DRY MOUTH AND CANNABIS USE

  1. INTRODUCTION

If you use cannabis regularly, you might have noticed an uncomfortable side effect besides getting the munchies — dry mouth. This sensation, where your mouth feels as dry as desert sand, is common after consuming marijuana. While it may seem like a minor issue, it’s important to understand why it happens and the long-term effects it can have, especially if you use cannabis frequently. Also check https://twdshop.co

In this article, we will explain why cannabis makes your mouth feel so dry, what you can do to prevent it, and why it’s important to take this symptom seriously. Dry mouth, scientifically known as xerostomia, occurs every time you smoke, vape, or even consume edibles, and it can lead to more significant problems over time.

  1. DRY MOUTH AND CANNABIS USE

If you’ve smoked or vaped cannabis before, you may have experienced a sensation where your tongue feels rough and swallowing becomes difficult. Drinking water might not even help relieve the dryness. This is known as xerostomia, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough saliva, causing a dry mouth. Interestingly, this dry mouth isn’t caused by the hot smoke or vapor but by the effects of cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, on your body. Even when consuming cannabis edibles, you might experience this dryness, though it may take a bit longer to feel.

  1. WHAT IS XEROSTOMIA

Xerostomia is the medical term for persistent dryness in the mouth due to decreased saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health, as it helps clean the mouth, aids in digestion, and prevents infections. Without enough saliva, you may experience:

  • Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or tasting food
  • A dry or sticky feeling in the mouth
  • Cracked lips and bad breath
  • Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
  • Changes in your sense of taste
  • Frequent oral infections

Many factors can cause xerostomia, including certain medications (like antidepressants or antihistamines), medical conditions, dehydration, and smoking. Cannabis use, especially long-term, is one of these factors.

  1. WHY DOES CANNABIS CAUSE DRY MOUTH?

Cannabis causes dry mouth because its active ingredient, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating many functions in the body, including saliva production. When THC activates the CB1 receptors in your salivary glands, they slow down saliva production, leaving your mouth dry. This effect can last for hours, depending on how much cannabis you consume. High levels of THC, especially in stronger strains or large amounts, increase the likelihood and intensity of this effect.

  1. TOLERANCE TO DRY MOUTH

Interestingly, people who use cannabis regularly may build up a tolerance to this dry mouth effect, similar to how they build a tolerance to other effects of THC. This means that long-term users might not experience as much dryness as beginners. However, dry mouth is still a common side effect, particularly for those who are new to cannabis use or consume large amounts.