Cottonmouth: Why Cannabis Causes Dry Mouth and How to Fix It

It's one of the most universal cannabis experiences: you take a few hits, and suddenly your mouth feels like the Sahara Desert. Cottonmouth—that sticky, dry, uncomfortable sensation—affects nearly everyone who consumes cannabis. But why does it happen, and more importantly, how can you prevent or treat it?

This guide explains the science behind cottonmouth and provides practical solutions to keep your mouth comfortable during and after cannabis consumption.

Quick Answer

Cottonmouth happens because THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in your salivary glands, temporarily reducing saliva production. It's not caused by smoke irritation—edibles cause cottonmouth too. The best remedies include staying hydrated, using hydrating candies or gum, eating juicy fruits, and using mouth moisturizing products. It's temporary and completely harmless.

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Table of Contents

• What is Cottonmouth?
• The Science Behind Dry Mouth
• Best Remedies for Cottonmouth
• Prevention Tips
• Products That Help
• Worst Things for Cottonmouth
• Pro Tips
• FAQ

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What is Cottonmouth?

Cottonmouth, medically known as xerostomia, refers to the dry mouth sensation that commonly occurs during cannabis use. The term perfectly describes the feeling—your mouth feels like it's stuffed with cotton.

Symptoms of Cottonmouth

• Extreme dryness in the mouth and throat
• Sticky, pasty feeling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Thick or stringy saliva
• Dry or cracked lips
• Bad breath
• Altered taste sensation
• Mild throat irritation

How Common Is It?

Cottonmouth affects the vast majority of cannabis users. In surveys, over 70% of cannabis consumers report experiencing dry mouth as a regular side effect. It's one of the most predictable and consistent effects of THC consumption.

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The Science Behind Dry Mouth

It's Not the Smoke

A common misconception is that dry mouth comes from smoke irritating your mouth and throat. While smoke can contribute, cottonmouth happens even with edibles, tinctures, and other non-smoked forms of cannabis. The real cause is biological.

Cannabinoid Receptors in Salivary Glands

Your salivary glands contain CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors—the same receptors in your brain that THC affects. When THC binds to these receptors, it temporarily inhibits the glands' ability to receive signals to produce saliva.

A 2006 study in Experimental Biology and Medicine demonstrated that endocannabinoid receptors in salivary glands directly regulate saliva production. When THC activates these receptors, saliva output decreases significantly.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

Saliva production is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. THC's interaction with this system reduces the signals that tell your salivary glands to produce saliva. This is why the effect is consistent regardless of consumption method.

Temporary Effect

The good news: cottonmouth is entirely temporary. As THC is metabolized and clears your system, normal saliva production resumes. The effect is not harmful and doesn't cause long-term damage to your salivary glands.

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Best Remedies for Cottonmouth

1. Hydration (The Obvious One)

Water is your best friend:

• Drink water before, during, and after consumption
• Take small sips frequently rather than chugging large amounts
• Keep water within arm's reach during sessions
• Room temperature water may be more comfortable than ice cold

2. Hydrating Beverages

Some drinks work better than others:

• Coconut water: Natural electrolytes help hydration
• Herbal tea (cooled): Especially mint or ginger
• Fruit-infused water: Adds flavor that encourages drinking
• Electrolyte drinks: Help with overall hydration

3. Sour Candies and Lozenges

Sour flavors stimulate saliva production:

• Sour candies (Sour Patch Kids, Warheads)
• Citrus-flavored hard candies
• Specialty dry mouth lozenges (Biotene, ACT)
• Vitamin C drops

The tartness triggers a natural salivary response.

4. Chewing Gum

Chewing stimulates saliva production:

• Sugar-free gum is best for dental health
• Xylitol-sweetened gum is particularly effective
• Mint flavors help with freshness
• The chewing action is as important as the gum itself

5. Juicy Fruits

Fruits that naturally boost mouth moisture:

• Watermelon (high water content)
• Grapes
• Oranges and citrus
• Pineapple
• Apples
• Berries

These also satisfy munchies in a healthy way.

6. Ice Chips

Slowly sucking on ice chips:

• Provides gradual hydration
• Feels soothing on dry mouth
• Less overwhelming than drinking
• Can be more satisfying when very dry

7. Mouth Moisturizing Products

Specialty products designed for dry mouth:

• Biotene mouthwash and spray
• Dry mouth gels
• Saliva substitutes
• Overnight dry mouth products

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Prevention Tips

Stay Ahead of It

• Start hydrating before you consume
• Have water ready before your session begins
• Don't wait until you're already uncomfortable

Choose Lower-THC Options

Higher THC = stronger cottonmouth:

• Consider balanced THC:CBD strains
• Try lower-potency products
• CBD doesn't cause cottonmouth (and may help)

Watch Your Consumption Method

While all methods cause cottonmouth, some worsen it:

• Smoking adds throat irritation
• Vaping can feel extra drying
• Edibles cause cottonmouth without smoke irritation

Avoid Dehydrating Substances

• Limit alcohol (major dehydrator)
• Reduce caffeine during sessions
• Avoid salty snacks that increase thirst

Create a Hydration Station

Set yourself up for success:

• Water bottle ready
• Hydrating snacks available
• Gum or candies nearby
• Make hydration convenient

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Products That Help

Beverages

Candies & Gum

Specialty Dry Mouth Products

Snacks

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Worst Things for Cottonmouth

Alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic that dehydrates you further. Combining cannabis and alcohol intensifies dry mouth significantly.

Caffeine

Coffee and caffeinated drinks:

• Have mild diuretic effects
• Can increase anxiety (which worsens dry sensations)
• Contribute to dehydration

Salty Snacks

While chips and pretzels are popular munchies:

• Salt draws moisture from tissues
• Increases thirst without satisfying it
• Can make cottonmouth feel worse

Sugary Sodas

Despite being liquid:

• High sugar content isn't hydrating
• Can leave mouth feeling sticky
• Caffeine in many sodas adds dehydration

Tobacco

If you smoke tobacco alongside cannabis:

• Adds smoke irritation
• Contains drying compounds
• Worsens cottonmouth significantly

Very Spicy Foods

While fun with munchies:

• Can irritate already-dry mouth
• May cause discomfort
• Heat sensation intensified by dry mouth

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Pro Tips

1. Pre-hydrate: Drink 1-2 glasses of water before consuming

2. Room temperature water may feel more comfortable than ice cold

3. Keep supplies within arm's reach so you don't have to get up

4. Frozen grapes combine snack + hydration + cooling

5. Avoid mouthwash with alcohol as it can dry mouth further

6. Lip balm prevents dry, cracked lips that accompany cottonmouth

7. Humidifier in your smoking space adds ambient moisture

8. Biotene products work better than standard mouthwash

9. Xylitol gum has the added benefit of being good for dental health

10. Citrus wedges in your water encourage more drinking

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FAQ

Why does weed make your mouth dry?

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in your salivary glands, temporarily inhibiting saliva production. This is a direct physiological effect, not just smoke irritation—edibles cause cottonmouth too.

Does everyone get cottonmouth?

Most people do, though severity varies. Individual factors like hydration levels, tolerance, and the specific product consumed all affect intensity.

Does cottonmouth cause permanent damage?

No. Cottonmouth from cannabis is temporary and doesn't cause lasting damage to your salivary glands or oral health. Normal saliva production resumes as THC clears your system.

Do edibles cause cottonmouth?

Yes. Since cottonmouth is caused by THC's effect on salivary gland receptors (not smoke), all consumption methods including edibles cause dry mouth.

Does CBD cause cottonmouth?

CBD causes significantly less cottonmouth than THC, and some users report none at all. CBD doesn't interact with cannabinoid receptors the same way THC does.

What's the best drink for cottonmouth?

Water is most effective, but coconut water, herbal tea, and fruit-infused water are excellent choices. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.

Can cottonmouth cause cavities?

Chronic dry mouth can contribute to dental issues because saliva protects teeth. However, occasional cottonmouth from cannabis isn't a significant concern. If you consume daily, maintain good oral hygiene.

Is cottonmouth the same as dehydration?

No. Cottonmouth is specifically reduced saliva production due to THC's effect on salivary glands. You can be well-hydrated and still experience cottonmouth. However, being dehydrated makes it worse.

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Conclusion

Cottonmouth is an inevitable side effect for most cannabis users, but it doesn't have to ruin your experience. Understanding that it's caused by THC's effect on salivary glands—not just smoke—helps you address it properly.

The solution is straightforward: stay hydrated, keep sour candies or gum handy, and avoid things that worsen dehydration. With a little preparation, cottonmouth becomes a minor inconvenience rather than a major annoyance.

For more tips on comfortable cannabis consumption, check out our first-time smoker's guide or learn about greening out if you've ever consumed too much.