Are there any benefits of using CBD and alcohol together? CBD effects differ from the effects of alcohol but what does the research say?
Reasons Why You Can & Can’t Use CBD and Alcohol Together
The effects of CBD and alcohol differ but should you avoid them together?
A popular compound continuing to make waves in the wellness community, Cannabidiol (CBD) offers potential benefits that are pushing the CBD wave further. But how does CBD fare when introduced to other, commonly used compounds like alcohol? Although studies on CBD and alcohol use together are limited, there are some conclusions that can be drawn.
Cali Greens does not make any medical claims regarding CBD; CBD is a supplementary product used for wellness and not to treat any medical illnesses.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid from the cannabis and hemp plant. It is a natural compound that doesn’t contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive element of cannabis.
CBD was first made popular in 2018 when it became legalized, but many were still unsure of it until later years when more and more products hit the market. Nowadays CBD has become a household name and it’s not hard to see why with millions of content CBD users across the UK.
Products containing CBD include oral drops, one of the most popular ways to take CBD, and newer product types such as vapes, creams & lotions, beverages, and edibles.
Although there is still limited research on the medical benefits of CBD, there is much anecdotal evidence present regarding its effects on users. CBD is touted as a supplement often used in wellness routines to create positive benefits although this may take some time to notice, and there is the potential that CBD may not provide any benefits you are looking for.
The differences between CBD and alcohol
Most people are aware of the effects of alcohol and what you can expect from drinking alcohol. Generally, alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly with effects that can occur within ten minutes. It can affect your mood and behaviour depending on the amount you drink.
The most common effects of drinking alcohol include affecting your speech, memory, and judgement. It can also have negative effects on your balance.
In comparison, CBD’s effects generally are believed to oppose those of alcohol and contain no intoxicating or addictive properties. Most believe that CBD commonly creates more pleasant results with some users noting a sense of calmness, reduction in unpleasant feelings, and improvement in sleep.
Interestingly, there are some similar effects shared by the two but are not particularly desirable. Side effects of CBD can include drowsiness, fatigue, sedation, nausea, light-headedness, and a dry mouth plus nausea, many of which are also side effects of alcohol use.
What could happen if you mix CBD and alcohol?
As mentioned, there isn’t much research on the use of CBD and alcohol together, but some experts suggest avoiding use together as they may make each other’s effects stronger. By combining CBD and alcohol, there is a potential for increasing the effects of alcohol such as feeling drunk or being impaired faster.
If you are concerned about any interactions with CBD and alcohol or other substances, then you should seek expert advice. For example, those taking medication should consult their GP before using CBD to ensure there are no negative interactions.
The potential benefits of using CBD with alcohol
There’s a chance that CBD and alcohol could boost the effects of one another, as just mentioned, but not necessarily just in a negative way. There isn’t much known about the effects of the two together, but some research has suggested that CBD could help protect against some of alcohol’s negative effects.
It is well known that alcohol can damage your liver when used in excess. Check out our previous article on how CBD can affect the liver. There are some suggestions that CBD could work as a means of balancing the liver against alcohol – although studies on this have only been on animals, so the results should be taken with a pinch of salt.
As there is limited research on the topic, we cannot say whether it is worthwhile to use CBD with alcohol. If you do decide to mix CBD and alcohol, stick to low amounts to minimise potentially adverse side effects and make sure to thoroughly research the topic.
