The dry mouth, or "cardboard mouth", is a sensation that every smoker has cannabis knows perfectly. Let's find out the really interesting reason why it occurs and how to fix it.
Cannabis consumption is inevitably accompanied by some "side effects". Among these the infamous appetite, or munchies, which attacks us after smoking, red eyes and, precisely, the dry mouth. But why does this happen?
Why does my mouth dry out when I smoke marijuana?
Other than urban legend, it seems that the lappa effect is one unavoidable consequence of smoking marijuana. There is one to prove it study conducted in 2006 by some scientists from Buenos Aires and subsequently published in Experimental Biology and Medicine. But first it is necessary to make some clarifications.
We all have an endocannabinoid system composed of:
- Endocannabinoids, i.e. molecules that our body produces similar to the phytocannabinoids of cannabis. Among these we remember theAnandamide
- Receptors of cannabinoids distributed throughout the body. In particular CB1 and CB2 which are expressed respectively in the central and peripheral nervous system and on the cells of the immune system.
Le submandibular glands, responsible for 60% of the production of saliva in the mouth, are rich in both type 1 and type 2 receptors. The researchers, by injecting Anandamide into some anesthetized rats, discovered that it binds to both receptors inhibited salivary secretion.
TheAnandamide and the THC they have a similar molecular structure and work in a similar way. This similarity suggests that when THC binds to salivary gland receptors, interrupts the reception of messages by the nervous system by decreasing the production of saliva.
The best remedies for cannabis "cardboard mouth".
Considering that the "munchies" is an integral part of our session, the limited saliva production it could become a problem. With a pasty mouth it will be more difficult to swallow and also risk choking. Let's see how to fix it.
Sip water while consuming cannabis
As simple as it is banal, the secret is this. Anticipate our jaws drying up and constantly sip water while we smoke marijuana, so as to always stay hydrated and prevent our mouth from drying out.
Avoid alcohol and drinks rich in tannins
Hydrate yes, but drink whatever comes in front of you, no, or we risk getting the opposite result. It will be better avoid wines and beers, but also tea, coffee and some fruit juices, due to their high content of tannins. Tannins which also limit the production of saliva and amplify the sensation of dryness even further.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum is ideal, but also hard or cough sweets, preferably without sugar. Chewing promotes saliva production and, consequently, helps fight the lappa effect.
Brush your teeth and use mouthwash
After having gobbled up your snack and satiated, at least temporarily, the monster in your stomach, it's time to brush your teeth.
Oral care is fundamental but in some cases it is a real lifeline. The mint contained in the toothpaste will stimulate the salivary glands and the mouthwash it will permanently remove the sensation of dryness from the mouth.
