Combining CBD and alcohol might lead to drowsiness and sedation. However, research on humans and animals has shown that cannabidiol, or CBD, protects cells from damage caused by alcohol and lowers blood alcohol content. This article highlights the benefits and side effects of mixing CBD and alcohol.
One may consume alcohol while taking CBD oil, but it depends on the CBD oil you are consuming. However, you may have heard that consuming alcohol while using CBD oil is not advised. This is because alcohol might reduce the efficacy of CBD, but this is not always the case. The effects of combining CBD and alcohol depend on the type and quantity of CBD oil you consume. Most oils on the market include trace quantities of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) and are labeled as CBD oil derived from hemp. However, a few brands offer CBD oil extracted from cannabis that contains an additional proportion of THC. Here is everything you need to know about the effects of consuming alcohol and CBD oil.
What is CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an organic substance in cannabis plants. There are no known side effects from using CBD compared to marijuana’s primary psychoactive element, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (1Trusted Source). Hemp seed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, or other carrier oil dilute CBD oil once it is extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD has grown in popularity in recent years and is now found in many products, including sprays, pills, edibles, tinctures, and injections.
The Interaction Between Cannabidiol (CBD) And Alcohol
Alcohol and CBD have different effects on the body, but both can have similar effects, such as drowsiness or sedation, if consumed in large quantities. It takes only ten minutes for alcohol to enter your system and take effect. Oscar-Berman & Marinkovic (2003) noted that alcohol could impair coordination and concentration and alter mood and behavior because of its effects on the brain. Alcohol can influence speech, memory, and judgment, depending on how much you drink. Increased risk of injury and death from falls is another side effect of excessive alcohol consumption. CBD has no intoxicating characteristics, but it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to Maroon & Bost (2018), this system consists of receptors throughout the body, notably in the central nervous system, to create a range of possible effects, including:
- A reduction in stress and tension
- A decrease in anxiety.
- Sleep quality has been improved.
- A reduction in the symptoms of chronic pain.
However, Gottschling et al. (2020) noted that some of the side effects could be undesirable, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Vomiting
Benefits of Mixing CBD Oil with Alcohol
Kleczkowska et al. (2016) noted that CBD might be beneficial in treating alcohol-induced nausea. Nausea and vomiting are classic indicators that the body is trying to rid itself of too much alcohol. The good effects of alcohol appear to be enhanced by CBD, while the negative effects of alcohol tend to be combated by CBD. The antiemetic and anti-nausea properties of CBD are well-known. Repressing alcohol-induced Nausea with CBD does not ease the unpleasant feeling, but it is bad. Vomiting indicates toxicity, and the body attempts to flush out the poison damaging the liver by vomiting.
CBD Reduces Blood Alcohol Content
One’s blood alcohol levels determine the degree of intoxication, but the intensity fluctuates according to tolerance. Poisoning becomes more common as blood levels rise. It is possible to control high blood pressure by combining CBD with alcohol to reduce the risk of poisoning. Although it is not good for your health to drink alcohol, cannabis, and alcohol relax and open the blood vessels, making it easier for your body to circulate blood. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may be alleviated to some degree by CBD oil. Because CBD is known to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, and seizures, it may be able to help. De Ternay et al. (2019) indicated that CBD had aided those suffering from alcohol detox, but it can only be administered under strict doctor’s supervision.
CBD and Alcohol-Induced Cell Damage
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause cell damage. Chronic disorders like liver disease, pancreatitis, and cancer, can result from an elevated risk of inflammation. Yang et al. (2014) suggested that CBD may help prevent cell damage. Autophagy may play a role in preventing alcohol-induced fatty liver disease. The process of autophagy aids in the production of new cells and the regeneration of tissues. According to Gonzalez-Cuevas et al. (2018), CBD gel applied to rat skin reduced alcohol-induced brain cell damage by as much as 49%.
Is Consuming CBD and Alcohol Together Safe
Moderation is crucial when combining CBD and alcohol because of the potential side effects like sleepiness, which could pose a danger when driving, using heavy machinery, or dealing with kitchen appliances. The limited research done so far on the topic of mixing alcohol and CBD has been conducted on rats, not humans. Therefore, whether CBD and alcohol can be consumed together safely is uncertain.
Addiction to Alcohol: Treatment Options
Alcohol addicts may benefit from the use of cannabidiol (CBD). Studies have shown that CBD is effective in treating a wide range of addictions. Chye et al. (2019) noted that using CBD can reduce the desire for alcohol, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and reduce the chance of relapse. Although CBD should not be used as the only treatment for alcoholism, it can be beneficial. Contact a doctor if you experience adverse side effects after alcohol consumption. The toxic effects of alcohol withdrawal can lead to death. Seek medical attention if you feel unsafe.
Conclusion
When CBD and alcohol are consumed in large amounts, they can lead to tiredness and sedation. There is evidence that CBD protects cells from alcohol-induced damage and decreases BAC and withdrawal symptoms in humans and animals. There is currently a lack of information on the effects of CBD and alcohol on the human body. There is a lack of study into the effects of modest doses on humans. Without additional studies, it is impossible to say if CBD and alcohol can be mixed safely at this time.
References
Chye, Y., Christensen, E., Solowij, N., & Yücel, M. (2019). The Endocannabinoid System And Cannabidiol’s Promise For The Treatment Of Substance Use Disorder. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 10, 63.
De Ternay, J., Naassila, M., Nourredine, M., Louvet, A., Bailly, F., Sescousse, G., … & Rolland, B. (2019). Therapeutic Prospects Of Cannabidiol For Alcohol Use Disorder And Alcohol-Related Damages On The Liver And The Brain. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 10, 627.
Gonzalez-Cuevas, G., Martin-Fardon, R., Kerr, T. M., Stouffer, D. G., Parsons, L. H., Hammell, D. C., … & Weiss, F. (2018). Unique Treatment Potential Of Cannabidiol For The Prevention Of Relapse To Drug Use: Preclinical Proof Of Principle. Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(10), 2036-2045.
Gottschling, S., Ayonrinde, O., Bhaskar, A., Blockman, M., D’Agnone, O., Schecter, D., … & Cyr, C. (2020). Safety Considerations In Cannabinoid-Based Medicine. International Journal Of General Medicine, 13, 1317.
Kleczkowska, P., Smaga, I., Filip, M., & Bujalska-Zadrozny, M. (2016). Cannabinoid Ligands And Alcohol Addiction: A Promising Therapeutic Tool Or A Humbug?. Neurotoxicity Research, 29(1), 173-196.
Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review Of The Neurological Benefits Of Phytocannabinoids. Surgical Neurology International, 9.
Oscar-Berman, M., & Marinkovic, K. (2003). Alcoholism And The Brain: An Overview. Alcohol Research & Health, 27(2), 125.
Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She’s also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it!
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