It is not advised to combine alcohol and cannabis if you have a history of substance abuse or are currently taking medication that can interact with either substance. THC-infused beverages present a fantastic opportunity for cannabis consumers who would like an experience similar to drinking alcohol (but without any actual alcohol being involved). Estimating intoxication can be challenging when combining alcohol and cannabis, but several tips and tricks can help. In one study, researchers found that combining cannabis and alcohol actually increased the risk of more severe cases of COVID-19, especially when it comes to lung inflammation.4 Additionally, a more recent concern has arisen for people combining cannabis and alcohol.
“Any dose of alcohol combined with cannabis significantly increases levels of THC in blood.” May 27, 2015. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
For example, in 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic accidents— a 14% increase from 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Long-term effects can include liver damage, brain damage, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Meanwhile, as of 2023, medical cannabis is legal in 38 states, while recreational use is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Despite its popularity and social ubiquity, drinking alcohol comes at a cost. In fact, according to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 85% of adults aged 18 or older reported having consumed alcohol in their lifetime. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Cross-Faded: When You Are Drunk and High at the Same Time
Using cannabis after drinking can increase the likelihood of nausea and dizziness, as alcohol expands blood vessels and can speed up THC absorption. The combination also significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time far more than either substance alone. This enhanced effect can be compounding, catching even experienced marijuana users off guard.
Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Therefore, it is suggested that using these substances together is riskier than either alone. For example, marijuana and alcohol are one of the most common combinations implicated in car accidents. Additionally, combining the two can increase the risk of potentially harmful or distressing side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and impaired judgment. There is no specific limit to how much alcohol and weed can be consumed together, as it varies depending on factors such as individual tolerance and the concentration of each substance.
Weed before alcohol: Assume you’ve had an extra drink or two
Drinking alcohol and using weed at the same time can be detrimental to your health. Cannabis may also magnify alcohol’s effects on your central nervous system, increasing the depressant effects and heightening the risk of overdose. The combination may have lasting effects on memory, cognitive function, and mental health, particularly in young adults whose brains are still developing. Regular combined use of alcohol and cannabis can lead to several long-term health concerns.
Additionally, trying to build tolerance to the combination could increase your risk of developing substance use disorders and other health problems. Even experienced consumers of both substances can be caught off guard by their combined effects. While regular users may develop some tolerance to either cannabis or alcohol individually, the substance interaction between these two is unpredictable.
It isn’t safe to drive under the influence of alcohol or weed –– or both. Lyter recommends avoiding other substances, even caffeine and nicotine. If you must consume both substances, knowing your limits and consuming slowly is important.
The first step is often speaking with a healthcare provider or calling a substance use helpline, where trained professionals can help you assess your situation and discuss potential next steps. If you’re concerned about your alcohol or cannabis use – whether separately or in combination – there are many confidential resources and professional support options available. A DUI conviction involving both substances can result in heavier fines, longer license suspensions, and increased chances of jail time compared to single-substance charges. While alcohol is legal for adults 21 and over, cannabis remains federally illegal in the US, even though many states have legalized it for medical or recreational use.
Here’s what you need to know about what happens when you mix weed and alcohol, the dangers of mixing these drugs, harm-reduction strategies, and how to know if you might have a problem. Are you curious about the safety of mixing weed and alcohol? Individuals who choose to mix the two should keep track of how much alcohol and weed they consume. Individuals who are drinking alcohol and consuming edibles should carefully monitor what they consume. In turn, this could increase risky behavior and the likelihood of alcohol poisoning.
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Some studies suggest impacts on brain development in young users, which is why most medical professionals recommend waiting until adulthood to try cannabis. Some people may experience dizziness, nausea, or headaches, especially if they’re new to cannabis or consume too much. While many people use cannabis without significant issues, it can cause both short-term and long-term side effects that vary from person to person. This combination – also known as crossfading – might seem like a natural pairing to some, but mixing these two substances can affect your body and mind in ways that are important to understand. Need additional mental health or substance use support?
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- Well, first off, keep in mind that using both substances together can produce unique effects on the human body, and it’s vital to use them in moderation and with caution.
- If you or a loved one are struggling with marijuana, alcohol or polysubstance abuse, The Recovery Village Columbus can help.
- Combining weed and alcohol can increase the effects of both drugs and cause adverse reactions.
- In turn, this could increase risky behavior and the likelihood of alcohol poisoning.
- Common effects of combining the two include increased dizziness, nausea, and disorientation.
- In cannabis, the chemicals that produce the drug-like effects are called cannabinoids.
If cannabis users overdose, it’s important that they realize what is happening to them. Heavy cannabis users may experience difficulty sleeping, irritability, reduced appetite, and headaches. Within the first 1-3 days, users will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. Though the consequences aren’t as dire as with alcohol, users can experience paranoia, heart arrhythmia, and even psychotic episodes.
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- But while beer and weed may seem like a match made in heaven, combining the two can lead to unpredictable effects, including increased impairment and heightened risks of dangerous behavior.
- Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes people to produce more urine.
- Patients with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or mental health disorders, should also exercise caution when consuming both substances.
Smoking and vaping cannabis cause your body to absorb THC more quickly compared to using edibles. Overdose is a medical emergency that can lead to brain damage from loss of oxygen, coma, or death. Developing a tolerance to a substance means that your body has gotten used to the presence of it.
Other Slang Terms for Mixing Alcohol and Marijuana
This way, you only need to deal with the physiological effects of either one rather than the two combined. Consider the following harm-reduction strategies next time you consume. This can be a result of intoxication, withdrawal, or chronic alcoholism.
It is not currently known if there is any completely safe level of alcohol and THC in the brain’s cannabinoid system. The lower the concentration of THC in the kind of cannabis you consume, the lower the total concentration of it will be in your body. Your body, therefore, absorbs it more slowly, leading to lower blood alcohol levels. This could increase combining alcohol and marijuana produces the severity of the alcohol interaction or mean that the interaction occurs when you don’t expect it to.
Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Karoly, Hollis C.; Ross, J. Megan; Prince, Mark A.; et al. “Effects of cannabis use on alcohol consumption in a sample of treatment-engaged heavy drinkers in Colorado.” Addiction, September 2021. If you’re using an alcohol and marijuana combination, you can be more likely to get alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal.
Increasingly, studies exploring marijuana and alcohol demonstrate they can be harmful when used together. Looking to make the most of your cannabis experience? Learn what crossfaded means, its symptoms, risks and what you can do if you find yourself in such a position. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is never advised to operate a vehicle or machinery while under the influence of either alcohol or cannabis.
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Combining weed and alcohol can increase the effects of both drugs and cause adverse reactions. Remember, consuming weed after drinking alcohol might make you feel less intoxicated, which can lead you to drink more than you usually would. This can happen any time you’ve consumed to much weed — with or without alcohol. The researchers reported that combining THC and alcohol consistently impaired driving performance, with worse performance during nighttime simulations. A number of recent studies also focus on how combining weed and alcohol affects your driving. A study from 2011 evaluated performance on cognitive tasks among 21 heavy weed users who had consumed alcohol.