Monday December 31, 2018
420 Culture
It’s been a long 2018 but the year is finally coming to a close. For those who are eager to start 2019 in a better, healthier note, we suggest using cannabis to help ring in the New Year as opposed to the standard boozy ball. Not only are there more creative ways to consume cannabis than there are with alcohol, but the hangover the next day will be so much easier to bear, too.
A Weed Hangover is Nothing Compared to the Alternative
Anyone who’s ever consumed too much alcohol knows how rough the morning after can be – the spinning room, the unwavering nausea, the hot and cold flashes, and those pounding headaches are all common symptoms of alcohol withdraw, a.k.a. a hangover. Caused by dehydration from the body trying to expel the toxic ethanol, excessive consumption of alcohol forces the body to work overtime which can result in long-term damage to the body and an inability to make that next-day brunch date. Again.
Ditch the hangover this New Year's and opt for cannabis! photo credit
Weed hangovers, on the other hand, don’t even compare. Though reports of cannabis-induced hangovers are comparatively rare, there is some evidence that suggests that excessive cannabis consumption may cause some hangover-like symptoms such as grogginess, lethargy, headaches, memory loss and dehydration. While research is limited, studies show that those who consume excessive amounts of THC, usually via edibles or concentrates, may experience impaired cognitive functioning the next day in addition to headaches, nausea, or lethargy. It’s generally well understood that these “weed hangovers” do not compare to the hell alcohol can put the body through.
Though the reason for alcohol hangovers is well known (the toxic nature of booze forces the body to fight it off which can be very exhausting), the exact cause of cannabis hangovers is not well understood. Some researchers suggest that the “marijuana hangover” is simply the residual effects of consuming high amounts of THC.
You might feel a little groggy after a cannabis New Year's, but odds are you'll feel better than an alcohol hangover. photo credit
Additionally, because cannabinoids bind to fat cells, excessive cannabis consumption could lead to a build-up of THC-COOH, a metabolite of THC, and can cause the consumer to feel “high” when these cannabinoids are re-released into the bloodstream through exercise or weight loss. Though the “hangover” is typically mild and only lasts a few hours, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest should help reduce and uncomfortable feelings associated with the overconsumption of cannabis.
Great Ways to Add Cannabis to Your New Year’s Celebration
You can party hard and still wake up refreshed just by opting for cannabis over booze. Luckily, there are many fun ways to incorporate cannabis into New Year’s festivities that go well beyond a bunch of bong rips in ye ol’ stoner circle. For example, instead of popping a bottle of bubbly at midnight, why not roll a joint with rolling papers made of 24k gold? The company, Shine, makes rolling papers made from hemp and 24k gold that are both safe to smoke and oh, so flashy. The hemp helps the golden doobies burn smoothly while the gold emits style and class to anyone who experiences them.
Shine 24k gold papers can help you ring in the New Year in style! photo credit
If you’d like a more traditional feel to your 420 New Year’s celebration, then why not substitute alcoholic drinks for cannabis-infused ones. There are many infused drink options available at local dispensaries or else you can turn any of your favorite drinks into infused ones by simply adding dissolvable THC/CBD powder to them. Stillwater sells an amazing product here in Colorado called Ripple, a dissolvable THC/CBD powder that will turn any drink into an infused one while only slightly altering the flavor. Ripple can also be taken sublingually, though its bitter flavor can be unpalatable for some.
Of course, if party planning isn’t your thing, there’s always the option of 420-friendly tours and party buses. These companies are increasingly popular in 420-friendly states as a safe, alternative way to consume cannabis privately while still hitting the town in a very public manner. There are busses and limousines that will pick you up and take you to the hottest bars and dispensaries around town plus formally-hosted parties and cannabis tours aimed specifically at helping stoners ring in the new year with a bang (or a bong, rather).
For a full list of 420-friendly events and activities in your area, check out our marijuana activities page from the state dropdown tab.
2018 was a transformational year that deserves to be sent off in style. Likewise, 2019 is bound to be a year of plenty so why not ring it in with style and no regrets the following day? This New Year’s, ditch the booze hangover and choose more forgiving Mary Jane instead.
How will you be ringing in the New Year this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo Credit: Annie Spratt (license)
