Introduction:
“Can you mix CBD and alcohol?”
Your curiosity about CBD and alcohol must have brought you to this post. Many people are curious about the effects of CBD and alcoholic drinks.
After some research, here’s a quick scoop: CBD from a hemp plant should not get you high because it lacks psychoactive properties. This naturally occurring chemical is believed to reduce overthinking and stress. On the other hand, alcohol could lower our inhibition (ability to process information), which explains why alcohol affects clear thinking.
Mixing the two substances does come with a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, and if you are into it, dive in and learn more if you can really mix CBD and alcohol.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a plant-occurring chemical compound present in both cannabis and hemp plants. According to research, these plants can produce 80 to 100 (sometimes even more) cannabinoids, while there could be over 800 non-cannabinoids.
Among the cannabinoids present, delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD stand to be the most prevalent cannabinoids.
It is interesting to note that CBD does not induce any psychoactive consequences like the known “high” people associate with marijuana consumption. CBD interacts with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates different processes such as pain, mood, appetite, and immune response.
If a person takes CBD-infused products, the CBD stimulates naturally-present cannabinoids in the human body. This effect reduces soreness, eases pain, alleviates overthinking, improves sleep, etc.
Now, unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not bind directly to the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS. What it does is influence the signaling of these receptors and various enzymatic processes. CBD’s exact mechanism of action is still complex, and scientists and researchers have lots of work to do to uncover it.
However, with the amount of extensive research we have about CBD, we have discovered several benefits it brings to the human body. Taken on its own, CBD may effectively produce the following benefits:
- Reducing fearful reactions
- Improving skin health
- Managing pain
- And more.
Today, there are different types of CBD products that you can safely consume. Here is a list of some of them:
- CBD oils
- CBD gummies
- CBD topicals
- CBD isolates
- CBD capsules
Of all the CBD products, CBD oils, and CBD isolates are the best candidates for producing cocktails. (Although, some try mixing CBD gummies and alcohol). This is because the mentioned CBD forms are soluble in alcohol.
What happens if you mix CBD and alcohol?
We have minimal research regarding the interactions between CBD and alcohol. Many testify that the intensity of their effect lies in several factors, such as the potency of the CBD oil you are using. With that in mind, here are the three types of CBD based on strength:
- This type contains all the naturally occurring compounds in an industrial hemp plant. These compounds are CBD, a trace amount of THC (less than 0.3%), other cannabinoids, terpenes, and some plant nutrients.
- A full-spectrum CBD offers the sought-after “entourage effect,” wherein all compounds synergistically work together for a better experience.
- A user could fail a drug test due to the presence of THC.
- This type consists of a wide array of hemp compounds, but it goes through an extra extraction process to remove THC.
- A CBD product of this class can still provide an “entourage effect” but with less potency.
- A user should not fail a drug test since it lacks THC.
- If you purchase a CBD isolate, you’ll get pure CBD, wherein all other compounds are left behind.
- CBD isolates cannot produce the known “entourage effect,” and they are considered to have the most negligible potency.
- Because it has no other cannabinoid, a regular drug test should not detect THC in CBD isolates.
As you mix CBD and alcohol, one outcome is that they could amplify each other’s effects.
What does this mean?
Because CBD and alcohol both interact with the human body, they could really improve their effects when you put them together.
A known stimulant, alcohol can produce relaxing effects, lowered inhibitions, intoxication, and drowsiness. Many people go to CBD for their known relaxing and soothing effect. The substance’s capability to work with the ECS explains this.
If you take CBD oils and alcohol, they could enhance each other’s soothing and relaxing effects. In fact, consumers of CBD cocktails report feeling more relaxed or buzzed as they mix CBD with alcoholic beverages (even in small amounts).
The amplified effect happens because the liver breaks down CBD and alcohol. Consuming CBD and alcohol may overwork the liver and cause it to metabolize CBD and alcohol more intensely.
Additionally, research studies claim that alcohol could increase CBD’s bioavailability in the bloodstream. This effect means CBD is more available in the body.
Effects of a CBD Cocktail
Although we have limited research about CBD and alcohol, available information gives us enough reason to determine what happens when you use these two.
CBD and Intoxication
CBD oil and alcohol are both classified as relaxants, which means they affect the nervous system. These substances are capable of slowing down some functions of the brain and body.
As you combine CBD oil and alcohol, their calming effects may increase. Obviously, this effect can make some people really tired, sluggish, and uncoordinated.
A certain study from 1979 discovered that people who mixed CBD and alcohol behaved clumsier than they should when drunk. They swayed more and had difficulty executing tasks that involved hand-eye coordination. Even their sense of time is different or messed up because, as they claim, everything seems to be moving at a slow rate.
The mentioned effects were absent with those who took CBD alone without alcohol. So, it seems that CBD intensifies alcohol’s capability to impair motor and perception skills.
Alcohol is known to majorly influence one’s mood. This drink could release “feel good” chemicals from the brain. CBD may also reduce worrying. Together, CBD and alcohol could lower inhibitions.
CBD Cocktail and Alcohol-Related Upset Stomach
Interestingly, CBD may seem to improve the positive effects of alcohol while reducing the negative influences.
Take, for example, the feeling of throwing up after having too much alcohol. This is your body’s response to releasing excess alcohol from your system to avoid poisoning.
Now, some studies show that CBD might aid in stopping that strong, queasy feeling of throwing up after consuming alcohol. A specific research about rodents appeared to reduce this sick reaction to alcohol drinking.
While CBD may offer specific beneficial effects, like relaxation while drinking, some experts believe that vomiting might be necessary when you drink too much. Puking is one of our body’s defenses to minimize or even get rid of toxins from too much alcohol drinking.
Moderation is always the safest and best approach when combining CBD with alcoholic drinks.
CBD Cocktail and Blood Pressure
Mixing CBD and alcohol to make cocktails is a trend some adults are trying. However, combining these substances can affect your blood pressure in potentially dangerous ways, according to limited research.
Here’s the deal: Both CBD and alcohol work as vasodilators, meaning they relax and widen your blood vessels. This causes a drop in blood pressure. CBD also reduces worries and inhibitions – causing some people’s blood pressure to decrease even more.
While a slight drop in blood pressure isn’t a huge problem for most healthy folks, an extreme dip can be risky. When blood pressure gets too low, your heart has to pump harder to circulate blood properly.
CBD and Alcohol Levels
Blood alcohol concentration, otherwise known as BAC, determines how drunk you are. BAC is simply the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. A higher BAC indicates you are more impaired and more intoxicated.
Higher BAC risks you for alcohol poisoning, which can be toxic. Your BAC increases as you drink more than what your body should process.
In an exciting twist, CBD might actually help lower BAC when mixed with CBD.
A small study gave a group of participants 200mg of CBD with alcohol. Researchers discovered that CBD lowered the participant’s blood alcohol levels as compared to people who took a placebo.
While this result makes it look like CBD protects against getting too drunk, the clinical research is too small. More in-depth studies are required to confirm this effect.
Can CBD Address Alcohol Dependence?
Quitting alcohol after heavy or prolonged use can really lead to some uncomfortable dependence effects. The explanation behind this is that your brain is accustomed to operating when alcohol is present. Once you suddenly remove your alcohol-drinking habit, your neurotransmitters could lose their coordination.
The outcome could be overthinking, difficulty in sleep, vomiting, etc.
There are two ways that CBD can reduce alcohol dependence symptoms:
First, CBD could replenish endocannabinoids. These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, pain, appetite, and more. When you drink alcohol, levels of endocannabinoids go down, but CBD can bring them back up.
Second, CBD can reduce soreness. Alcohol could increase swelling or soreness that may disrupt neurotransmitter function. CBD has anti-swelling properties, which is helpful.
Third, CBD may lower glutamate levels. Glutamate is an activating neurotransmitter that rises when you practice alcohol dependence. CBD’s effect could reduce excess glutamate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD make you get drunk quicker?
We have limited evidence that shows CBD makes people get drunk quicker. While CBD may potentially help alcoholic drinks absorb into the bloodstream more than it should, researchers do not all agree it can make you feel drunk faster.
Is CBD addictive?
No, CBD should not lead to addiction. The WHO declared that CBD exhibits no effects of abuse or addiction because it does not bind directly to the brain, which may lead to addiction.
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Does adding CBD oil to drinks decrease its effectiveness?
Alcohol-based drinks could increase the bioavailability of CBD compared to their non-alcoholic counterparts. Although oil separation may decrease total CBD content minimally, the absorbed amount should remain the same when added to drinks moderately.
Can CBD help with hangovers?
We have little evidence that state CBD could help mitigate the effects of hangovers. These would include treating upset stomachs and headaches typically associated with alcohol consumption.
A few studies suggest that CBD can lessen the above symptoms. Plus, CBD’s anti-soreness quality may help address alcohol-induced brain effects, including soreness and swelling.
Can you take CBD gummy and alcohol?
If you combine alcohol with substances affecting the nervous system, the effects might be unpredictable. Since both of these substances can lead to sedation, their combined effects could be more potent as compared to taking them separately.
Where should you buy CBD products?
It is recommended that you buy CBD products online from reputable websites such as Stirling. This brand strives to attain the gold standard in selling CBD goods. Each product has its own certificate of analysis that testify to its purity and potency. They also employ a unique extraction method that is unique to them, so they are very ahead of the competition.
Conclusion
While we have access to some preliminary research, we still require robust clinical trials to determine CBD’s effects on alcoholic drinks.
Until we have definitive data, the prudent approach is to err on the side of caution when mixing these two substances. Follow basic safety practices like starting with very low CBD doses, avoiding driving or operating machinery, and listening to your body. Don’t view CBD as a way to reduce alcohol-related impairment either. CBD is not a “sober pill” and cannot undo intoxication.