CBD And Alcohol: Should They Mix?

When you read or hear about the word “cannabis”, the first thing that comes to mind is the party drug marijuana. These days, cannabis has developed a new, revolutionary reputation.

With the passage of time, hemp plants have taken a more productive and useful route toward the health and wellness space: as the raw materials for the now-famous health alternative, CBD.

CBD products are in a unique and pivotal position to change the landscape completely now that they have shown much promise in possibly assisting with a range of health issues — industrial hemp-based CBD products (thanks to their non-psychoactive nature) even more so.

These days, you’d be pressed not to find CBD-infused pills, oils, gummies, and even topicals in the local health stores near you. The CBD trend has even infiltrated the beverage industry with the promise of healthier options to relax and socialize.

And yet, mixing CBD with alcohol still makes for heated arguments with regard to our safety. So, is it safe?

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances all over the world. And since the effects of mixing alcohol and CBD are not entirely understood at present, it is essential for individual consumers to understand how this combo can impact (and possibly negate) the overall benefits.

In this article, we delve deeper into the science behind mixing CBD with alcohol to understand the potential risks and benefits.

Let’s begin.

What Does Science Have to Say About Mixing Alcohol and CBD?

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD has become more accessible and legal in almost every U.S. states. However, not a lot of time has passed since then and the research behind mixing CBD with alcohol remains scarce.

To note, leading regulatory bodies like the FDA have warned against taking CBD with alcoholic drinks as doing so can make people extra drowsy and can lead to life-threatening injuries.

While most CBD products contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the cannabinoid responsible for hemp’s psychoactive effects), users who are sensitive to this substance — paired with alcohol’s ability to affect balance and judgment — may become vulnerable when doing day-to-day activities such as driving, engaging in water-based activities, or operating heavy machinery.

In contrast, a small double-blind, crossover, randomized study of 10 healthy volunteers found that the individuals who were given 200mg of CBD with alcohol showed lower blood alcohol levels compared to those given alcohol alone.

But if you think that this is the go-signal you’ve been waiting for, you might want to temper your expectations because in another small study of 15 healthy volunteers, 320mg of CBD administered one hour after drinking alcohol did not reduce (nor increase) blood alcohol levels.

The only takeaways we can get from these insights are that science hasn’t quite figured out the answers yet and that bigger, more thorough studies need to be done in order to get conclusive results.

Can CBD Protect Against Alcohol's Side Effects?

There have been rumors circulating that CBD can dampen the negative effects of alcohol on the body. However, researchers are not ready to back this claim up just yet.

A found that CBD may show some promise in possibly protecting the body from alcohol-induced damage.

But these studies have been done in mice and more research is needed to determine whether CBD can have the same effects on humans.

CBD for Addiction + Alcoholism — Does It Work?

Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, suffer from a persistent illness that impairs their ability to regulate alcohol intake despite experiencing harmful effects.

Recent studies have shown that CBD, a non-psychoactive and non-addictive component of cannabis, may have potential therapeutic benefits for those with alcohol intake issues.

Additionally, another study reviewing the effects of a combination of CBD and a prescription medication used for people with alcohol issues, has shown some promise in decreasing the motivation to drink in mice.

While the results of these studies are encouraging, it’s important to remember two things: 1) that medications for alcohol issues, in general, are still relatively ineffective and have high cases of relapse and 2) further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of CBD for humans with alcohol problems.

As a safety precaution, it is crucial to seek professional help for alcohol addiction and not rely solely on CBD products — especially when doing so can be dangerous.

Should You Take Alcohol and CBD together?

When it comes to mixing alcohol and CBD, experts caution against it.

Although there is limited research suggesting that combining the two can intensify sedative effects, the full extent of their interaction remains unclear.

Moreover, it is important to note that alcohol can have harmful effects on the body, and it is imperative to consume it responsibly.

Remember to prioritize your safety and well-being when choosing to consume any substances.

Last Thoughts: The Real Score on Alcohol vs CBD

CBD has definitely come a long way from its complicated past. And yet the question remains: has it truly reached its peak for health and wellness applications?

To settle the alcohol vs CBD debate, the short answer is no. But plenty of research is still underway and can possibly turn the tides in CBD’s favor one day.

For now, we’ll have to consider that, when it comes to the relationship between alcohol and CBD, large areas remain substantially unexplored.

While certain studies indicate that CBD could alleviate some of the adverse impacts of alcohol, it is important to understand that it is not a cure for alcoholism — or any kind of addiction for that matter.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with alcohol issues, it is encouraged to seek expert support before engaging in any kind of CBD therapy.

One thing is certain, however, and that is it is not recommended to mix alcohol and CBD, as it may result in amplified sedative effects.

After all, if prioritizing your well-being is your main goal, then making informed decisions with the guidance of a healthcare professional is crucial for maintaining your health and wellness.

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This blog post is for educational purposes only.

*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.