It’s fun to enjoy drinks with friends from time to time, but what if you’re already using cannabis to manage your health? Is it okay to combine alcohol with cannabis? If you’ve been wondering about whether you can mix alcohol and cannabis, then this article is for you. We’ve got the information you need to make the best choices for your health and safety and to enjoy your experience when you choose to partake.
Can You Mix Alcohol and Cannabis?
Everybody knows that alcohol is best used in moderation. But let’s face it, a couple of glasses of wine or a few cold beers is a go-to way to take the edge off for many people. Cannabis is also known for its fantastic ability to induce relaxation and get the good vibes flowing. In fact, many use cannabis as an alternative to the relaxing effects of alcohol. But is it safe to enjoy them together? That depends.
The bottom line is that we are all different, and our bodies respond to substances in different ways. Here is what science has to say.
Research on Combining Cannabis with Alcohol
A study was done that looked at how alcohol can affect the absorption of THC. Researchers found that when participants consumed alcohol before smoking, it intensified their high. Why? The study found that using cannabis and alcohol together showed a higher blood concentration of the main intoxicating cannabinoid- THC compared to using cannabis alone. While this might sound like a good thing, there are limits to the feel-good potential. Say you drink a few too many before consuming cannabis. You could be risking the dizzy, sweaty, nauseous feeling of being way too high. And nobody wants that.
On the other side of the coin, if you use cannabis before you start drinking, it can change the way your body absorbs alcohol. Research shows that cannabis can alter the motility of the GI tract and can actually cause blood alcohol levels to be lower than from just consuming alcohol alone. While this might sound like a free pass to use cannabis and then consume large amounts of alcohol, it’s not. Both cannabis and alcohol are always best used in moderation, and there are potential dangers in combining the two.
Avoiding the Dangers of Cannabis + Alcohol
So even if the alcohol you drink doesn’t affect the THC you consume, there are still dangers when you mix any substance with booze. Both alcohol and cannabis have the potential to lower your inhibitions and alter your judgment. The combination can have a negative synergistic effect that influences your ability to act normally and make good decisions. Think about the way it feels when you get too high. Now, remember how silly or emotional you get when you drink too much. Both of those at the same time can be disastrous, so use caution and always know your limits.
The good news is there aren’t too many other effects you will come across from combining these substances that you won’t experience from using them alone. So just like with everything, use good judgment and don’t overdo it.
Remember that the successful combination of alcohol and cannabis can be tricky to get right. So, stick with products you know so you always have a good gauge of your limits. Different cannabis consumption methods bring on different effects, as can various types of alcohol. So, if you are combining substances, it’s best to stick with what you know.
If you are planning on enjoying a few drinks next time you partake in your favorite cannabis products, just remember that drinking can change the way your body absorbs THC—and that could be a good thing or a bad thing. The best way to ensure you have a great experience is to go slow and don’t overdo it. Always stay hydrated, use common sense, and listen to your body.
