Among those who enjoy smoking, vaping or eating cannabis the phenomenon of “dry mouth”, in medical jargon xerostomia, is a real classic. The sensation is decidedly unpleasant: you have the impression that your throat is covered in cotton, as if it were completely dehydrated (and in fact it is).

Fortunately, this phenomenon does not present any health risks. But have you ever wondered? why does marijuana cause this feeling?

This is not necessarily a problem related to excessive consumption: the reason lies in the relationship between cannabinoids and our nervous system. Our submandibular gland, the main gland responsible for producing saliva, contains cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2, also called CB. Theanandamide, an endocannabinoid naturally produced by our body, binds to these receptors. In practice, when we consume cannabis, our body produces more anandamide and because of this "surge" saliva production is inhibited, so that the body cannot produce enough for its own needs.

Saliva is very important for digestion. In fact, it is mainly thanks to it that we are able to swallow properly food. If our body produces less saliva than necessary, eating can become more complicated: a big problem when our beloved cannabis produces another of its well-known side effects, the chemical hunger!

Dry mouth is a sensation that all cannabis users have experienced at some point. It is not possible to avoid it. However, it is possible to limit the discomfort with some precautions: let's see them.

• Drink water: the simplest and most instinctive remedy. Hydration is very important in case of dry mouth because it allows to reduce the dehydration of the throat.

• Use specific mouthwashes: a good rinse with a mouthwash, especially if formulated specifically for sensitive mucous membranes, can provide a sense of relief. We recommend mouthwashes without alcohol (which is known to worsen the discomfort).

• Eating citrus sweets: according to some studies, hard and sour candies help support saliva production. Chewing gum is not recommended because the relief they provide is too short-lived and of limited effectiveness.

• Use a room humidifier to increase the humidity level in the air: this can help give you relief.

• Rexhale through your nose: a very simple tip that really helps to limit the feeling of dryness in the mouth.

• Use an artificial wetting spray: This pharmaceutical preparation helps to “simulate” saliva, producing immediate relief.

Here, instead, what is better not to do in case of dry mouth, to avoid making this annoying sensation worse:

• Drinking alcohol: this worsens dehydration at the level of the throat, because alcohol has a diuretic effect.

• Take caffeine: caffeine also has a diuretic effect and therefore worsens the sensation of dry mouth.

• Smoking tobacco: Tobacco smoke worsens the discomfort associated with dry mouth.

• Eating salty snacks: this is also not recommended, because salt also accelerates dehydration of the body. Better to opt for sweet foods or fruit.

In conclusion, by drinking water regularly, especially before and after consuming cannabis, and following our other advice, the problem of xerostomia will be much less bothersome!