Author: Gary Jackson
Is It Bad to Mix Weed and Alcohol?
The feeling of being cross-faded can vary widely from person to person, with some describing a sense of euphoria and heightened effects. Researchers gave some participants low-dose alcohol and other participants were given a placebo. Then all the participants inhaled vaporized low-dose or high-dose THC. Those who had alcohol prior to inhaling THC had higher peak THC levels than participants who had a placebo instead of alcohol.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, there has been a rise in the popularity of infused beverages, which offer a unique and potentially safer way to consume both weed and alcohol. In a small clinical study that was conducted in 2015, researchers studied the effects of combining alcohol with THC. 19 people completed the study, all of whom were regular marijuana users. Weed use before alcohol may slow down the rise in blood alcohol levels, which can reduce or delay the sensation of being drunk.
What are the Risks?
Combining weed and alcohol can increase the effects of both drugs and cause adverse reactions. The combination can also lead people to engage in unusual or risky behaviors. When people drink and smoke marijuana together, alcohol increases the amount of THC that is absorbed into the body. While this means that people who use an alcohol and marijuana combination may report a “higher high,” the lows can also become amplified.
Low to moderate doses can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, lower inhibitions, and make social situations more enjoyable (hence the term “liquid confidence”). However, higher doses can lead to impaired judgment, motor control, and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. It’s also important to note that different methods of taking THC affect the body differently. When weed is inhaled, THC is released into the bloodstream very quickly, but if it’s ingested in food or drink, it can take longer to feel its effects. Those who are sensitive to weed or who don’t have much experience using it may want to avoid mixing weed and alcohol, as they’re more likely to experience unpleasant side effects. Because alcohol poisoning can be deadly, it is best to seek medical attention to make sure that your symptoms are not due to a dangerous blood alcohol level.
Mental health problems
Still, there’s some evidence to suggest that regularly combining alcohol and weed may have some concerning effects over time. Using weed before drinking alcohol may minimize the effects of alcohol. This means you might be tipsier than you feel, increasing your risk for becoming overly intoxicated. But if you’re sensitive to weed or don’t have much experience using it, it’s best to avoid mixing the two. Occasionally mixing alcohol and weed — also known as crossfading — likely won’t lead to major health problems. But there are a lot of variables to consider, including which one you use first and how you consume them.
Hard liquor, with its concentrated alcohol content, can have particularly potent effects when combined with cannabis. This combo can lead to the most severe impairment and the highest risk of accidents and injuries. Therefore, you should be especially cautious about combining liquor and weed.
THC-Infused Alcoholic Drinks
THC-infused beverages present a fantastic opportunity for cannabis consumers who would like an experience similar to drinking alcohol (but without any actual alcohol being involved). When it comes to beer, wine, and hard liquor, each can produce different results when mixed with cannabis. Addiction is serious, and it’s important for individuals to know how to recognize the signs of addiction and dependence in themselves or their loved ones. For those who feel like they can’t function normally without one of these substances or who combine them on a regular basis for a stronger high, help is available. Used alone, either substance can be used in moderation without significant long-term effects. However, when you mix alcohol and marijuana, they can lead to unpleasant or even dangerous side effects.
- Keep in mind that combining the two may be linked to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dependence.
- If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.
- The researchers state that a critical factor to determine is whether or not the differences between users and non-users were provoked by exposure to alcohol or if these issues were present beforehand.
- Both drugs have similar effects on the body and mind, including drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and changes in judgment and time perception.
- Many of the effects of drinking every day can be reversed through early intervention.
- Drinking alcohol before smoking weed can make you feel high more intensely and quickly.
Their combined use can cause blackouts, memory loss, and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Edibles produce a high that can be more potent and unpredictable at times – even for seasoned cannabis users. In addition, because of the delayed onset, it can be hard to gauge the effects of the edible in real time while also consuming alcohol.
So a single glass of wine alongside a joint will produce stronger effects than a can of beer. This can increase the risk of adverse outcomes, such as impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and decreased motor control. Particularly among those who don’t use marijuana on a regular basis, drinking and then smoking weed can cause intense symptoms such as nausea, sweating and dizziness.