Should CBD and Alcohol Be Taken Together? Here’s What The Experts Say

As the popularity of CBD continues to increase, businesses, brands, and individuals are getting more and more creative with consumption methods.  

For those who might need a little CBD refresher, cannabidiol (CBD for short) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. While CBD oil is derived from the same plant as weed, it doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.  

One of the consumption methods gaining the most traction lately, is mixing CBD and alcohol.  

But does the lack of THC iCBD mean the two are safe to consume together? Keep reading to find out more about how CBD and alcohol interact and what you can expect 

People enjoying cbd and alcohol at party

CBD and alcohol may amplify each other’s effects

It’s no secret that alcohol can help you relax and lower your inhibitions, but did you know it wasn’t the only substance for those purposes? Cannabidiol CBD, is also responsible for calming nerves and fostering relaxation. 

Since CBD and alcohol exhibit similar properties, what would happen if you mixed the two? 

There is still much debate on this topic, but some believe that CBD can enhance the uplifting mood and behavioral changes caused by alcohol.  

When it comes to sleep and anxiety, one study observed 72 individuals that were given 25-75mg of CBD every day for one month. At the end of the study, it was claimed that the addition of CBD to their daily routine reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. Some believe these effects can be amplified by taking CBD and alcohol together, resulting in greater levels of sedation.

To make sure you are mixing CBD and alcohol responsibly, here are some helpful tips: 

  • Use appropriate CBD dosages 
  • Know your limits 
  • Eat before or while drinking to better absorb the alcohol 
  • Pace yourself with one drink max per hour 
  • Alternate alcoholic beverages with water 
  • Avoid mixing different types of alcohol together as it can cause nausea, vomiting, and other side effects 
  • Never drink and drive — call a friend, family member, or Uber instead 

Hands clinking glasses with cbd and alcohol

CBD may help those with alcohol addiction

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in America, and it’s not hard to understand why. It can be a great way to relieve stress after a long day or socialize with friends at parties. But alcohol also has major downsides that are too often overlooked. In addition to the many negative side effects on your health like liver damage and inflammation, alcohol addiction can also impair judgment, hinder good decision making, and lead people into dangerous situations 

Ultimately, alcohol alters the brain’s reward system — the system linked to behaviors like eating, sleeping, socializing, and having sex. Because these experiences cause us to feel pleasure and satisfaction, the same often occurs with alcohol, which can lower our inhibitions and trigger temporary feelings of extreme joy and happiness. With continuous, heavy use, the brain learns to connect alcohol to these “rewarding” feelings and prioritize it above everything else. Oftentimes, this leads to alcohol addiction 

Those struggling with alcohol addiction often seek treatment through support groups, therapy sessions, and medications that reduce the desire to drink. For some, the use of medication is not preferred as it can be linked to high costs, negative interactions with other medications, and unwanted side effects.  

To avoid these experiences, CBD could be a great alternative due to its anxiolytic, anti-psychotic, calming, and neuroprotective properties. In fact, two recent studies in rats point to various benefits, including: 

While more research is still needed to determine if the same results apply to humans, it is a promising starting point for the potential of CBD in treating alcohol addiction.  

Common ways to take CBD and alcohol together

Mixing alcohol with CBD can have a multitude of effects that vary depending on how much you drink and what type of CBD you use. 

Among the most popular ways to mix CBD and alcohol are by adding CBD tinctures directly to a cocktail and inhaling CBD vapor from CBD vape pens when drinking. But even among the types of CBD products available, the strain of CBD can vary, resulting in different potency levels and experiences. When it comes to strains of CBD, there are three different types — Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid — and it’s important to understand what each can do.  

Sativa is great for providing energy in social situations, while Indica is ideal for evening use when it’s time to unwindFor a perfect blend of the two, hybrid offers both uplifting and calming properties.  

It is also worth noting that there is an abundance of brands that offer non-alcoholic beverages that are CBD-infused as well!  

Two must-try CBD and alcohol recipes

Lemon-Berry-Mint Julep 

Drinks with cbd and alcohol in them

This beverage is delicious, refreshing, and perfect for a warm summer day. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, this cocktail will be ready to enjoy in no time! 

  • 2 1/2 oz Bourbon (your brand of choice) 
  • 1/2 osimple syrup 

Orange Burst Margarita 

Drinks with cbd and alcohol in them

Some people like to drink their margaritas on the rocks, some prefer it blended. Others want a fruit-infused variety that tastes nothing like the original. If you’re looking for something new and different, this tasty concoction is citrusy, tangy, and packed with vitamin C! 

  • 2 oz orange juice 
  • 2 oz tequila blanco (your brand of choice) 
  • ½ tsp Agave nectar 
  • 1 oz triple sec 
  • 1 oz lime juice 

 

The final verdict on CBD and alcohol 

While more research is still needed to understand the full effects of CBD and alcohol, it seems that using the two together responsibly is possible. But if you choose to do so, it’s important to remember that the amount consumed, height, weight, lack of sleep, diet, and other factors will play into how your body responds to the two. That being said, be sure to always use both responsibly and in moderation!