Marijuana, commonly called Cannabis Sativa, weed, and cannabis, has gained legal status in numerous states and countries, catering to medical and recreational purposes.
Various forms exist for the consumption of marijuana, and among them are edibles—food products infused with cannabis. Edibles encompass a wide range of options, including gummies and brownies.
These delectable treats incorporate one or both of marijuana’s active components: THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
As individuals praise the advantages of marijuana, users often ponder the question, “Do edibles induce dry mouth, and if so, what is the reason behind it?”
What Are Edibles?
Let’s dive into the captivating world of edibles, those tantalizing treats infused with the essence of cannabis.
Picture a delectable array of options: mouthwatering brownies, irresistible gummies, refreshing mints, tempting hard candies, luscious chocolates, invigorating drinks, versatile cooking and baking oils, and even savory snacks like biscuits and pretzels.
THC is the powerhouse, the essence of psychoactive magic within cannabis. It’s the compound responsible for that euphoric “high” enthusiasts seek. So brace yourself as we explore the broad spectrum, ranging from a mere 2.5 milligrams to a staggering 50 milligrams of THC.
But hold on tight because some edibles push the boundaries even further. For example, behold the mighty cannabis chocolate bars, boasting an astonishing 100 milligrams of THC!
As you venture further, the path grows hazy, as drowsiness and hallucinations cloud your senses. Beware, heart problems can rear their ugly head, accompanied by impaired motor ability and the unsettling presence of nausea and vomiting.
Can Edibles Cause A Dry Mouth?
Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing revelation: edibles are indeed the culprits behind that notorious dry mouth phenomenon. To unravel this intriguing mystery, let’s delve into the captivating world of THC and its effects on the human body.
Deep within us lies the magnificent endocannabinoid system, diligently regulating vital functions like sleep, appetite, and more. This intricate system produces endocannabinoids, which elegantly bind to specialized receptors scattered throughout our body.
Now, here’s where things get fascinating. THC, that mischievous mimic, swoops in to play. It hijacks the scene, mimicking the activity of our endocannabinoids.
Like a masterful impostor, THC binds itself to the same receptors, unleashing its potent effects. But when it comes to our salivary glands, it’s a different tale altogether.
As THC seizes control of the endocannabinoid receptors nestled within our salivary glands, it sets off a chain reaction. The production of saliva takes a nosedive, leaving our mouths parched and longing for moisture.
To add to the intrigue, the saliva itself transforms. It thickens, gaining a viscous quality that exacerbates the feeling of dryness. It’s a crafty maneuver by THC, leaving us with a lingering dry mouth sensation.
Prepare to unravel yet another captivating layer of the edibles’ dry mouth enigma. Beyond its influence on salivary glands, THC’s binding to receptors has an intriguing consequence—it inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
However, when THC takes the stage, it disrupts this delicate balance. It puts a damper on the PNS, throwing a wrench into the gears of saliva production.
The dry mouth sensation takes hold as the gears grind to a halt, leaving us yearning for the rejuvenating touch of moisture. It’s yet another fascinating facet of the intricate dance between THC and our bodily systems.
Negative Effects of a Dry Mouth
Prepare to witness the hidden consequences of dry mouth, for beneath its seemingly innocuous façade lies a dental peril, particularly for those who indulge in heavy cannabis use. While brushing off dry mouth as a trivial side effect may be tempting, its impact on oral health can be far from trivial.
Saliva is a powerful ally in the battle against tooth decay. It wields the ability to neutralize those pesky acids produced by bacteria, curbing their destructive influence.
Tooth decay becomes an imminent threat, and the health of your precious teeth and gums hangs in the balance. Furthermore, the pleasures of appetite and the enjoyment of food itself may be marred by this persistent companion.
So, heed this cautionary tale, for dry mouth may be far from a mere nuisance. Its repercussions extend beyond a parched sensation, casting a shadow over oral health and robbing you of the blissful satisfaction of indulging in life’s culinary delights.
Side effects and symptoms commonly associated with dry mouth include:
- Altered gustatory perception
- Smelly breath
- Split Lips
- Problems with chewing, swallowing, and/or articulating
- Cracked or parched tongue
- Hoarseness, dryness, or pain in the throat
- A sensation of dryness or stickiness in the mouth
- Accumulation of plaque, caries, and periodontal disease
- A painful mouth
- The appearance of thick, stringy saliva
- Cracked or bleeding skin around the mouth’s corners
- Thrush is a yeast infection of the oral cavity.
Cannabis users may experience a sore throat from consuming cannabis, mainly when smoking weed. Inhaling smoke can irritate the throat, digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
Chewing gum or using breath sprays can offer temporary relief by stimulating the submandibular saliva glands to increase saliva production, soothing the throat.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the multifaceted world of edibles, it’s crucial to shed light on the often-dismissed consequences of long-term cannabis use.
Beyond the bothersome dry mouth side effect, deeper concerns, such as dependence and addiction, demand our attention.
However, it’s worth noting that cannabis consumption, regardless of the method, can lead to decreased saliva production, which may contribute to a dry and irritated throat. Aside from that, consuming edibles also has other effects, like causing redness in the eyes or even diarrhea.
Exploring alternatives like herbal tea can provide a soothing effect on the throat while avoiding the potential drawbacks of smoking and decreased saliva flow.
