CBD and Alcohol: What You Need to Know About Mixing Them

The wellness industry has witnessed an explosion in cannabidiol (CBD) products, from oils and capsules to topicals and edibles. Recently, this trend has extended to the beverage industry, with CBD-infused alcoholic drinks appearing on shelves and in bars. But as these products gain popularity, an important question arises: Is it safe to mix CBD and alcohol?

This comprehensive guide explores the science behind combining CBD and alcohol, examining potential interactions, benefits, risks, and what current research tells us about this combination.

Understanding CBD: The Basics

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce psychoactive effects or the “high” associated with marijuana use.

CBD products are created by extracting cannabidiol from cannabis plants and typically combining it with carrier oils such as coconut, olive, or hemp seed oil. Today, you can find CBD in numerous forms including:

• Oils and tinctures
• Capsules and softgels
• Edibles like gummies and chocolates
• Topical creams and lotions
• Vaping products
• Beverages and drink additives

Research suggests CBD may offer various wellness benefits, including supporting relaxation, promoting better sleep quality, and helping manage everyday stress. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand all of CBD’s effects on the human body.

How Alcohol Affects Your Body

Before examining the combination of CBD and alcohol, it’s essential to understand how alcohol impacts your system. When you consume alcoholic beverages, alcohol is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine.

Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down brain function and neural activity. This creates the familiar effects of drinking, including:

• Reduced inhibitions
• Feelings of relaxation
• Impaired judgment and coordination
• Altered mood and perception
• Drowsiness at higher doses

The amount of alcohol in your bloodstream is measured as blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which directly correlates with the intensity of these effects.

The Potential Interaction Between CBD and Alcohol

Amplified Relaxation and Sedation

Both CBD and alcohol can promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce feelings of unease and support a sense of calm, while alcohol is well-known for its relaxing effects.

When taken together, these substances may amplify each other’s effects. This could potentially lead to:

• Increased drowsiness
• Enhanced sedation
• Greater impairment of motor skills
• Heightened changes in mood

An older study from the 1970s examined the effects of combining a high dose of CBD (200 mg) with alcohol in human participants. The research found that this combination resulted in significant impairments in motor performance and changes in time perception compared to taking either substance alone. However, it’s important to note this study used CBD doses much higher than what most people typically consume today.

Individual Variations Matter

It’s crucial to understand that everyone’s body chemistry is different. Factors that influence how CBD and alcohol affect you include:

• Body weight and composition
• Metabolism rate
• Tolerance to alcohol or CBD
• Overall health status
• Medications you’re taking
• The amount consumed of each substance

What one person experiences when mixing CBD and alcohol may differ significantly from another person’s experience.

Potential Protective Effects of CBD Against Alcohol

While the combination of CBD and alcohol may intensify certain effects, emerging research suggests CBD might actually offer some protective benefits against alcohol’s harmful impacts.

Cell Protection and Damage Prevention

Excessive alcohol consumption is known to cause cellular damage throughout the body, potentially leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of various chronic health conditions including liver disease and certain types of cancer.

Animal studies have shown promising results regarding CBD’s potential protective properties. Research on rats demonstrated that topical application of CBD gel reduced brain cell damage from excessive alcohol consumption by nearly half. Another study on mice found that CBD helped protect against alcohol-induced fatty liver disease by promoting cellular regeneration processes.

However, it’s important to note that one study showed CBD-rich cannabis extracts could potentially cause liver toxicity in mice when administered in extremely large amounts. The applicability of these animal studies to humans remains unclear, and more research is needed.

Impact on Blood Alcohol Levels

Some research has explored whether CBD affects blood alcohol concentration. One small study found that participants who consumed 200 mg of CBD along with alcohol had lower blood alcohol levels compared to those who consumed alcohol with a placebo.

However, this finding hasn’t been consistently replicated. Other animal studies have shown no significant effect of CBD on blood alcohol concentration. Given the limited and conflicting research, it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions about CBD’s impact on blood alcohol levels in humans.

Potential Role in Addiction Recovery

Preliminary research has investigated CBD’s potential role in addressing alcohol use disorder and addiction. Animal studies have demonstrated that CBD may help:

• Reduce alcohol consumption patterns
• Decrease motivation to consume alcohol
• Prevent relapse behaviors
• Minimize withdrawal symptoms

One study on smokers found that using CBD inhalers reduced cigarette consumption by 40% over one week, suggesting CBD might help with addictive behaviors in general. However, human research specifically on alcohol addiction remains limited, and much more study is needed before CBD can be recommended as a treatment approach.

Anyone struggling with alcohol use disorder should consult with healthcare professionals about appropriate treatment options rather than attempting self-treatment with CBD or any other substance.

The Current Research Gap

Despite growing interest in CBD-infused alcoholic beverages, there’s a significant shortage of research examining the effects of mixing these substances. Most existing studies have several limitations:

• Outdated research: Many studies were conducted decades ago with methodologies that may not meet current scientific standards
• Animal models: Much of the research involves animals rather than humans, making it difficult to extrapolate findings
• Extreme dosing: Studies often use very high doses of CBD that far exceed typical consumer use
• High alcohol amounts: Research tends to focus on heavy alcohol consumption rather than moderate drinking
• Small sample sizes: Human studies typically involve very few participants

This means we lack comprehensive data on how moderate amounts of both substances interact in real-world scenarios.

Safety Considerations and Recommendations

Should You Mix CBD and Alcohol?

Given the limited research available, health experts generally advise caution when it comes to combining CBD and alcohol. Here are important considerations:

If you’re new to CBD: It’s best to understand how CBD affects you individually before combining it with alcohol. Start by using CBD on its own to gauge your body’s response.

If you choose to combine them: Keep amounts of both substances low to minimize potential risks. Start with small doses and pay attention to how you feel.

Avoid high doses: Don’t consume large amounts of CBD and alcohol together, especially if you need to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks requiring alertness and coordination.

Know your limits: Be aware of your tolerance levels for both substances and don’t exceed them.

When to Avoid Mixing CBD and Alcohol

Certain situations warrant extra caution or complete avoidance of this combination:

• If you’re taking medications that interact with either CBD or alcohol
• If you have liver conditions or other health concerns
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have a history of substance abuse
• If you’ll be driving or operating machinery
• If you’re sensitive to either substance

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Before mixing CBD and alcohol, especially if you use CBD regularly or have health concerns, consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your:

• Medical history
• Current medications
• Health conditions
• Individual risk factors

This is particularly important if you’re considering using CBD as part of managing alcohol consumption or addressing alcohol-related concerns.

CBD-Infused Alcoholic Beverages: A Word of Caution

The market has seen an increase in CBD-infused beers, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks. While these products may seem trendy and appealing, consider the following:

Dosage uncertainty: The amount of CBD in these beverages may vary significantly between products and even between batches of the same product.

Quality concerns: CBD products are not consistently regulated, and quality can vary. Some products may not contain the amount of CBD claimed on the label.

Unpredictable effects: The combination of unknown CBD doses with varying alcohol content makes it difficult to predict how these beverages will affect you.

Legal considerations: While hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in the United States, state laws vary. Always check local regulations regarding CBD products.

Making Informed Decisions

If you’re considering using CBD and alcohol together, here are steps to make more informed choices:

1. Research Product Quality

Choose CBD products from reputable manufacturers that provide:

• Third-party lab testing results
• Clear labeling of CBD content
• Information about sourcing and extraction methods
• Certificates of analysis

2. Start Low and Go Slow

If you decide to try CBD and alcohol together:

• Begin with low doses of both substances
• Wait to see how you feel before consuming more
• Don’t mix them in situations where impairment could be dangerous
• Have a sober friend present who can monitor your response

3. Keep Track of Your Experience

Consider keeping a journal noting:

• The amount of CBD and alcohol consumed
• Timing of consumption
• Effects experienced
• Duration of effects
• Any adverse reactions

4. Stay Informed

As research continues to evolve, stay updated on new findings regarding CBD and alcohol interactions. Scientific understanding of these substances is continually developing.

The Bottom Line

The intersection of CBD and alcohol remains an area requiring significantly more research. While both substances individually have well-documented effects, their combined impact is not fully understood.

Current evidence suggests that CBD and alcohol may amplify each other’s sedative effects, potentially leading to increased drowsiness and impairment. However, some research also indicates CBD might offer protective benefits against certain harmful effects of alcohol, including cellular damage and liver disease, though these findings are primarily from animal studies.

The safest approach is to exercise caution when considering mixing CBD and alcohol. If you choose to combine them, keep amounts minimal and be aware of potential enhanced effects. Always prioritize your safety by avoiding activities requiring alertness and coordination.

Most importantly, consult with healthcare professionals before regularly mixing these substances, especially if you have underlying health conditions, take medications, or have concerns about alcohol consumption. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help you make informed decisions about your health and wellness.

As the CBD market continues to grow and evolve, so too will our understanding of how it interacts with other substances like alcohol. Until more conclusive research becomes available, a cautious, informed approach remains the wisest course of action.

Legal Note: Hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal at the federal level in the United States, but state laws vary. Marijuana-derived CBD products remain federally illegal but are legal in some states. Always verify the legal status of CBD in your location. Additionally, CBD products are not evaluated or approved by the FDA for medical use, and product labeling accuracy can vary.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – CBD Properties
• NCBI – CBD Pain Management Research
• NCBI – CBD and Anxiety Studies
• NCBI – CBD and Liver Protection
• NCBI – CBD and Alcohol Addiction
• NCBI – CBD for Sleep and Anxiety
• MDPI – CBD Toxicity Studies
• NCBI – Blood Alcohol Concentration Effects
• National Conference of State Legislatures – State Cannabis Laws