liver, resulting in a prolonged presence of active compounds in the bloodstream. For most users, the sensation generally lasts for a few hours, correlating with the duration of the substance’s primary effects.
Individual physiology and tolerance also contribute to the variability of this side effect. Some people naturally have a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in their salivary glands, making them more susceptible to the effect. Additionally, pre-existing hydration levels can worsen the discomfort, though dehydration is not the primary cause of the effect itself.
Immediate Relief and Mitigation Strategies
While the physiological mechanism must run its course, there are several practical strategies to immediately mitigate the discomfort of dry mouth. The simplest and most effective solution is to sip water regularly before, during, and after consumption to keep the oral cavity moist. Staying consistently hydrated helps manage the dryness, even though it does not reverse the chemical inhibition of saliva production.
Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges or hard candies can also provide significant relief. This action mechanically stimulates the salivary glands, encouraging them to produce a small amount of natural saliva. For more persistent or severe cases, using over-the-counter products such as specialized oral moisturizers or artificial saliva sprays and gels can be helpful. These products are designed to coat the mouth and provide a sustained feeling of wetness.