If not...you might be missing out. CBD and alcohol actually go pretty great together! No wonder that CBD cocktails and mixed drinks are on the rise.
To some, alcohol and CBD (cannabidiol) might seem like products that are worlds away. CBD is generally associated with its therapeutic and wellness benefits and it will be found in health stores. Alcohol, on the other hand, is not championed for its health properties, but rather its feel-good effects. However, it might surprise you to find out that CBD and alcohol have similar effects on the human body as they both promote feelings of relaxation which can reduce inhibitions and calm your nerves. But is it a good idea to combine alcohol and CBD?
As both substances act in a similar way on the body, it could be expected that they would amplify each other’s effects. But it could also be predicted that mixing CBD with blood alcohol concentration could increase side effects such as sleepiness and sedation, as would happen if you had too much of either substance.
Studies on the relationship between alcohol and CBD are currently very limited. A small clinical study of 10 participants looked into the interaction of mixed CBD in humans, it was found that when participants took both substances they experienced significant impairments in motor performance and drowsiness. These effects were not noted when participants make alcohol withdrawal and took only CBD. However, this study was using a much higher dosage (200mg) than the recommended amount (15/20mg).
From previously studied areas of CBD’s effects, researchers have inferred and predicted how the compound could protect against some of alcohol’s long-term effects. It is known that excessive alcohol consumption can lead can increase blood alcohol levels, damage cells, which increases the risk of certain chronic diseases. Animal studies have shown that CBD could protect against harm from alcohol consumption. For example, a study using rats found that applying mixing CBD gel to skin significantly decreased brain-cell damage which had been caused by alcohol addiction.
Additionally, researchers have cause to believe that CBD could be used to alleviate symptoms of addiction and withdrawal, which includes alcohol addiction. A study, which again used alcohol-addicted rats as participants, found that CBD helped reduce alcohol use disorder and prevented the relapse to consuming alcohol.
There is currently not enough research on humans and the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol to come to a sure conclusion. More research is needed. Additionally, alcohol affects people in different manners, so generalizing the outcome might not be appropriate. Until more is known, it is advisable not to actively mix the two together, especially not to excess.
Alcohol use disorder and CBD: what the experts say
Vice Magazine did an interview with the experts regarding CBD mixology — and here’s what they said:
“Since drinking alcohol and CBD oil both relax you and lower your inhibitions, these effects could be especially strong and long-lasting when you mix the two substances. “On CBD, you’re very chill, very lighthearted, mellow. The alcohol will make that more intense,” Giordano says. “For some people, it makes them very, very sedated.” For this reason, he doesn’t recommend the combination.
“Like anything else, as doses increase of either or both, you get yourself more into a problem,” he explains. “The more you drink, the more CBD oil you’re taking, you get a potentiated effect that's greater than the effect of either alone. The level of intoxication is going to be greater: greater loss of control, inhibition, motor coordination, and that becomes problematic.”
In other words, both CBD and alcohol reduce inhibitions — and they tend to work together in this. You might consider taking CBD oil before you start drinking to make sure this work results in happy vibes.
FAQ
Yes, you can! Taking CBD and alcohol may amplify each other's effects, and taking both together in high doses may cause sleepiness and sedation. And also the balancing effects of CBD oil could limit the impact of alcohol. Adding CBD to alcohol is as simple as infusing a few drops of it into your favourite mixed drink.
The effect of this combination can be different and depends on what kind of drunk you are. If you are in a good mood and you are drunk, then CBD could make you happier and if you’re drunk in a bad mood then CBD may certainly make it worse. Big blood alcohol concentration might also cause your body to metabolize CBD slower...and the inverse is also true. CBD can make your body metabolize slower, increase blood alcohol levels, resulting in a more prolonged buzz. Why’s that? Because both CBD and alcohol are metabolized by the same cytochrome P450 liver enzymes.
That depends on your goals. If you’re fully happy with your CBD oil intake, you don’t need to change what isn’t broken! And if you’re fully happy with your beer/liquor/wine of choice, feel free to keep on doing what you’re doing.
If you feel like your relaxation routine has some room for improvement, however, then feel free to see how mix CBD affects you.
Try to wait from 12 and 48 hours if you wish to avoid any synergistic effects. (This is the average time for how long blood alcohol levels stays in the body.) Then and only then, continue taking your CBD Products. And please consult with your medical professional if you have any concerns about taking your mix CBD oil.
Alcohol and CBD: summing things up
Alcoholic beverages and CBD are both natural substances that are meant to be enjoyed. Whether you do so separately or together is up to you! Some research shows that CBD may actually reduce alcohol’s more harmful side effects or alcohol dependence. Plus the combo tastes absolutely delightful when placed in a strawberry mojito or old-fashioned. Just some food (and drink) for thought...
Disclaimer: The statements made regarding cannabis plant (CBD) products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any adverse health effects, chronic pain or treating alcohol addiction.
