Went out to have fun on Friday night with your friends but woke up with a terrible headache the following day? Well, we've all been there. The hangover can really ruin the fun you've had and make you want never to consume alcohol ever again, but we all know that won't happen, and you'll most likely end up with a hangover sometime later. If you're one of those people who still haven't found their go-to hangover cure and those traditional over-the-counter meds don't work for you, you might want to look into CBD as a potential cure for a hangover. Does that sound interesting to you? If so, keep reading this article to find out everything you need about CBD as an alternative remedy to alleviate hangover symptoms.

What is CBD, and how does it work? 

CBD, also known as cannabinoid, is a compound derived from a hemp plant. It is often associated with its cousin, marijuana. Still, one thing to note is that, unlike marijuana, CBD doesn't cause a 'high' since it contains only up to 0.3% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound usually associated with causing 'high.' 

To understand how CBD works in our body, we first need to understand what the Endocannabinoid system is and what it does. The Endocannabinoid system, ECS for short, is a powerful cell signaling system in our bodies that is in charge of many essential bodily functions such as managing pain, sleep, appetite, mood, etc. 

Despite having a similar chemical composition, THC and CBD interact with different receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). THC binds to cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, causing high-like effects. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind to CB1 receptors strongly. Instead, it encourages your body to generate natural cannabinoids, boosting relaxation and well-being.

CBD for hangovers 

So how can CBD help with hangovers? Although there is no specific research on CBD as a cure for hangovers, there is a chance that it might be able to help alleviate some of the symptoms related to it. Alcohol affects your body's internal ECS. It may reduce natural cannabinoid levels in the brain, resulting in poor sleep patterns, digestive problems, mood swings, and other symptoms. CBD may assist in restoring harmony to your ECS and minimize the symptoms of a severe hangover.

One of the most common symptoms of a hangover is a headache which comes from inflammation. According to studies, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can speed up your recovery and alleviate headache pains. 

A night of drinking can raise cortisol levels in the brain. CBD works with your serotonin receptors to reduce cortisol levels and restore a sense of inner peace. If you're stressed out or get anxious during a hangover, CBD can potentially help you recover faster.

One thing that should be noted is that although hemp CBD can alter numerous body processes associated with hangovers, it is not a treatment in and of itself. It's more of a supplement that might assist your ECS in staying balanced.

How to use CBD for hangovers?

So how do you use CBD for hangovers? If you're planning on drinking and wish to use CBD to prevent hangovers, you should take it regularly, just like any vitamin or supplement. As mentioned above, it's not a hangover cure, but if you have it built up in your system, it can assist your ECS to get your body back on track and in shape after a night out. But keep in mind not to consume CBD while you're drinking. Taking it in the morning and after you've finished drinking for the night may make it easier to get some of its benefits.

Dosage is always a tricky question when it comes to using CBD because it varies individually. One rule of thumb is that when you're just starting, you want to start with small dosages and work your way up. See how your body reacts to it and slowly find the most suitable amount for your needs. 

Choosing the right CBD products

CBD products come in many different forms. There are CBD oils, capsules, gummies, vapes, etc. You can take CBD orally, sublingually, or even smoke it. The bioavailability of oral CBD is the lowest of any kind. This means that the CBD tablet or capsule must be taken in a higher dose than the other forms of CBD to get the same effects. Sublingual absorption provides more bioavailability than oral dosage. It also has a quicker effect on the body. CBD may be smoked or vaporized as well. Unfortunately, calculating the amount of CBD you take when smoking is pretty hard. But the effects kick in the fastest when you consume it this way. Whatever type you choose depends on your personal preference.

But you want to make sure you purchase from a reputable brand that offers premium products. The quality of CBD is crucial regarding whether you'll have an enjoyable experience and get all the benefits you expect. Make sure to purchase from a brand that offers third-party lab testing results. One such option is Primabee. 

Final thoughts

To summarize, while there is some indication that CBD may have potential as a hangover remedy, additional study is needed to understand its efficacy and proper dose completely. Until then, it is critical to use caution while taking CBD for hangovers and to buy from trustworthy suppliers.