From the Research
Marijuana use can cause night sweats in some individuals, particularly during withdrawal or with high doses, as evidenced by the effects of THC on the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature and sweating 1. When people stop using marijuana after regular use, night sweats are a common withdrawal symptom that typically begins within 24-72 hours after cessation and may last for 1-2 weeks. During active marijuana use, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can affect the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature and sweating. Some users experience sweating while under the influence, particularly with high doses. Individual factors like metabolism, frequency of use, and potency of the marijuana consumed can influence whether someone experiences night sweats. Certain cannabis strains with different cannabinoid profiles may be more likely to cause this side effect than others. If night sweats are severe or persistent, reducing consumption, trying different strains with lower THC content, or consulting a healthcare provider may be helpful, especially if the sweating is disrupting sleep or causing significant discomfort, as supported by studies on the effects of cannabis on sleep and behavioral sequelae 1, 2. Key considerations include:
- The impact of cannabis use on sleep and sleep disorders, with minimal to no effects on sleep disorders and potential deleterious effects in some individuals 1
- The importance of understanding vulnerability to the adverse effects of cannabis, which has implications for prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use 2
- The need for further research examining the differential impact of various types of cannabinoids on sleep disorders and behavioral sequelae 1, 2