When people consume too much cannabis, they often drink water, believing it will “flush” the system and lessen the intensity of the psychoactive effects. This practice stems from the uncomfortable feeling of being over-intoxicated. Understanding how cannabis compounds interact with the body is necessary to determine if water is a fast-acting sobriety tool. This article explores the mechanisms of the cannabis high and the actual role hydration plays in managing the experience.
How Cannabis Intoxication Works
The feeling of being high results directly from the primary psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), entering the bloodstream and traveling to the brain. THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system by binding to specific receptors, primarily CB1 receptors. These receptors are highly concentrated in brain areas responsible for memory, coordination, and pleasure.
THC mimics the body’s naturally produced endocannabinoids, essentially hijacking the signaling system to produce psychoactive effects. Because THC is lipid-soluble, it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier to influence these receptors. The intensity and duration of the high are governed by the concentration of THC and its active metabolites present in the brain.
The Direct Effect of Hydration on THC Clearance
The belief that water can directly reduce a high is incorrect because THC is highly lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fats, not water. Since THC is fat-soluble, increasing water intake does not allow the body to “flush” the compound out of the bloodstream or brain receptors. The psychoactive effects only subside as the body naturally metabolizes the compound.
THC metabolism occurs predominantly in the liver through a family of enzymes known as cytochrome P450. These enzymes convert THC into several metabolites, including the psychoactive 11-hydroxy-THC and the inactive 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC. This metabolic process is time-dependent and cannot be accelerated by drinking extra water.
Water’s Role in Managing Secondary Symptoms
While water does not accelerate THC clearance, it can alleviate some uncomfortable physical side effects of cannabis use. The most common of these is xerostomia, or “cottonmouth,” which is a sensation of dryness in the mouth. This dryness is caused by THC binding to CB1 receptors located in the submandibular salivary glands, not systemic dehydration.
This binding temporarily inhibits the signals that tell the glands to produce saliva. Drinking water provides immediate, mechanical relief by moistening the oral cavity, even though it does not address the underlying receptor activity. Mild dehydration can also exacerbate feelings of lightheadedness or headache that may accompany intense intoxication. By addressing these physical discomforts, water can reduce overall distress, making the user feel less high, even if the THC concentration remains unchanged.
Scientifically Backed Ways to Moderate a High
When psychoactive effects become overwhelming, the most effective strategy is to engage in cognitive and environmental interventions while waiting for natural metabolic processes to take over. Shifting focus away from the intoxication helps manage feelings of anxiety and paranoia, which often intensify an unpleasant high.
Cognitive and Environmental Interventions
Engaging in a distracting activity, such as listening to music or watching a film, can help refocus the mind. Simply changing the physical environment can also be effective.
Using CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that can modulate the effects of THC. CBD influences activity at the CB1 receptors. Consuming a dose of CBD, ideally as an oil or edible, may help dampen the intensity of the THC high.
Dietary Strategies
Certain dietary interventions, such as sniffing or chewing black peppercorns, have been anecdotally reported to help moderate a high. This effect is thought to be related to the terpene beta-caryophyllene found in pepper, which may interact with the endocannabinoid system. Eating a substantial, non-cannabis meal can also help, particularly for those who consumed an edible. Activating the digestive process may accelerate the metabolism of active compounds.