What causes cottonmouth, anyway?

Whether you have plenty of experience or you are a patient new to medical marijuana use, you may have wondered: why is my mouth so dry? And why do some strains cause this side effect and others don’t? This phenomenon, commonly called cottonmouth, usually manifests as a sticky feeling in the mouth or increased thirst.

While this can be uncomfortable, it is a normal occurrence with certain cannabis strains. Cannabinoids, the active compounds in marijuana, attach to brain receptors that control our parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). Think of this system like computer programs running in the background while you are actively using another application. The digestive tract, salivary glands, and tear ducts are all part of the parasympathetic nervous system.

There are over 80 types of cannabinoids and they each have different effects. As a particular cannabinoid attaches to the brain, nerve impulses carry the effects to the corresponding organs or systems. This is why certain strains are prescribed to treat nausea and cause “the munchies” for cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment, because those strains contain cannabinoids that stimulate digestion, including hunger signals. Other strains are prescribed for anxiety, slowing a rapid heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and inhibiting the production of adrenaline, calming the fight or flight response often associated with anxiety disorders. Conversely, some people struggling with depression find deep comfort with strains that increase the production of dopamine, allowing them temporary respite during particularly dark episodes.

Along with the desired relief of symptoms, however, some strains bring along cannabinoids that can affect the PSNS in other ways. Some of these can decrease saliva production, causing cottonmouth. They can also cause users to experience dry, bloodshot eyes due to decreased production of tears and also constricted or dilated pupils. What is less common knowledge is that dry eye is actually part of using cannabis to treat glaucoma, as it coincides with the decrease in optic nerve pressure and the slowing of damage related to the condition.

Finding your cottonmouth or dry eyes to be too uncomfortable? OTC lubricating eye drops can reduce eye irritation. Drinking plenty of water, obviously, helps with dry mouth, as can mouthwash, spray, or lozenges designed for this very purpose. Additionally, finding a lower-THC (an active component of cannabis) strain may help to avoid irritation. It is worth noting that less THC may also reduce the effectiveness of cannabis-related treatment. As with all things health-related, please talk to your doctor and/or your dispensary pharmacist about the right options for your individual needs.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on television. This article is for general informative purposes only. For health related questions or concerns, please contact your physician or health care physician.