CBD and Alcohol – What Happen If You Mix Them?

CBD has popped up natural supplements in the health and wellness world by storm. You can find CBD-infused capsules, oils, tinctures, edibles, and more. The regular user of CBD oil wonders that if it is safe to mix CBD with alcohol. Can CBD and alcohol amplify the effects of each other? The short answer appears to be YES, but it is not as straightforward as it seems.

Well, many alcohol manufacturers are making CBD-infused shots, beers, and other alcoholic beverages. However, many consumers have questioned the combo of alcohol and cannabidiol.

Read on to learn about taking CBD oil and alcohol together!

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring chemical compound with non-psychoactive properties. Unlike the cannabinoid, THC, it does not cause euphoria and paranoia among users.

CBD extracted from the cannabis plant is mixed with carrier oil like coconut MCT oil, olive oil, and hemp seed oil. Currently, CBD has gained widespread popularity due to its appealing properties and health benefits. It can relieve pain, reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.

CBD and Alcohol May Amplify Each Other Effects:

People take alcohol to reduce inhibition and promote relaxation. Typically, CBD offers the same effects as alcohol. Research studies indicate that CBD can reduce anxiety and stress by calming nerves.

So, taking CBD and alcohol may boost the benefits of each other. Moreover, it may cause symptoms of sleepiness and sedation. However, little anecdotal evidence suggests that they may intensify each other’s effects, causing behavioral and mood changes.

According to the National Library of Medicine, cannabidiol and alcohol can cause impairment in motor performance and alternations in the perception of time [1].

Unluckily, there are few research studies on the health effects of taking CBD with Alcohol.

Learn more about Cannabidiol and Alcohol here.

CBD May Protect Against Alcohols Side Effects:

Well, not much is clear about CBD combo with alcohol. But some research studies show that CBD may protect against alcohol’s adverse effects.

Let us take a look at how CBD impacts alcohol’s side effects!

It May Prevent Cell Damage and Disease:

You might be familiar with the risk factors of excessive alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption causes cell damage, inflammation, and other chronic diseases, such as liver damage, pancreatitis, and cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD help manage these chronic diseases.

A research study concludes that CBD intake can prevent fatty liver disease due to alcohol consumption. CBD promotes autophagy – turnover of new cells and leads to tissue regeneration [2].

However, more research is necessary to prove the effectiveness of cannabidiol and alcohol.

It May Reduce Blood Alcohol Levels:

BAC – Blood alcohol concentration that navigates the amount of alcohol in your blood. Higher BAC relates to higher impairment and greater loss of cognitive functions.

The interaction of CBD with cannabinoid receptors may reduce the loss of cognitive functions. However, more research and scientific evidence are necessary to prove the effectiveness of CBD in lowering blood alcohol levels.

It Maybe Therapeutic for Alcohol Addiction:

Cannabidiol has unique therapeutic effects that can help to reduce alcohol use disorder. Some research studies report that CBD can effectively manage the symptoms of withdrawal and addiction [3].

Furthermore, this study found that CBD helps lower alcohol intake, prevent relapse, and less desire to consume alcohol.

Some preliminary findings show that cannabidiol use reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco users [4]. However, the research on humans is not enough.

Should You Take CBD and Alcohol together?

Currently, there is not enough research to determine the effects of CBD and alcohol consumption. Some research studies on animals and humans indicate that CBD may alleviate the alcohol’s side effects.

What’s more, the CBDs effects are not the same for all individuals due to varying body weight, biochemistry, and the endocannabinoid system. Overall, Cannabidiol is a well-tolerated and effective cannabinoid to use, but its combo with alcohol needs more evidence and research.

The Bottom Line:

If you have decided to take Cannabidiol with alcohol, stick to lower doses. Taking higher doses may intensify the effects of both, such as sleepiness and sedation. Additionally, be sure to consult your healthcare professional before taking any CBD product.

Whether it is challenging to say how CBD and alcohol will make you feel, CBD has not stopped its way alcoholic beverage lines.