The Dangers of Mixing Weed & Alcohol

What Are the Effects of Mixing Weed & Alcohol?

Alcohol and marijuana (cannabis, THC, or weed) alone can impair emotional and cognitive functioning. However, complementary effects occur when taken simultaneously, resulting in a quicker, prolonged, or intensified ‘high.’

While the physiological effects of marijuana differ from those associated with alcohol, both substances are depressants that decrease inhibition. Combining them slows down the central nervous system, so messages to and from the brain take longer to reach their targets. Individuals may be less likely to remember how much alcohol and weed they consume, leading to a potential overdose or binge drinking behavior.

Side effects of weed include:

• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Loss of coordination
• Memory issues
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness

Side effects of alcohol include:

• Impaired coordination
• Blackouts
• Alcohol poisoning
• Weakened immune system
• Slurred speech
• Dehydration

Does Smoking Weed Before or After Alcohol Matter?

The order in which individuals consume alcohol and weed matters, as each substance will have a different influence on one another. Nonetheless, the effects of alcohol and weed on the brain and body can be dangerous, and recognizing these risks is critical for protecting against severe reactions.

Smoking Weed After Drinking Alcohol

Drinking before smoking weed will likely result in a more intense high. Alcohol increases the absorption of THC by priming liver enzymes, producing faster, heightened effects.² Fatal results may occur if someone is unaware of these reactions. Increased alcohol use can also compromise the blood-brain barrier (BBB), potentially allowing more harmful chemicals or drugs to enter the brain.³

The amount of alcohol consumed, history of use, tolerance, and type of alcohol can all impact the effects of mixing weed and alcohol. Individuals should also be careful about experiencing “greening out” that may occur after consuming excessive marijuana.

Smoking weed after drinking alcohol may increase symptoms such as:

• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Chills

Smoking Weed Before Drinking Alcohol

Smoking weed before alcohol consumption comes with associated risks and issues. As with alcohol, the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) changes how the substances are metabolized and absorbed. Thus, ingesting marijuana before drinking alcohol can slow down the rate at which alcohol leaves the GI tract.

Smoking weed before drinking alcohol may increase symptoms such as:

• Delayed feeling of being drunk
• Impaired gag reflex
• Dehydration

Factors to Consider When Mixing Weed & Alcohol

Many variables and factors impact the effects of smoking weed and drinking alcohol. Not everyone will react similarly to mixing alcohol and weed due to differences in gender, weight, tolerance, and substance use history.

Factors that influence how a person is affected by mixing weed and alcohol include:

• Tolerance to either alcohol or marijuana
• Type of marijuana
• Type of alcohol
• Interval between consumption
• Use of other substances
• Medications
• History of prior use
• Diet

What Are the Risks of Mixing Alcohol & Weed?

Adverse health effects are a reality when consuming alcohol and marijuana simultaneously. Short-term impacts can include sleep disturbances and social consequences, while prolonged use may result in depression and increased frequent substance use.⁴ Those at risk for substance abuse should be wary of combining alcohol and weed.

Possible dangers of mixing weed and alcohol include:

Increased Risk of Dependence & Substance Use Disorders

Research shows that alcohol and marijuana have a synergistic effect, possibly increasing the risk of substance use disorders such as alcoholism, marijuana addiction, or cross addiction.⁵ Individuals may use alcohol and marijuana together for substitution (one drug can pharmacologically replace the other drug) or complementation (one drug enhances the effects of the drug).⁶

Impaired Cognitive Functioning

Simultaneous use of alcohol and weed is associated with subjective adverse physiological and cognitive effects (i.e., feeling clumsy, confused, dizzy, and having difficulty concentrating).⁷ However, research remains mixed on structural brain issues due to this combination.⁸

Higher Rate of Driving Under the Influence

There is no difference between driving drunk or driving stoned. Even if you do not feel ‘drunk’ after smoking marijuana, your motor skills are just as impaired, if not more. Recent studies have demonstrated that marijuana can increase brake latency, lateral position errors, and distance variability in simulated and closed-road driving tasks.⁹

Moreover, laboratory studies have suggested that driving under the influence of alcohol and weed produces additional detrimental effects. Low levels of alcohol increase peak THC blood concentration and co-administration of both drugs, increasing the risk of diminished driving performance.¹⁰

Preventing Bad Reactions From a Weed & Alcohol Mix

It is dangerous to mix marijuana and alcohol due to various adverse physical and cognitive effects. However, strategies exist to help reduce these impairments. Planning and organizing consumption is wildly helpful in preventing the risk of severe reactions.

Strategies you can implement to reduce the risks of mixing weed and alcohol include:

• Wait an hour between consuming the two substances: Waiting to drink after smoking weed or vice versa limits the chance of substance interaction.
• Use standardized units of alcohol and THC: Using measurements, like a standard drink and ounces of marijuana, may ensure that you ingest a regulated amount.
• Follow medical THC guidelines: Knowing the strain and potency can help you determine a safe limit when consuming THC and alcohol.
• Limit weekly consumption: Following healthy guidelines for alcohol consumption may limit your desire to use marijuana.
• Know how to sober up: Drinking water or eating between the use of either substance can limit the adverse effects.

How to Cope With the Negative Effects of Mixing Weed & Alcohol

If you consume alcohol and weed together and experience an uncomfortable reaction, there are ways to cope until the effects subside.

Here are some tips for handling the effects of mixing weed and alcohol:

• Staying calm: This can help manage any feelings of anxiety or “freakouts.” Remain in a safe space and breathe deep breaths.
• Sitting and lying down: Sitting can help with any motion sickness and prevent you from falling, while lying down may allow you to regain your physical bearings. Either way, you are in a position to sleep if necessary.
• Eating and drinking for blood sugar: Eating will delay the absorption of the substances and prevent you from feeling light-headed or dizzy.
• Staying hydrated: Alcohol and marijuana can lead to quick dehydration. Drinking water or a sports beverage can help stave off dehydration, headaches, or hangovers.
• Walking: If you are not seriously impaired, walking can help maintain focus and get the blood flowing through your system.
• Talking to someone: Speaking to a friend can help ground you. Another person may look out for you and help give you water or food.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Combining alcohol and weed may result in greening out or alcohol poisoning. Ingesting too much too soon can result in medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Seeking medical intervention is best if you are unsure about symptoms, as alcohol poisoning is dangerous.

Greening out or increased marijuana ingestion may not require the same level of medical intervention. Marijuana has fewer short-term irreversible health effects. The risk of marijuana toxicity is real but less likely to be as lethal as heavy alcohol consumption.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs of alcohol overdose when mixing with weed, seek immediate medical attention:

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Damp skin
• Bluish pale skin
• Seizures
• Passing out
• Slurred speech
• Impaired coordination and movement
• Irregular or slow breathing

When to Seek Therapy & Addiction Counseling

Seeking substance use counseling is a personal decision. Some individuals may seek professional support after getting sick, blacking out, or experiencing other harmful medical effects once. However, others may never pursue care because they feel their substance use is under control.
Substances, including alcohol and weed, impair and disrupt lives. Consumption that interferes with personal, professional, and social obligations indicates that it may be time to start finding a therapist. At the same time, someone may use alcohol or weed within healthy limits and still seek care to avoid future health and personal consequences.

You should consider your needs, resources, and time when determining if inpatient or outpatient rehab is appropriate. The structure of an inpatient, detox, or rehab facility may be the catalyst you need to stop using substances. You can find outpatient treatment through personal referrals, an internet search, or an online therapist directory.

Final Thoughts

Some people may use weed and alcohol to achieve a cross-faded experience, but the risk of combining the two can be dangerous. Carefully monitor and limit your consumption if you smoke and drink simultaneously, and seek medical attention should alcohol poisoning be apparent.