The large majority of us who take CBD
do so on a consistent basis in the same quantity and at the same time to
maintain a consistent hemp routine. We
know that experts suggest that we take CBD
daily due to its cumulative effects, and the way in which
the endocannabinoid system responds so well to a steady supply of cannabinoids
each day.
But does this mean that we can combine any substance
with CBD, as for many of us, it’s constantly in our system? Well, we know that when taking CBD with a
prescription medication, you need to speak with your doctor. However, what about alcohol, a substance many
of us consume so nonchalantly that we don’t even consider the fact that CBD may
cause some type of reaction?
There’s No Literature Showing a Dangerous Interaction
First, let’s make one thing clear. As of now, there has not been a single study
demonstrating a potential danger in mixing together CBD and alcohol. There have been many clinical studies done on
CBD by leading researchers, and there has yet to be an indication that this
could be a dangerous mix. So, that’s a
good thing. It also implies that this
doesn’t seem to be a major public health concern, as studies on this topic
would be funded if we were hearing concerning stories about negative effects
from mixing alcohol with cannabidiol.
Everyone’s Body is Unique
One thing, however, is that we all process compounds
in a unique way, because our bodies are unique.
This means that while someone may be able to take shots of vodka all
night after consuming multiple CBD gummies
and feel great, that doesn’t mean that you’ll have an equally enjoyable
experience. So, you need to determine
your own limits.
It Depends on How Much of Each You Take
Obviously, a big factor is how much of each product
you take. There’s a big difference
between taking a dose of a 4,000mg CBD tincture
after drinking an entire bottle of wine, compared to taking a standard dose of
a 1,000mg CBD tincture after having a single glass of merlot. The higher the dose of each, the more likely
it is that you’ll feel some sort of effects caused by an interaction, as is the
case with any combination of substances.
It Depends on When You Consumed Each as Well
For instance, chasing a shot of vodka with a CBD
energy drink is quite different from taking a capsule in the early morning
hours, and having a beer after work. The
longer you go between each substance, the less likely you’ll have an
interaction, even though the CBD will still be in your body in some
amount. Both CBD and alcohol have a
clear peak in the system before the effects gradually wear off, and if both peak
in the body at the same time, there’s a greater chance of an interaction
occurring.
CBD May Help Fight Off Some of Alcohol’s Side Effects
Interestingly, CBD may be a good thing to take before
or after drinking, because of how it recalibrates bodily systems via the
endocannabinoid system. This system
regulates various bodily processes by sending CBD to cannabinoid receptors in
the brain, digestive tract, muscles and more.
Therefore, some people find that CBD helps them fight nausea if they
drink too much, and ward off some of the worst symptoms of a hangover the next
morning.
Both May Make You Sleepy in High Doses
Both CBD and alcohol tend to make us feel a bit like
dozing off if we have too much of them.
Therefore, as you can imagine, combining both in high doses can be a
recipe for passing out earlier than you’d like.
Be aware of this effect and know that this common side effect can affect
us all differently.
CBD is Nontoxic
CBD is nontoxic,
and so you don’t have to worry about possible toxicity from taking too much of
it. Alcohol is toxic and can kill you if
you overdose. But, CBD does not lead to
a fatal overdose as the body knows how to store excess levels.
How to Enjoy Both CBD and Alcohol Responsibly
The best way to make both of these substances part of
your daily routine is to get your timing right.
After all, even if you don’t experience negative side effects, you may
want to feel the full effectiveness of each, and the presence of both in the
body at peak levels can negate this.
We recommend keeping your CBD routine early in the
day, unless you’re taking CBD for sleep, which would mean it’s best to take it
right before bed. This way, by the time
you would typically be drinking, which is usually in the evening hours, the CBD
is no longer at peak levels in the blood.
Also, be mindful of the doses of each. If you’re concerned, start with a low amount
of both CBD and alcohol and see how you feel.
Overall, It’s Probably Fine to Have a Drink or Two When You’ve Taken CBD
As of now, we haven’t heard of any concerning
anecdotes, nor any studies suggesting otherwise. Just make sure that you monitor how you feel
and consume responsible doses of each.
If you feel as though you are having a negative reaction, you should
seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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