Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has been gaining immense popularity in America, thanks to its potential health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and improving sleep. However, while more and more people are beginning to integrate this cannabis compound into their wellness routines, there is still much that researchers don’t know about it. One of the most pressing questions regarding CBD use is whether or not it is safe to consume alongside alcohol.
Imagine this scenario: you’ve had a long day at work, and you’re looking forward to relaxing with a glass of wine or a few beers with your friends. But wait – you’ve recently started using CBD and you’re not sure if it’s safe to mix it with alcohol.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people are curious about the potential effects of combining CBD and alcohol. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the interaction between these two substances. But don’t let that stop you from learning more! In this article, we’ll explore what we currently know about mixing CBD and alcohol and provide some helpful information to help you make an informed decision. So, sit back, grab a drink (whether it’s alcoholic or not), and let’s dive into the world of CBD and alcohol!
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the active compounds of the cannabis/hemp plant. Studies suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety, fight inflammation, and act as a pain reliever. Unlike other cannabis compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have intoxicating side effects. Fortunately, CBD is available over the counter (OTC) in a variety of forms, making it accessible to many people. Some of the most popular forms of CBD include capsules, gummies, sublingual liquids, topical lotions, and dried flowers that can be vaped or smoked.
CBD can only legally contain less than 0.3% THC, as required by the FDA. The way in which you use CBD will affect how it impacts your body. For example, CBD cosmetics applied to the skin are unlikely to be absorbed into the body, only affecting the skin area to which they are applied. However, ingesting or inhaling CBD will affect both the body and brain, with inhaled CBD usually having a quicker effect than swallowed CBD products.
If you’re interested in trying CBD, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable brand. Always start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, as everyone reacts differently to CBD. With its potential health benefits and various forms available, CBD is worth considering as part of your wellness routine.
CBD Oil & Alcohol: In the Body
Alcohol and CBD are two substances that can potentially have similar effects on the body, but they work in very different ways. While we will openly talk about the topics, Kore Original does not support the unethical use of alcohol consumption or mixing any substances not recommended by your medical professional.
Alcohol is a substance that’s been consumed for thousands of years, and it’s the most widely used recreational drug in the world. When you drink alcohol, it enters your bloodstream quickly, and its effects can occur within ten minutes. Alcohol affects the way your brain functions, potentially impairing coordination and your ability to think clearly, and altering both mood and behavior. Depending on the amount you consume, alcohol can affect your speech, memory, and judgment. Drinking alcohol can also affect your balance, raising the risk of falls and other injuries.
CBD, on the other hand, is a non-intoxicating substance. Unlike alcohol, CBD doesn’t contain properties that cause intoxication. Instead, CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which comprises receptors throughout your body—particularly the central nervous system—to produce a variety of potential effects, including calming of the central nervous system, reduction in anxiety symptoms, improvement in sleep quality, and a decrease in chronic pain symptoms.
CBD with Alcohol: Potential Side Effects
Another key difference between alcohol and CBD is their potential side effects. While alcohol can cause a wide range of negative side effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, sedation, nausea, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and vomiting, CBD has been shown to have few side effects, with the most common being dry mouth, drowsiness, and changes in appetite
Can you Mix CBD and Alcohol?
According to John Mendelson, M.D., chief medical officer and founder of San Francisco-based Ria Health, the potential interactions are also subject to variables, such as how much of each substance you consume and the amount of THC present in the CBD product. A common question is: “Can you take CBD gummy and drink alcohol?”. This becomes even more of a complex question when you take into account that the absorption of CBD is going to be drastically different when taken orally versus inhalation, for example.
THC may interact with alcohol when you drink, says Dr. Mendelson. THC amounts in CBD are limited by the federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill of 2018) to 0.3% by dry weight to avoid being classified as cannabis, a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act. THC levels are often listed on a CBD product’s certificate of analysis (COA), which is typically made available on the manufacturer’s website.
How about Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC has become one of the hottest cannabinoids in the cannabis industry lately. Unlike its cousin Delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, Delta 8 is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. It was originally a minor cannabinoid that can still get you high, but with effects somewhere between those of marijuana and CBD. Consumers should know that Delta 8 may interact differently with alcohol when consumed together. Although Hemplitude, the maker of Delta 8 CBD gummies, was among the first to recognize its potential, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of combining Delta 8 CBD gummies and alcohol.
CBD and Alcohol Interactions: Harm Reduction
CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, so you’re relying on the manufacturer’s claims and third-party laboratory test results to determine the amounts of THC present in specific CBD products.
It’s best to buy CBD products that contain the lowest amount of THC to avoid alcohol and THC interactions, says Dr. Mendelson. When choosing a CBD product, check the label and the lot number’s COA to find the amount of THC present in the product. The dose will also be the most important thing, according to Dr. Mendelson. If someone stays within the recommended alcohol consumption amounts of one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men and a small dose of CBD at the manufacturer’s recommended level, there should be no significant reactions one way or another.
How Long After Taking CBD Oil Can I Drink?
Keep in mind there is no scientific consensus on this topic. Although, there are some general principles that can help guide your decision-making.
One crucial factor to consider is the form of CBD you’re taking. Inhaled CBD, such as through vaping or smoking, typically only stays in your system for a couple of hours. However, oral forms of CBD, such as capsules or edibles, can last for 6 hours or more. If you’re taking an oral form of CBD, it’s important to keep this in mind when making decisions about alcohol consumption.
CBD and Alcohol Cravings
Alcohol addiction can have severe consequences on an individual’s health, relationships, and overall well-being. While various treatments are available, they may not work for everyone. However, recent research has suggested that CBD may be a potential treatment for alcohol addiction.
Studies on CBD use to reduce alcohol cravings and relapses have been primarily conducted on rodents rather than humans. However, the data from these studies are promising. One study conducted in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research used rats bred selectively for high alcohol preference and consumption. The study found that rats that received a low dose of CBD decreased the number of times they pushed levers that delivered alcohol.
CBD Research and Uses
CBD may also help alleviate the reasons why some people drink, such as anxiety, insomnia, pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to Dr. Adie Wilson-Poe, a researcher at Legacy Research Institute in Portland, Oregon, “When I’m assessing a patient who is drinking a lot of alcohol, I always want to know why that is. Is it because they’re anxious? Are they using it to help with their pain or sleep? Sometimes we can reduce their alcohol intake by treating those conditions with CBD instead.”
It’s important to note that the research on CBD use for treating alcohol addiction is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans. However, the anecdotal evidence is promising, and some people have reported successfully using cannabis to reduce their alcohol intake, cravings, or relapses.
Is It Safe to Consume CBD and Alcohol Together?
Mixing CBD and alcohol is not recommended due to the possible side effect of drowsiness, which can be dangerous while operating machinery, driving, or working in the kitchen. While there is little research on the effects of mixing CBD oil and alcohol in humans, there is emerging evidence that CBD may help protect against the physical effects of alcohol use disorder and reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, caution should still be exercised, and more research is needed in this area. It’s best to avoid combining them altogether and to use both in moderation to ensure safety.
At our Kore Original, we offer a wide range of high-quality CBD products that are rigorously tested for purity and potency. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to answer any questions you may have about our products or their effects. So, if you’re looking for a reliable source for your CBD needs, we invite you to check out our website and see what we have to offer.
