Hydration is one of those topics related to weed use that nobody seems to want to talk about, other than to occasionally have a laugh at parties about how dry their mouth is, often referred to as “cotton mouth”. But there’s more to that dry mouth, or cotton mouth, than meets the eye. Hydration affects everything from the way the cannabis hits you, how clearly you think, and your overall enjoyment of the experience.
So, in this guide, the team at the 710 Pipes headshop off Evans in Denver delves into the matter of hydration and looks at what it really means when you get cotton mouth from smoking weed.
No Spit, Sherlock
Smoking cannabis affects the body as well as the mind in ways that are not always obvious. One of those effects is reduced saliva production, which is the origin of the famous stoner dry mouth.
In addition to less saliva production, the general practice of smoking anything, especially when done often, might call for you to be:
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Breathing in warm, dry smoke for extended periods of time
- Becoming less aware of normal thirst cues
- Becoming distracted from your thirst by conversation or simply zoning out
There were signs…
Cotton mouth is actually your body’s warning sign that you’re about to go below healthy hydration levels. Your brain is sending you a message by triggering your thirst response and pulling back energy and resources so you, ya know, go drink something. By the time you notice dry mouth:
- Fatigue may be creeping in
- Your overall comfort level starts to drop
- Sensory perceptions become dulled
It’ll Harsh Your Mood
The third unpleasant fact is simply that being dehydrated can decrease your overall mood and your ability to relax and enjoy the moment.
- Not just your mouth, but your throat and even your lungs may feel dry.
- Thirst can cause anxiousness.
- Staying hydrated improves energy which will help on the come-down.
When you are well-hydrated, your overall experience can be much more balanced and enjoyable. That’s not because hydration directly effects cannabis, but because hydration changes you.
Dehydration can amplify any physical or mental discomfort you may feel. If you are mildly dehydrated, you may experience headaches, lightheadedness (not related to getting high but often confused for part of the buzz), muscle tension, and a general sense of physical unease.
In other words, if you have a headache and smoke, it’ll likely make the headache more intense. The same with muscle tension, lightheadedness, and physical unease. Many uncomfortable smoke sessions are not about dosage or strain. They’re about poor hydration.
| Biological effect of dehydration | Impact on mood and sense of well-being | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Even mild water loss (around 1–2% of body weight) impairs cognitive performance and alertness. | Can feel like “extra” brain fog from being high, lowered concentration, and more frustration with simple tasks. | Masento et al., 2014, Nutrition Reviews, “Effects of hydration status on cognitive performance and mood.” |
| Dehydration increases perception of effort and physical fatigue. | Sesh may feel heavier, lazier, and more tiring than usual; you may cut activities short or feel “wiped out.” | Armstrong et al., 2012, Journal of Nutrition, “Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women.” |
| Fluid loss can cause headaches, lightheadedness, and reduced blood volume. | Headaches feel more intense when high; lightheadedness can be mistaken for part of the buzz and increase anxiety. | Popkin et al., 2010, Nutrition Reviews, “Water, hydration, and health.” |
| Dehydration elevates cortisol and other stress markers in the body. | Baseline stress is higher, so any THC-related anxiety or paranoia can feel sharper and harder to shake. | Maresh et al., 2004, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (exercise-induced dehydration and stress hormones). |
| Mild dehydration is associated with increased tension, anxiety, and irritability. | Less patience with friends, more overthinking, and a general “off” feeling even if the strain is usually relaxing. | Ganio et al., 2011, British Journal of Nutrition, and Armstrong et al., 2012, Journal of Nutrition. |
| Dry mucous membranes in the mouth and throat reduce comfort and make breathing feel rougher. | Hits feel harsher, you may cough more, and the whole session can feel physically less pleasant. | Popkin et al., 2010, Nutrition Reviews, “Water, hydration, and health.” |
Avoid Sugary Drinks
If, like so many with the munchies, you use sugary drinks to quench your post-session thirst, you’re probably just making things worse. Sugary drinks can actually increase the overall sensation of thirst, irritate your already dry mouth, and pull a mask over your dehydration without really addressing it.
If you want to effectively offset dehydration, the best option is water. In some cases, you might want to add an electrolyte drink to replenish nutrients, but you should shy away from sodas or juice to quench your thirst.
Dehydration Effects Outside of Dry Mouth
Hydration levels have an enormous impact on cognitive clarity. Ignoring your post-smoke dehydration can lead to trouble staying focused and a shorter attention span. But that’s not all. Dehydration can also lead to:
- A persistent mental fog
- A reduction in your short-term memory
- A sense that mental tasks like decision-making are suddenly more difficult
- A loss of patience
- Delays in your normal eating and drinking routine
“The significant effects of [fluid deprivation] on mood included decreased alertness and increased sleepiness, fatigue and confusion.” — Pross et al., “Influence of progressive fluid restriction on mood and physiological markers of dehydration in women,” British Journal of Nutrition, 2012
Conclusion: Stay Hydrated My Dudes
The consensus here at the shop is that the best way to avoid the various issues that arise from cannabis dehydration is to make hydration part of the process. Keep a water bottle at your smoke station and take a drink before, during, and after until it becomes routine.
When you make proper hydration part of your rotation, you’ll not only have a more fulfilling experience, your overall quality of life will likely get a nice bump too, as you feel more energetic and mentally sharp throughout the day.
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Dehydration and smoking often go hand in hand. But they don’t have to. Take our above tips to heart and make proper hydration part of your ritual, and you’re likely to feel better and have a more enjoyable all-around experience. Browse 710 Pipes Smoke ShopIf you are in the market for a new bong or handpipe, make sure to peruse all our products here. And if you have any questions, give us a call at 303-365-0710 during normal business hours.