Mixing CBD and Alcohol: Is this okay?

CBD and alcohol are two very different substances, with very different effects. With CBD and similar hemp products gaining popularity as both recreational and health supplements, many people wonder whether or not mixing it with drinking alcohol is a good idea.

There are so many reasons for this, but it can be conflicting. Because they are both so different in how they affect humans, questions tend to circulate. To start off, it’s important to note that there are not too many concrete studies done yet about the effect of mixing the two substances, but there are a lot of studies about the effect of CBD and alcohol when taken separately that are pretty conclusive. This helps us understand how they can affect a person when taken together.

Here is all the information you need about mixing CBD and alcohol.

What is CBD? What are the benefits and dangers?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in cannabis hemp. It belongs to a group of substances known as cannabinoids, just like THC. Unlike marijuana, you won’t get high off of CBD, but there have been studies that suggest a multitude of health benefits from using it. It is a known antioxidant and neuroprotectant, and is commonly used for stress and anxiety relief, pain and inflammation reduction, and treating sleep deprivation.

Being tested in very high dosages – up to 1,500 mg daily - there have been no reports of fatal overdoes or life-threatening side effects from using CBD oils or products. That being said, some mild side effects have shown up when taking higher doses of CBD. These include dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, appetite fluctuation, and diarrhea.

It can also have an effect on other medications since CBD may inhibit the body’s ability to metabolize certain drugs. It’s important to discuss CBD use in conjunction with other medications with a doctor before you do so to reduce the risk of negative side effects.

How does it react with alcohol?

As you probably already know, alcohol is the main intoxicant in alcoholic beverages that makes you feel drunk. It is also the most abused substance worldwide - up to 3.3 million people die every year as a result of alcohol abuse around the world. Alcohol significantly alters your state of mind, compromising motor skills, judgment, and decision-making.

When used in moderation, it’s fine to drink socially and in minor increments. However, there are reports that say no amount of alcohol is good for your health, and regular alcohol consumption may lead to addiction, cause malnutrition, nerve damage, liver disease, permanent brain damage, and many more serious health issues.

Can I mix CBD and alcohol?

The short answer is that you shouldn’t. Overall, mixing CBD and alcohol is not a good idea. The benefits of CBD oil are significantly lowered when drinking alcohol at the same time, and the combined effects of both on your system might make you feel less alert and extra relaxed.

Here’s why you really shouldn’t mix the two. 

CBD improves the functioning of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the major regulatory that helps the body maintain the balance between important processes like pain perception, mood, memory, immune function, body temperature, appetite, and more.

CBD helps the ECS to produce more of its endocannabinoids while slowing their breakdown helping the body efficiently return to homeostasis. Alcohol ruins this process because it indirectly damages the endocannabinoid system, which is something that CBD is supposed to prevent.

In short, mixing alcohol and CBD products diminish the health benefits of CBD and may cause a more intense intoxication that puts you in danger of riskier behavior. There is a lot of information on the two separately, but there haven’t been many studies on the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol.

While the world awaits more studies on how the two substances fully impact human health, it’s best to cool it when it comes to mixing them. If you have more questions about the use of CBD or alcohol, it’s important to contact your doctor to discuss whether or not it’s safe for you to use either substance. You can also contact CBD Store of Michigan for expert advise.