CBD and Alcohol: Can You Mix Them? 6 Effects You Need to Know First

Cannabidiol (commonly known as CBD) is becoming a popular supplement for people worldwide. This non-intoxicating cannabinoid interacts with our endocannabinoid system. Many folks claim that CBD helps them with pain, anxiety, and more and swear by their CBD gummies, CBD oil, CBD flower, and other popular CBD products. 

But what happens when you mix CBD and alcohol? Alcohol is another popular substance that many people use – Is taking CBD while using alcohol a good idea? Is it safe? Does it affect its results? Read on to find out!

Can You Mix CBD and Alcohol?

If you drink alcohol, and are considering taking CBD, it’s a good idea to learn more about CBD and alcohol interactions. How do these two substances affect the body? 

It is not dangerous to take them together, meaning you can mix CBD and alcohol, but there are some important interactions that you should be aware of before you combine the two.

There’s a Chance That CBD Increases Intoxication

While CBD is not an intoxicating substance on its own, it does function as a depressant in the human body– decreasing anxiety and encouraging relaxation. Because of these characteristics, taking it along with an alcoholic beverage can increase the intoxicating effects of the alcohol.

A scientific study conducted in 1979 showed that when CBD was taken with alcohol, more intoxication was observed than with alcohol alone. CBD taken by itself produced no intoxication.

CBD May Help with Alcohol-Related Nausea

While CBD can increase the intoxicating effects of alcohol, it seems to counteract the nausea and vomiting that alcohol can cause.

If alcohol makes you feel sick, mixing CBD and alcohol may minimize those effects. As seen in a 2001 British study of rats, CBD provides an antiemetic (prevents vomiting) effect on the endocannabinoid system. 

This seems like good news, but there could be a drawback – because vomiting is our body’s way of ridding itself of toxins, preventing that reflex may not be the best idea.

CBD Could Lower Blood Alcohol Levels

While more recent and more comprehensive studies are needed, there is evidence that CBD can help lower BAC (blood alcohol concentration). This could mean that there could be potential for CBD to prevent alcohol poisoning.

A 1979 CBD and alcohol study showed a decrease in blood alcohol levels among the ten subjects that took 200 mg of CBD along with alcohol.

Alcohol and CBD Both Reduce Blood Pressure

Cannabis and alcohol are both vasodilators, which means they open up our blood vessels and lower our blood pressure. Taking them together, however, may end up being “too much of a good thing,” since blood pressure that’s too low can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even losing consciousness. 

If you are someone that already has low blood pressure, you may want to avoid this combination.

It’s Possible that CBD Protects Against Alcohol Damage

Alcohol can be very damaging to the body – especially with excessive or long-term use / abuse. The liver and the brain are especially vulnerable to alcohol’s toxins. 

But studies have shown that CBD may have the ability to prevent or even reverse this damage. A 2013 study of rats with alcohol-caused neurological damage showed that those that received CBD had 49% less brain cell damage than those that did not!

And a 2014 journal review of CBD’s effects on the liver showed evidence that CBD helps fight oxidative stress and promotes regeneration of healthy liver cells.

This is encouraging evidence that CBD may have a restorative effect on cells that have been damaged by alcohol.

CBD Might Reduce the Urge to Drink

Finally, CBD may work to stop your alcohol cravings! A 2019 journal review concluded that CBD use can help curtail binge drinking by reducing subjects’ cravings for alcohol.

Frequent Questions About Mixing CBD and Alcohol

How long after taking CBD oil can I drink alcohol? 

There is no specific time limit that restricts when you can drink alcohol after taking CBD. It is not dangerous to take CBD with alcohol – just be aware of the possible effects that this combination can have (see above).

What happens when you mix weed and alcohol?

If you combine cannabis and alcohol, you are likely to become more impaired, faster. When you drink alcohol and smoke weed, you are likely to become very tired and unsafe behind the wheel. While CBD (hemp) is not mind-altering, whole cannabis is. So never use cannabis and alcohol together if you need to be alert and sober.

Can I take CBD while drinking?

Yes, you can. Just be aware that you will likely be more tired and impaired than if you were to use alcohol alone even though your blood alcohol levels may measure as lower than usual. Also, if you have low blood pressure, the alcohol and CBD interaction may make you feel lightheaded.

Can you take CBD gummy and drink alcohol?

Yes, you can. But it may cause you to become more imparied and sleepy than alcohol alone would.

Can you drink alcohol with CBD oil?

Yes, you can. But it may cause increased intoxication. So make sure you are in a safe place where you can lie down and relax if necessary before you combine CBD and wine, CBD and vodka, or any other combination of CBD and alcohol.

Should I Take CBD with Alcohol?

So in conclusion, yes. You can take CBD with alcohol. While the combination may make you feel more intoxicated, more quickly, studies have shown that CBD can lower blood alcohol content, help repair organs that have been damaged by alcohol, and even help heavy drinkers curb their cravings for alcohol. All good things!

Just as with alcohol alone, combining CBD with alcohol should always be done safely and in moderation. But there is no need to stress if it’s happy hour and you just took your CBD – there are no dangerous side effects to this combination.

PharmaCBD offers the most effective and pure full-spectrum CBD on the market – shop now!