CBD and alcohol

CBD and Alcohol: Can You Mix It?
Do CBD and alcohol have noticeable effects when consumed together?
Can CBD reduce alcohol consumption? CBD and alcohol withdrawal
CBD, Hangovers and Nausea
Summary
Sources

CBD and Alcohol: Can You Mix It?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently boosted the health and wellness world, appearing among the legions of products sold in supplement and natural health food stores. You can find CBD-infused oils, body creams, lip balms, baths, protein bars, and more.

Alcohol manufacturers keep up with the rest, offering CBD-infused shots, beers, and other alcoholic beverages. CBD and alcohol are the most popular substances for simultaneous consumption. However, many people doubt the safety of combining alcohol and CBD. In this article, we decided to explore what happens to people when you mix alcohol with cannabis, discover the existing research from reputable sources and answer the question, can I take CBD and drink alcohol?

CBD and Alcohol: Is It Worth Mixing?

The evidence from a double-blind, crossover, randomised study indicated that alcohol and alcohol plus CBD significantly impaired motor and psychomotor performance, distorted time perception, and accurately self-perceived intoxication. CBD alone did not produce any significant effects. The study found that the combination of alcohol and CBD resulted in lower blood alcohol levels compared to alcohol alone. However, the pharmacological effects were similar between the two alcohol conditions. This suggests that CBD does not change and has an impact on motor and mental performance, even when combined with alcohol.
CBD has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption and other markers of alcohol dependence in rodents. However, research on the effects of CBD on alcohol consumption in humans is limited. A 2023 study investigated whether CBD reduces alcohol consumption in humans and the mechanisms through which CBD could affect behavioural AUD phenotypes. According to the results, CBD has minimal influence on breath alcohol level (BrAC) and the subjective effects of alcohol. Further research is required to determine whether the use of CBD affects alcohol consumption in humans and, if so, the underlying mechanism(s) that may explain this effect. It is important to note that any subjective evaluations will be excluded unless clearly marked as such.
Excessive long-term alcohol consumption leads to liver damage. However, according to Viudez-Martinez's research in 2018, CBD may protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol. CBD promotes the regeneration of new liver cells and softens the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants known to damage cells.

Do CBD and alcohol have noticeable effects when consumed together?

Alcohol is known for its ability to promote relaxation, much like CBD can have a similar effect on your body. According to recent studies, it can reduce anxiety and calm your nerves. For example, one study of 72 people showed that a daily intake of 25-75 mg of CBD for just one month reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. Taking alcohol and CBD together can increase these effects, potentially causing symptoms such as increased drowsiness and sedation.

Is it safe to mix alcohol and CBD oil? Some argue that mixing CBD and alcohol can enhance the effects of each other, leading to changes in mood and behaviour. However, there are some common suggestions of what you may experience with alcohol and CBD interaction:

Stronger Results

You may notice an amplification of the effects of one or both substances. The effect you usually feel from the alcohol may seem more intense.

Milder Effects

You could notice that the effects of either CBD or alcohol may be muted or more subtle. The amount of each variable consumed, and the THC concentration in the CBD product can affect the outcome.

Side Effects

Can I take CBD and drink alcohol? Combining CBD and alcohol can increase sedation and drowsiness because they have a synergistic sedative effect. This can be risky for older individuals with cognitive decline or health issues. Additionally, this combination can further cause the impairment of motor function and coordination, which is especially problematic for seniors with balance or mobility concerns. In older adults, the interaction between CBD, alcohol, and medications can cause unpredictable changes in blood pressure levels and worsen existing health conditions by exacerbating dehydration; that’s why they should consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Can CBD reduce alcohol consumption? CBD and alcohol withdrawal

Research into the effects of CBD on human alcohol consumption is limited. However, experimental studies have shown that CBD can reduce alcohol consumption in animal models of AUD (alcohol use disorder) by decreasing ethanol intake, motivation for ethanol, relapse, anxiety, and impulsivity. Additionally, CBD may reduce alcohol-related steatosis, fibrosis in the liver and alcohol-related brain damage by preventing neuronal loss through its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Further research is needed to explore other potential applications in this population.

In a 2021 study, 120 adults who consumed both cannabis and alcohol were examined. The study found that individuals who used CBD may be less inclined to consume large amounts of alcohol substances, which is a promising area for further research.

CBD, Hangovers and Nausea

Nausea, dizziness, and headache usually occur the morning after a night of excessive alcohol consumption. Cannabidiol has an analgesic and anti-nausea effect, that may help cope with all the symptoms of a hangover. CBD has been researched extensively for its benefits in reducing nausea in cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Animal studies suggest that CBD may help reduce nausea by interacting with serotonin (a hormone that affects mood and general well-being). This preclinical research indicates that cannabinoids, including CBD, may be clinically effective in treating nausea and other chemotherapy symptoms like vomiting.
The pre-clinical findings suggest that CB1 receptor agonists, as well as FAAH and MAGL inhibitors, reduce acute nausea and anticipatory nausea. Additionally, CBD and CBDA are highly effective antinausea treatments in animal models without causing sedation or psychoactive effects. These treatments work through noncannabinoid mechanisms. Clinical trials with CBD and CBDA are needed to research its effect on chemo side effects like nausea to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

Summary

This article explores the safety of mixing CBD and alcohol, including potential interactions, risks, and important considerations. Based on scientific studies and research, it has been found that while CBD alone does not significantly affect motor and mental performance, combining it with alcohol can lead to impairments in these areas. Results from another study suggest that CBD has the potential to reduce alcohol consumption and protect the liver from alcohol-related damage. However, more research is needed to understand these effects in humans fully. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining CBD and alcohol, especially for older individuals or those with underlying health conditions.