Can You Mix Alcohol and CBD?

If you happen to use CBD but you also like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage every now and then, you may have been wondering if it’s a good idea to use them in conjunction with each other. Unfortunately, there aren’t many studies or information available to prove whether it can be safely recommended or not. Although, we do have a couple of valid points to take into consideration if you plan on combining these substances. 

What Is CBD Used For?

CBD interacts with your body and brain in a way that leaves you feeling relaxed and calm. Many users tend to report feelings of relaxation, peace, relief, and tranquility. It is known for its therapeutic properties, many health benefits, and is often used for combatting a variety of different ailments and diseases. A few of the more common uses are: 

1. Minimizing Pain and Inflammation

Our bodies contain something called the endocannabinoid system. This specialized system regulates a variety of functions including pain, appetite, sleep, and also immune system response. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that work by binding to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.

Studies show that CBD has the potential to effectively reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters to help ease your aches and pains. 

2. Improving Poor Sleeping Habits 

CBD oil possesses properties that can control insomnia and actually help induce sleep. It can also increase the quality of your sleep, and how long you are able to stay asleep. Many researchers claim that CBD improves sleep habits because it is able to tackle the root of insomnia. 

Its calming properties can be extremely effective in reducing sleep abnormalities, and this is especially helpful when the cause of your inability to fall and stay asleep is due to anxiety or PTSD.  When you are able to decrease your anxiety levels, you are able to sleep better and for longer periods of time. 

Certain dosage amounts can actually help you combat daytime drowsiness, remove symptoms of persistent sleepiness, and keep you feeling awake and more energized. This leads to less irritability and fatigue during the day and a better chance of getting restful sleep at night.   

3. Easing Depression and Anxiety 

CBD is a natural option for relieving feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. It works by helping you process serotonin and stabilizes its presence in your body. 

When this chemical is unbalanced, we lack the ability to effectively cope with and handle feelings of anxiety and uneasiness. This is why CBD quickly and effectively helps reduce elevated anxiety and stress levels and impacts our response to and ability to manage stress. 

How can Alcohol Interact with the Effects of CBD?

Now that we have some background info on CBD, what happens when we combine it with alcohol? Although there isn’t much information on the subject, there is evidence that there are perhaps both positive and negative effects when it comes to using CBD and alcohol together.

1. Amplifying Each Other’s Effects

There may be reason to believe that using CBD while drinking alcohol could potentially increase and intensify the effects of both substances. Alcohol has the ability to promote relaxation, and even cause drowsiness or sedation when ingesting large amounts. 

CBD also has the ability to help you feel more relaxed and make you tired depending on the dosage. When used together, there are theories that suggest the combination of the two can intensify each other’s effects. This could result in altering your mood and behavior.

2. CBD May Fight Negative Health Effects Associated with Alcohol Consumption 

Drinking alcohol excessively has plenty of harmful side effects. Common health issues associated with heavy drinking are chronic diseases like pancreatitis, certain types of cancer, and irreparable liver damage. It can also cause inflammation and cell damage. 

CBD fights inflammation by breaking down anandamide and reduces the effects of cytokines, which are both vital to the inflammation process. Therefore it reduces unwanted inflammation in your body. 

It is also believed that its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties could possibly protect and combat brain-cell and liver damage caused by overconsumption of alcohol. There have also been studies that claim using CBD while drinking lowers blood alcohol levels, which produces a preventative effect in alcohol-induced liver injury.

Final Word

Everyone will react to the effects of alcohol differently, and the same goes for CBD use. One person is comfortable having a couple of beers, while another person may feel the side effects much quicker and stronger after consuming just one. If you plan on taking CBD and drinking alcohol together, it’s probably in your best interest to keep the doses of each substance low. If you have never taken CBD or had an alcoholic beverage before, it would be a good idea to try each one on their own first so you know how you will react to them separately.