Can THC Dehydrate You? The Truth About Cottonmouth and Hydration

By Steve McCarthy, March 3rd, 2025

Does THC Actually Dehydrate You?

If you’ve ever smoked weed or taken a THC gummy and felt your mouth turn into the Sahara Desert, you might assume that THC is sucking the moisture out of your body. But does THC actually dehydrate you? The short answer: no, THC does not cause dehydration. What you’re experiencing is called cottonmouth, which is different from dehydration.

What Causes Cottonmouth?

Cottonmouth, or xerostomia, happens because THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your salivary glands. These receptors are responsible for controlling saliva production, and when THC binds to them, it temporarily slows down saliva production—hence, the dry mouth.

This is why people often mistake cottonmouth for dehydration. But dehydration is when your body lacks sufficient fluids and electrolytes, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and dry skin. THC does not cause fluid loss in your body like alcohol or caffeine does. It just messes with your saliva flow.

Can THC Edibles Make You Dehydrated?

Just like smoking, THC edibles can also cause cottonmouth because THC affects the same salivary receptors. However, edibles do not dehydrate you unless you’re already not drinking enough water. The main reason you might feel extra thirsty after an edible is that you’re just not drinking water while you wait for the high to kick in.

Can THC Make You Feel Dehydrated?

Even though THC itself doesn’t dehydrate you, the activities you do after consuming THC might. Some reasons you might feel dehydrated after using THC include:

• Forgetting to drink water while you’re enjoying your high.
• Eating salty snacks (hello, munchies!) that pull water from your body.
• Increased urination from drinking too many sodas or other drinks while high.
• Smoking weed, which can cause mild water loss through respiration.

Does CBD Dehydrate You?

CBD works differently from THC, but it can also cause cottonmouth. Just like THC, CBD can bind to receptors in your salivary glands and slow down saliva production. However, there’s no evidence that CBD itself dehydrates the body.

Does Smoking Cause Dehydration?

Smoking weed (or anything, really) can cause dry mouth, or some fluid loss through inhalation and heat exposure to the mouth and throat. However, this is not the same as dehydration. It just means your mouth might feel dry from the heat and lack of moisture in the smoke.

How to Prevent Cottonmouth and Stay Hydrated While Using THC

If you want to avoid that annoying dry-mouth feeling and keep your hydration in check, here are some tips:

1. Drink plenty of water before and after consuming THC. Even if THC doesn’t dehydrate you, it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated.
2. Avoid salty or sugary snacks. These can make dehydration worse.
3. Use sugar-free gum or hard candies. These help stimulate saliva production.
4. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. Mouth breathing can make cottonmouth worse.
5. Try herbal teas or infused water. Some teas, like chamomile, can help with dry mouth.

The Bottom Line: THC Doesn’t Dehydrate You, But You Still Need Water

THC doesn’t pull water from your body the way alcohol or caffeine does, but it can make you feel dry-mouthed and thirsty. The real culprit behind feeling dehydrated after using THC is not drinking enough water or engaging in dehydration-prone activities while high.

So, if you feel dried out after a THC session, don’t blame the weed—just grab a water bottle and hydrate.