'Stone-over' explained as experts issue warning over weed side effect

Warning: This article contains discussion of drug use which some readers may find distressing.

We all know the awful head-splitting pain of a hangover.

You wake up, anxiety-ridden, desperately searching for the nearest glass of water and trying to ignore the throbbing pain in your temples - but did you know there's such thing as a 'stone-over'?

That's right, feeling rough the next day isn't just limited to booze, it can also happen to weed smokers.

While they aren't reported to be quite as bad as the feeling after a day of heaving drinking, the common side effects are still not pleasant.

You can expect to feel lethargic, struggle with brain fog, suffer from dry eyes and mouth, as well as experience headaches and mild nausea, as per Healthline.

The symptoms of a 'stone-over' are thought to be not as severe as a bad hangover (Getty Stock Image)

Like an alcohol-induced hangover, there isn't a whole lot you can do aside from staying hydrating, eating nutritious food and simply sleeping it off.

It's important to note that while of course there are anecdotal reports of marijuana hangovers, suggesting they are possible, more research needs to be done to understand causes, symptoms, and risk factors, as well as the recommended self-care.

However, some experts have warned that continuous weed hangovers might be a red flag, just like 'scromiting'.

The doctors at Recovered explained: "On its own, a weed hangover is not a warning sign. However, if cannabis hangovers are happening more consistently or more severely, this could be a warning sign that your body is becoming dependent on it.

"Chronic cannabis hangovers, causing a continuous urge to use cannabis to resolve these adverse symptoms, are a sign of cannabis addiction."

The publication explains that cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol, also called THC, which is the component that causes the 'high' by attaching to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

As the THC effects start to wear off, the adverse symptoms associated with a weed hangover can start to kick in.

There are also a lot of factors that can be at play such as how much weed was consumed, as well as how inexperienced the individual is with cannabis.

However, recurring cannabis hangovers could be a red flag (Getty Stock Image)

Vaping or smoking cannabis causes the THC to reach the brain very quickly, but it also means the effects wear off sooner.

Edibles, on the other hand, are absorbed slower and the THC is metabolised by the body differently, therefore creating a different compound that lasts longer in the system.

You can expect a longer duration of effects and an increased risk of lingering adverse symptoms the next day.

Taking to Reddit, some cannabis users have shared their own experiences and tips on how to aid their 'stone-overs'.

One user penned: "I really do feel it depends on the person. The only time I've ever experienced this was my first time heavy smoking."

While another said: "Just let it flow naturally. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mind occupied, or sleep it off."

Someone else added: "I absolutely had this feeling when I smoked. I called it being 'foggy' because I often couldn't really focus or stay awake. Just stay hydrated, drink some coffee, and take some aspirin."

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.