When it comes to consuming cannabis, people have a lot of questions. One of the most common questions is whether or not it’s safe to mix edibles with alcohol. The answer is…it depends.
Generally speaking, “crossfading” with alcohol and weed will not cause serious health problems. However, as with most things in life, there are plenty of variables at play – for instance, which one you use first and how you consume them. If you’re not careful, alcohol and weed can make you feel dizzy or lead to vomiting – neither of which is fun when trying to have a good time. Remember that people’s reactions to alcohol and weed can vary a great deal. If you’re socializing in a group, one person’s response might be completely different from your own.
The Science of Mixing Alcohol with Cannabis
The science behind combining marijuana and alcohol is still under debate. While some research has suggested that drinking little affects THC levels, recent studies show that the two substances can enhance each other’s effects on the body, resulting in increased impairment.
According to a 2015 study published in Clinical Chemistry, those who consume cannabis mixed with alcohol had THC levels significantly higher than those who only consumed weed. The study found that this “possibly explains increased performance impairment observed from cannabis-alcohol combinations.”
It Matters Which Comes First – Edibles or Drinking Alcohol
The order in which a person uses weed and alcohol may have an effect on the outcome.
Alcohol Before Marijuana
Drinking before using cannabis can enhance its effects. This is due to the fact that alcohol enhances the absorption of THC. This causes a considerably more powerful high. Some people might enjoy this, while others may experience what is sometimes called a “green out.” This refers to a number of unpleasant physical symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting.
Marijuana Before Alcohol
There’s a lot of study on the effects of drinking alcohol before using marijuana, but there isn’t much about taking weed in advance. The few studies that exist are from decades ago and are largely inconclusive.
Some studies, such as this one from 1992, have suggested that cannabis may slow the body’s absorption of alcohol, but this is far from conclusive. If weed does in fact slow the absorption of alcohol, then it would also most likely delay the feeling of being drunk. While this might not seem like a bad thing, it makes it more difficult to comprehend how impaired you truly are.
For example, you might feel like you’re good to drive, but your blood alcohol level may be well over the legal limit.
On the other hand, some claim almost the opposite effect – that consuming cannabis before drinking makes them feel drunker than they actually are. The benefit of this, of course, is that one could theoretically get the fun benefits of being drunk with fewer adverse health effects and not as bad of a hangover the next day.
Is There A Difference Between Edibles and Smoking Marijuana?
According to Medical News Today, mixing weed edibles and alcohol creates a more potent effect since alcohol widens blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract which allows for THC to be absorbed more quickly. This can have an impact on one’s high’s strength and duration, particularly with edibles. When we consume cannabis, our liver breaks down THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC, a compound far more potent than THC that is inhaled. Mixing alcoholic beverages and edibles can be quite serious, so don’t take it lightly.
The Last Toke
When it comes to mixing alcohol and weed, there are still a lot of unknowns. The few studies that exist are decades old and/or inconclusive. So if you are going to combine alcohol with your favorite Frost Exotic Cannabis products, do so with caution. Be sure to start slow and see how your body reacts. And always remember: it’s important to know your limit.
