CBD & Alcohol: What Happens If You Mix Them?

What Is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring active ingredient within cannabis plants. Although it’s a main component of marijuana, it does not cause a high effect on its own. CBD is easy to obtain throughout the U.S., but each state has different types of restrictions.² In recent years, CBD has become tremendously popular for treating a variety of mental and physical health issues.

Some positive effects of CBD include:³

• Calming the central nervous system
• Improving sleep quality
• Relieving chronic pain
• Relieving neurological issues
• Reducing cravings for other substances

Some negative effects of CBD include:⁴

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Fatigue
• Reproductive and developmental effects
• Interactions with other medicines
• Unintended intoxication due to THC

CBD Vs. THC

It’s important to note that CBD and THC come from the cannabis plant, but they are not the same. CBD does not contain any psychoactive properties, whereas THC does. However, CBD is not a federally regulated product, so there’s always a possibility that trace amounts of THC are present. It’s important to be mindful of where your CBD is prepared and formulated.

With that, it is not advised to mix THC and alcohol together. Using both substances concurrently can amplify the effects of each drug and significantly reduce someone’s judgment. This combination can also increase the risk of problematic side effects, especially when it comes to risky behavior like driving or impulsive sexual activity.

Can You Mix CBD & Alcohol?

The FDA has only approved one CBD product, a prescription drug intended to treat specific kinds of seizures. The FDA also reports that it only has limited data about the safety of CBD in treating other issues. Furthermore, the FDA has reported that mixing CBD with alcohol or other drugs that slow brain activity can increase fatigue and sedation. Excessive drowsiness can increase the risk of injuries or motor vehicle accidents. It can also impact occupational functioning or other executive tasks. CBD may also heighten gastrointestinal distress, which may be augmented by alcohol.⁵

It’s important to note that some of the long-term effects of CBD are still largely unknown.

Does Mixing CBD & Alcohol Amplify Their Effects?

Although research on this specific topic is limited, mixing CBD with alcohol can amplify both substance’s effects. This can significantly affect one’s behavioral state, emotions, and mood. It appears that the biggest risk of mixing these two drugs is increased sedation.⁶ Like with most drugs, this effect will vary based on how much someone uses and their individual body mass, physical health, and the presence of other drugs.

Does CBD Protect Against Some Effects Of Alcohol?

Some preliminary research shows that CBD may decrease the harmful impact associated with alcohol consumption. CBD may offer some specific protection against developing brain and liver damage.⁷ However, these studies have not been thoroughly developed, and health experts have not gone on record claiming that people should use CBD as a protective agent against alcohol.

May Prevent Cell Damage And Disease

Cancer research has focused on how cannabinoids have modulated various communication pathways central to the growth and spreading process of cancer. Studies on breast cancer have found that CBD may block the cell cycle progression associated with cancer. Recent discoveries have found this CBD usage may also induce autophagic cell death.⁸

May Reduce Blood Alcohol Levels

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a metric determining how much alcohol is in one’s bloodstream. Higher BACs are associated with higher levels of impaired function. While research on this topic is scant, one outdated study from 1979 showed that high amounts of CBD (200 mg capsules) lowered BAC levels.¹ However, this finding was not duplicated in recent rat studies, as the BAC levels remained the same.⁹

Might be Therapeutic for Alcohol Addiction

Some research shows that CBD can help reduce alcohol cravings. Experiential studies have found that using CBD also decreases the overall level of alcohol consumption in animal models. CBD was associated with reduced alcohol intake, motivation to drink alcohol, relapse on alcohol, anxiety symptoms, and impulsivity.¹⁰ These findings may be especially helpful for people experiencing alcohol addiction or alcohol withdrawal.

Is it Safe to Consume CBD And Alcohol Together?

To date, there is no definitive source indicating whether or not people should mix CBD or alcohol. However, we don’t fully understand the gravity of the short-term or long-term consequences. For this reason, many experts recommend limiting or avoiding this combination as much as possible. If you do consume them together, be careful and be mindful of fatigue or sedation.

When to Seek Professional Help for Substance Use

Substance abuse can be tricky to understand and detect. However, if you suspect that you’re self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, you may have a substance use disorder. These disorders exist on a wide spectrum and symptoms may ebb and flow in severity. Although it’s possible to recover on your own, having professional support can make an invaluable difference.

Acknowledging the problem internally is the first step, and the next step is reaching out for support. You can look for a therapist using our extensive online therapist directory or checking an online therapy platform. It’s important to work with a mental health professional specializing in substance use. If you are interested in pursuing medication options, consider meeting with a psychiatrist- most providers offer in-person and online psychiatry options.