Introduction
Many cannabis sativa users, whether using it for fun or for health reasons, know about “cotton mouth”. This is a common side effect of consuming cannabis. Cotton mouth, scientifically known as xerostomia, occurs because there is less saliva in the mouth. This begs the question, why do you get cotton mouth when you’re high? Broadly put, THC affects the salivary glands and the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to this uncomfortable dryness. In this blog we will discuss more in depth what causes this drop in saliva, and what can be done to help with this annoying side effect.
Identifying Symptoms of Cotton Mouth
Recognizing cotton mouth is quite easy. It usually shows several clear signs in the mouth. A constantly dry, sticky, or thirsty feeling is a main symptom.
Other signs might include trouble swallowing, a sore or scratchy throat, and changes in how things taste. Your tongue could feel dry, rough, or even a bit swollen. If you notice these signs, especially after using cannabis, you are probably dealing with cotton mouth.
Common Signs and How to Recognize Them
One of the first signs of cotton mouth is a dry and sticky feeling in the mouth. Many people also feel very thirsty, experiencing an unquenchable thirst, and it can be hard to feel satisfied. This dryness happens because there is less saliva, which is important for keeping the mouth moist, whether you smoke or vape.
When cotton mouth happens, doing things like swallowing, talking, and eating can become hard. Without enough saliva, these simple tasks can feel uncomfortable and tough. Drinking herbal tea can help alleviate discomfort, as the discomfort can go beyond just the mouth and exacerbate dry mouth symptoms. It can cause a sore throat, a cough that won’t go away, and trouble speaking clearly.
Also, not having enough saliva can affect oral health in other ways. Saliva helps to balance acids, rinse food away, and stop harmful bacteria from growing. All of this helps to keep the mouth healthy.
Why Do You get Cotton Mouth When You’re High and Which is Stronger Smoking or Edibles
While cotton mouth is a common experience across different methods of cannabis consumption, the intensity and duration of this side effect can vary depending on how cannabis is ingested.
Smoking, a popular method of cannabis consumption, often leads to a more immediate onset of cotton mouth, largely due to the dehydrating effects of inhaling smoke. However, the duration of this effect tends to be shorter-lived compared to edibles, gradually diminishing as the body rehydrates.
Edibles, on the other hand, involve a different metabolic pathway that results in a delayed but often more intense and prolonged cotton mouth experience. This is primarily because the THC in edibles is absorbed through the digestive system, resulting in a slower release into the bloodstream and a more sustained impact on the production of saliva.
When THC interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the salivary glands, it reduces saliva production and increases its viscosity, leading to the sensation of cottonmouth that is commonly experienced when consuming cannabis. The endocannabinoid system regulates sleep, appetite, and other biological functions so the effect of THC may change is how your body reacts.
| Feature | Smoking Cannabis | Consuming Edibles |
| Onset | Almost immediate | Delayed, typically 30–90 minutes |
| Duration | Relatively short, a couple of hours | Prolonged, several hours |
| Intensity | Mild to moderate | Can be intense |
How to Counteract Cotton Mouth Fast
If you’re looking for fast relief from cotton mouth, Lubricity Dry Mouth Oral Spray is one of the most effective solutions available for the effects of cannabis. This product is designed specifically to provide a good alternative to drinking water by offering immediate hydration to your mouth and soothing the dryness caused by cannabis use. The spray contains hyaluronic acid (HA), which helps retain moisture on the mucous membranes in your mouth, providing quick and lasting relief. Unlike just drinking water, Lubricity works directly to target the source of your discomfort, offering fast acting relief by creating a gel-like coating to effectively lock in moisture for up to 4 hours after each use. It’s a simple, on-the-go solution that can fit in your pocket and make a big difference in combatting dry mouth.
Role of Hydration in Avoiding Cotton Mouth
While staying hydrated is essential in preventing cotton mouth, Lubricity Dry Mouth Oral Spray offers an extra layer of support. This advanced formula works better than hydration alone which may not always be enough to combat the intense dryness that comes with cannabis use. That’s where Lubricity comes in. Its unique formula not only helps keep your oral cavity moist, but it also helps lock in moisture, ensuring lasting relief. Lubricity contains only the purest and most essential ingredients and is sugar, alcohol, and gluten free and is also vegan friendly. By incorporating Lubricity into your hydration routine, you can moisturize your oral cavity more effectively because of its key ingredient HA, which is known for retaining moisture.
What Makes Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray Effective
Lubricity and Lubricity Xtra were scientifically designed to promote oral health. Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray is a flavorless saliva substitute and Lubricity Xtra uses the same premium formula with the addition of all-natural mint or strawberry flavors. Both products stand out because of their key ingredient: hyaluronic acid. This powerful substance is renowned for its moisture-retaining properties. When sprayed in the mouth, it forms a thin, protective layer over the mucous membranes, offering immediate relief from cotton mouth. The spray works quickly to restore moisture and comfort, making it a perfect solution for those who experience cotton mouth after cannabis consumption. Additionally, Lubricity’s formula is designed to last longer than water or other oral moisturizers. Whether you’re smoking or consuming edibles, Lubricity can help keep your mouth feeling refreshed and hydrated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to know the answer to “why do you get cotton mouth when you’re high”. The use of cannabis, especially THC, affects how your body makes saliva. You should know the signs and the differences between smoking and eating edibles. Using products like Lubricity dry mouth spray and Lubricity Xtra Moisturizing spray can help with soothing cotton mouth discomfort by retaining oral moisture for up to 4 hours after each use. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can further alleviate symptoms. If you need quick relief from cotton mouth, think about trying these solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Staying hydrated is important. So, keep water close by. You can also use Lubricity for quick relief that lasts.
Chronic cotton mouth can harm your oral health. Saliva is important for your teeth as it helps wash away food particles. An excellent way to combat this is by using Lubricity. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential because when there is less saliva, it can raise the chance of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Cotton mouth symptoms are a common side effect of cannabis use. However, some strains can make dry mouth symptoms even worse. This may be due to varying levels of THC and other active compounds, such as cannabinoids.
