It is Safe to Mix CBD and Alcohol Together?

Most people should be fine mixing alcohol and CBD as long as the drinking and CBD levels are moderately low. CBD and alcohol can both produce relaxation and lessen inhibitions, which is why many people enjoy them. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is THC's counterpart from the cannabis plant that's non-psychotropic. Unlike THC, CBD doesn't get most people high, so its interaction with alcoholic drinks is much more subtle—and it may have some benefits for when you've had a night of excess alcohol consumption.

Cannabidiol and Alcohol: How They Work Together

Human beings have been crafting boozy beverages as early as 7000–6600 BCE. The residues of fermented juice were recovered from pottery artifacts from the Jiahu, a Neolithic village in the Yellow River Valley, China [1].

Two of the main reasons people drink alcohol are coping with stress and releasing inhibitions, especially in social situations [2]. These generalizations come from studies that sample the general adult population and college students rather than alcoholics or problem drinkers.

Similarly, people turn to CBD products for relaxation and avoid additional intoxicating effects that would normally come with marijuana (due to THC).

To answer the question about the safety of mixing Cannabidiol and alcohol, it's helpful first to understand how each substance interacts with the body to exert its effects.

Blood Alcohol Levels & Effects On The Body

Alcohol is a compound that's absorbed into the bloodstream via the digestive system. It's then broken down by the liver and eliminated from the body. As the blood alcohol concentration rises, the more intoxicated one feels.

With a slight increase in blood alcohol levels, one can feel temporarily excited and relaxed. The effects of intoxication from alcohol can vary from one person to the next.

You may have heard that alcohol is a depressant. The common factor in alcohol use is that it slows down central nervous system function, meaning that it inhibits some of our major functions, including slowing the heart rate, breathing, and significant impairments in cognitive function, and movements [3].

Increased alcohol intake can also lower serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps to regulate mood. With lower levels of these neurotransmitters, one can feel depressed and may even worsen anxiety leading to more adverse health effects.

When you drastically exceed the liver's rate of metabolizing alcohol in the system, you put yourself at risk for a dangerously low heart rate, breathing, and liver toxicity. Additionally, the inhibition and lack of motor control can place intoxicated people at higher risk of injury and death.

How Does CBD Interact With The Body?

When it comes to relaxation, many people are turning to naturally-derived CBD products. In this way, CBD oil and alcohol have positive effects towards promoting a feeling of calmness.

CBD's interaction in the body has to do with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is the largest neural network that relays messages to moderate vital systems that control our stress response, sleep-wake cycle, mood, and metabolism.

CBD or cannabidiol is a plant-based cannabinoid. But our body also naturally produces cannabinoids called "endocannabinoids." These are the messengers that interact with receptors in the ECS to regulate our vital systems.

CBD has been found to increase the levels of natural endocannabinoids by inhibiting the breakdown of our endocannabinoids. With more endocannabinoids in our system, ECS works efficiently to maintain homeostasis (balance). When the body is in balance, it can perform its functions optimally. Conversely, when we're out of balance, we're more prone to disease.

On top of its effects on the ECS, CBD has been observed to interact with receptors outside the ECS. For example, CBD has a unique interaction with GABA receptors in the brain. You can think of GABA as the brake pedal to the body's stress response, as it slows down hyperactivity [5].

CBD has also been shown to interact with specific pain-receptor sites to inhibit pain signals to relax tense muscles and increase comfort [6].

Unlike THC, CBD doesn't produce intoxicating effects that alter one's audio and visual perceptions. CBD effects are much more subtle as they feel relaxing and can even make you feel sleepy. However, the effects of CBD oil can vary drastically from person to person, depending on their genetics and physical state. 

Can You Mix CBD & Alcohol?

Based on our current understanding of CBD use, it's been observed that mixing Cannbidiol and alcohol may amplify some effects of intoxication. At the same time, CBD may also mitigate some of the harmful effects of alcohol when used moderately.

In one study, alcohol mixed with CBD produced "significant impairment of motor and psychomotor performances, overestimations of time production, and subjective responses indicating an accurate self-perception of their intoxication and deficits" [7]. The same effects were not observed with CBD use on its own.

One explanation that may account for this is likely due to CBD's relaxing effects on the body, which may lower your inhibitions and increase the depressive effects of alcohol, making you feel clumsy and tired.

In the same study, it was observed that combining alcohol with CBD significantly reduced blood alcohol levels compared to alcohol on its own [7].

It's also important to point out this study was conducted in 1979 and involved high doses of CBD oil out of the normally recommended doses of CBD from off-the-shelf products. Existing research on this remains quite polarizing. More research needs to be carried out to understand the effects of CBD and blood alcohol levels further. 

Is it Safe To Mix CBD And Alcohol?

The short answer is "yes"—for most people.

However, it's safest to do so in low doses of both alcohol and CBD oil—and to do so in moderation. An increase in blood alcohol concentration can put you at risk of injury and serious hangovers the next morning. Overall, you don't have to worry about enjoying your alcoholic CBD cocktail drink while using CBD to support your physical and mental health.

Still, it's important to remember that one's CBD experience can vary from one person to the next, so if you're new to using CBD, we don't recommend mixing it with other compounds. This way, you can better understand how your body responds to CBD oil and can find the right dose to feel its potential health benefits.

Taking CBD and Alcohol-Related Damage

CBD is found to reduce the effects of chronic drinking and neurodegeneration in animal studies [12].

The CBD was found to prevent alcohol-induced liver steatosis in mice and rats from excessive binge drinking. CBD's liver-protective benefits are due in part to CBD ability to inhibit oxidative stress and increase autophagy and risk for chronic diseases.

Autophagy is the body's mechanism that clears damaged proteins or organelles while eliminating unnecessary factors so that tissue and cell regeneration can be achieved quickly. CBD inhibited the reduction of neural cells in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. 

One study found that CBD may help reduce some of the damage caused by alcohol cravings [13]. CBD has been shown to help people drink less frequently which could lessen some of its related side-effects like fatty liver disease or nausea after binge drinking.

Does CBD work for Hangovers

So, you've had a night out and enjoyed one too many drinks. Now you're experiencing the dreaded hangover—your head is pounding, every movement makes you nauseous, and your body aches.

We've heard our fair share of bizarre hangover cures, from blue cheese and beer to downing a glass of pickle juice.

You might not have to go through such absurd lengths to recover your day, but no, CBD products don't necessarily help with hangovers. More and more people swear by CBD oil to support some of the discomfort brought on by hangovers. 

The CBD product you choose for your hangover will come down to preference. There is no shortage of the different types of CBD methods on the market.

The only product category that won't help you out with hangover symptoms is topical products, as they don't ever enter the bloodstream.

For the fastest-acting effects, smoking or vaping CBD is the answer. The cannabinoids can enter the bloodstream nearly instantaneously via the oxygen exchange in the lungs.

Another factor to consider is the extract type of your product.

Full spectrum CBD extract is regarded as the gold star for CBD to support a wide range of lifestyle needs because the range of cannabinoids and terpenes work together to increase CBD effects. If you need a CBD with no THC option that is 100% THC-free, then broad spectrum extracts are the next best option.

That being said, THC, in small amounts, may help support some of the effects of drinking too much alcohol like nausea and vomiting—but it can be difficult to find the right balance between and it's not always suitable for many people. 

The Takeaway: Mixing CBD And Alcohol

For most people, mixing alcohol and CBD shouldn't be an issue—as long as the drinking and CBD doses are moderately low.

CBD and alcohol can induce relaxation and lower inhibitions, which is why many people gravitate towards these substances.

In some cases of mixing CBD with alcohol, you may experience amplifying effects, especially relaxation. However, some interesting research also suggests that CBD may reduce blood alcohol levels and diminish some of the oxidative damage and inflammation caused by drinking.

While many people swear by CBD's health benefits and effectiveness as a perfect hangover cure, most of the evidence to support it for alcohol withdrawal is anecdotal.

If you're suffering from alcohol abuse, we strongly recommend seeking advice from your doctor to support you in coming off of alcohol safely. Alcohol abuse is a serious disease and some of the consequences of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be life-threatening.

FAQ

What Are The Effects Of Mixing CBD and Alcohol?

Most people should be fine mixing alcohol and CBD as long as the drinking and CBD levels are moderately low. CBD and alcohol can both produce relaxation and lessen inhibitions, which is why many people enjoy them. In rare situations, combining CBD with alcohol may result in amplified effects, particularly relaxation. However, some intriguing evidence indicates that CBD may lower blood alcohol levels and mitigate some of the oxidative damage and inflammation induced by alcohol.

Is It Safe To Mix CBD And Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol while using CBD oil can put you at risk of injury and severe hangovers. It's best to do so in small dosages of both alcohol and CBD oil, and in moderation. Overall, you shouldn't be concerned about drinking alcohol while using CBD to enhance your physical and mental wellness. But, remember that everyone's CBD experience differs, so if you're new to taking CBD, don't mix it with other chemicals.

Are CBD Drinks Better Instead Of Alcohol?

CBD drinks are seen as a safer alternative to alcohol due to their non-intoxicating nature, lack of cognitive impairment, and potential health benefits. They offer relaxation and stress relief without the negative side effects associated with alcohol consumption.

Can You Mix Delta 8 And Alcohol?

It is not recommended to mix alcohol and Delta-8 as it may affect each other's absorption. Both substances can impair cognitive functions and cause drowsiness, leading to increased risks of accidents and health issues. Combining them may also intensify the sedative effects making it potentially unsafe.

Can THC Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?

While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) may have some potential to alleviate certain symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, its use for this purpose is not recommended due to the complex interactions between THC and the brain during withdrawal. THC's psychoactive effects may further complicate the withdrawal process, leading to potential dependency issues.

Can You Use CBD For Alcohol Hangover?

CBD may help with hangover symptoms like headaches, inflammation, nausea, and vomiting for some people, but it can also cause side effects like nausea and fatigue. The best approach to recovering from a hangover is to hydrate, rest, and eat a nutritious meal.

Resources:

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