Understanding the 'Weed Hangover': Do edibles make you tired the next day?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, some college students who used cannabis as a sleep aid experienced greater next-day fatigue. This lingering exhaustion is often referred to as a "weed hangover" and can explain why many people find that edibles make you tired the next day.

Quick Summary

Yes, edibles can cause next-day fatigue and grogginess due to their long-lasting effects and slow metabolism in the liver. Factors like dosage, timing, individual tolerance, and sleep cycle disruption influence the intensity of the lingering tiredness, which is commonly referred to as a cannabis hangover. Responsible use and proper timing can help mitigate these after-effects.

Key Points

Edibles cause a prolonged high: Unlike inhaled cannabis, edibles are metabolized in the liver, converting THC into a more potent, long-lasting compound, 11-hydroxy-THC, which extends the effects for many hours.
Lingering effects cause next-day grogginess: The slow release of THC and its metabolites from fatty tissues means you can still feel residual effects, such as fatigue, lethargy, and brain fog, the morning after.
Dosage and timing are critical: Taking too high a dose or consuming edibles too close to bedtime increases the risk of waking up with a cannabis hangover.
Edibles can disrupt sleep quality: While they may help you fall asleep faster, studies show THC can suppress REM sleep, leading to less restorative rest and contributing to next-day fatigue.
Mitigate effects with hydration and light exercise: Simple remedies like drinking plenty of water, having a nutritious breakfast, and taking a gentle walk can help alleviate morning-after symptoms.
Cannabinoid ratios matter: Products with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio or lower THC content may be less likely to cause intense morning-after effects.

The experience of feeling groggy, tired, or mentally foggy the day after consuming cannabis edibles is a common phenomenon often dubbed a "weed hangover". While not as physically debilitating as an alcohol hangover, it can disrupt your day and leave you feeling sluggish. The root causes lie in the unique pharmacological profile of edibles, which is distinctly different from inhaled cannabis, leading to prolonged and sometimes stronger effects that can carry over into the next morning.

The Pharmacology of the Edible Hangover

When cannabis is ingested, the body processes it very differently than when it's inhaled. This digestive and metabolic pathway is the primary reason behind next-day grogginess.

The Role of 11-Hydroxy-THC

Upon oral consumption, delta-9 THC travels through the digestive system and is metabolized by the liver. During this first-pass metabolism, THC is converted into a more potent and longer-lasting metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than delta-9 THC, resulting in a more intense and extended high.

Slow Release from Fat Stores

THC is a highly lipid-soluble compound, meaning it is readily stored in the body's fatty tissues. After the initial peak effects have worn off, THC and its metabolites are slowly released from these fat deposits back into the bloodstream. This can contribute to a lingering effect that persists for many hours, sometimes lasting up to 24 hours in some users. This slow-release process means the psychoactive effects don't just abruptly end; they fade gradually over a long period, which can cause subtle, yet noticeable, fatigue and fogginess the following day.

Impact on Sleep Architecture

For many, one of the appeals of edibles is their sedative effect, which can help with falling asleep faster. However, research indicates that while THC may decrease sleep onset latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), it can also disrupt the quality of that sleep by suppressing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is a critical stage for memory consolidation and cognitive function, and consistent suppression can leave you feeling unrested and fatigued, even after a full night's sleep. A recent review even found that cannabis withdrawal can lead to significant sleep disturbances, including REM rebound.

Comparison of Edibles vs. Smoked Cannabis


Characteristic	Edibles	Smoked/Vaped Cannabis
Onset Time	30 minutes to 2+ hours	Minutes
Peak Effect	2 to 6 hours after ingestion	Minutes to 1 hour
Duration of Effects	6 to 12+ hours, sometimes up to 24 hours	1 to 4 hours
Metabolism	Digestive system and liver convert THC into 11-hydroxy-THC	Lungs absorb THC directly into bloodstream
Lingering Effects	More likely due to prolonged metabolism and 11-hydroxy-THC	Less likely, but can occur with high doses
Dosage Control	Can be challenging due to delayed onset, risking overconsumption	Easier for users to gauge effects and control dosage

Strategies to Mitigate Next-Day Tiredness

If you want to minimize the risk of a cannabis hangover, several strategies can help.

Start Low and Go Slow: The most crucial rule for edibles is responsible dosing. Begin with a very small dose (e.g., 2.5–5 mg) and wait at least two hours before considering taking more. This prevents overconsumption, which is a major contributor to next-day effects.
Time Your Consumption Wisely: Don't take edibles too close to your bedtime. Allow ample time for the full effects to set in and begin to subside before you need to wake up the next day. This ensures you aren't waking up still under the influence.
Choose Lower-THC Products: Opt for products with a lower THC content or a balanced ratio of THC to CBD. The CBD may help mitigate some of the stronger psychoactive effects of THC.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and headaches. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after consuming edibles can help alleviate these symptoms.
Eat Nutritious Meals: Having a balanced meal before or after consumption can help stabilize blood sugar and provide energy, counteracting sluggishness.
Get Fresh Air and Light Exercise: A walk or some stretching the next morning can boost circulation and alertness, helping to clear the brain fog.
Consider Caffeine: A moderate amount of coffee or tea can help combat grogginess, but be mindful that caffeine can increase anxiety in some individuals.

Conclusion

Yes, edibles can make you tired the next day due to a combination of their unique metabolism, long-lasting effects, and potential disruption of normal sleep architecture. Unlike inhaled cannabis, oral consumption leads to the creation of a more potent metabolite that extends the psychoactive experience well into the next day. The resulting "weed hangover" is characterized by fatigue, grogginess, and mental fog. By practicing responsible consumption, such as starting with a low dose, allowing adequate time for effects to wear off, and choosing products with less intense THC levels, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing next-day tiredness and ensure a more predictable experience. For personalized medical advice, always consult a healthcare professional. For more details on the nuances of cannabis use, check out this helpful guide on prevention and remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'weed hangover' is the lingering after-effect of cannabis consumption, especially from edibles, that can cause fatigue, mental fog, lethargy, dry mouth, and mild headaches the following day.

Edibles last longer because the THC is metabolized by the liver into a more potent and long-lasting compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This, combined with THC's storage in fat tissue, results in a slower, more prolonged release into the bloodstream compared to smoking.

The duration of fatigue from edibles varies by person and dosage, but for many, the main effects can last 6 to 12 hours, with some residual grogginess continuing for up to 24 hours.

Yes, taking edibles close to bedtime increases the chance of waking up groggy or still feeling the effects. The delayed onset means the peak of the high might occur during sleep, and the long duration can extend well into the next morning.

Yes. Key prevention strategies include starting with a low dose, timing your consumption several hours before bed, staying well-hydrated, and choosing products with lower THC or a higher CBD-to-THC ratio.

Studies suggest that while THC may help some people fall asleep faster, it can also suppress REM sleep, a critical stage for cognitive function. This can lead to less restorative sleep and contribute to next-day fatigue.

To alleviate next-day tiredness, try hydrating with water, eating a nutritious meal, getting fresh air, or engaging in light exercise like a walk. Some find a small amount of caffeine helpful, but it can increase anxiety for others.

CBD edibles should not cause the same next-day grogginess as THC edibles, as CBD is non-psychoactive. In some cases, high doses of CBD have a sedative effect, but it does not produce the intense, long-lasting high or hangover associated with THC.