Mixing Cannabis with Alcohol: Risks, Myths, and What Science Says

Mixing alcohol and cannabis has become a widespread trend, especially among younger adults, and it is referred to as crossfading. They are eager to combine these two to experience an intense, combined euphoria. Here, we delve into the risks and myths surrounding the mix, examining what research has to say.

Despite the popularity of this trend, mixing cannabis with alcohol can lead to heightened and unpredictable impairment, as well as long-term and short-term health risks. The effects are widely influenced by the order and dose of consumption, as well as the method of ingestion (edibles vs. smoking), and individual tolerance. The simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana (SAM) is mostly observed at parties, as they’re often readily available and normalised for extended relaxation.

But is it advisable? Can it become fatal? Read the blog to know what science-backed research has to say about this!

Why People Mix Cannabis and Alcohol

Here are some of the key reasons why people mix alcohol and cannabis.

To Enhance Intoxication

Since alcohol and weed are depressants and affect the central nervous system (CNS), people mix these two to experience intensified effects like drowsiness, reflexes, and impaired judgment. Consuming alcohol before using weed enhances THC (the key psychoactive component of cannabis) absorption in the blood, resulting in a more potent and stronger sense of euphoria.

To Substitute or Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Mixing alcohol and cannabis is common among adults, especially those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or who use medical cannabis. Weed can be a substitute for reducing drinking, which is often considered a harm-reduction strategy.

To Manage Emotional States

People with co-occurring mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression use weed and alcohol simultaneously to self-medicate and cope with various aversive psychological states. In many cases, young adults suggest that mixing alcohol and weed has improved their sexual performance and arousal, which they attribute to the ability of the mix to reduce shame and anxiety.

What Happens When You Mix Cannabis and Alcohol? (The Science Behind It)

Here is what happens when you mix alcohol with weed.

The Scientific Mechanics of Crossfading

• If alcohol is consumed before cannabis, it enhances THC absorption into the blood, which results in an overwhelming and intense high, as well as a “greening out” experience.
• If cannabis is consumed before drinking, it causes the feeling of being less drunk than individuals actually are. It increases alcohol consumption, enhancing the risk of alcohol poisoning.

Synergistic Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects

• Both weed and alcohol are major CNS depressants, impairing several brain functions like coordination, judgment, and memory.
• The combined effect of cannabis and alcohol results in effects that are widely amplified, which further leads to a higher degree of motor impairment and cognitive issues than if consumed alone.
• Consumers experience several distorted perceptions of senses like time, intensifying the intoxication.

Table: Comparing the Effects of Alcohol vs. Cannabis vs. Combination (Crossfade)

Common Myths About Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol

Here you can find some common myths regarding mixing cannabis and weed.

Myth 1: Mixing Alcohol With Cannabis is Safe

Fact: Combining alcohol and weed is concerning, since together they amplify the negative effects. The increasing absorption of THC driven by alcohol leads to intoxication, causing severe psychological and physical reactions.

Myth 2: It is Just a Better and More Intense High

Fact: Yes, the alcohol weed mix produces a stronger effect and helps individuals experience a disorienting sense of euphoria, but the severity of side effects is in question. The effects include nausea and vomiting, increased anxiety and paranoia, spins or dizziness, and impaired coordination.

Myth 3: You Cannot Have an Overdose

Fact: Cannabis overdosing is not life-threatening, but if it is mixed with alcohol significantly, it enhances the risks of alcohol poisoning, and it can be fatal. Mixing alcohol with weed also causes individuals to ingest higher amounts of consumption of each substance, leading to several overdose symptoms, like irregular or slow breathing, mental confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Myth 4: Mixing Doesn’t Affect Your Ability to Drive

Fact: Mixing alcohol and cannabis leads to a strong impairment, compared to each substance alone. Based on stimulators, it is found that mixing these two significantly impairs driving performance, which causes accidents.

Myth 5: The Substances Cancel Each Other Out

Fact: Since alcohol and weed do not counteract each other’s effects, but rather create physical and psychological dilemmas, which might become permanent if not controlled timely manner.

The Risks of Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol

Here you can find some short-term and long-term risk factors that may appear if you continue consuming alcohol and cannabis simultaneously.

Short-term Impact

• The alcohol weed mix empowers unpredictable effects, which vary from one person to another. While some people may experience euphoria, others can experience extreme negative reactions, including paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, and panic attacks.
• The combined effects of mixing alcohol and weed lead to blackouts and memory loss, as well as an increased likelihood of engaging in uncharacteristic behaviour.
• Mixing cannabis and alcohol can create additional stress on the cardiovascular system, due to the conflicting effects on heart rate and blood pressure.

Long-term Impact

• The long-term use of the mix leads to structural changes in the brain, affecting mental stability on a significant scale.
• If you continue consuming the mix with a high dose, it will keep affecting cognitive functions, leading to poor memory, executive function, attention, and decision-making abilities.
• Co-use of weed and alcohol during adolescence alters brain function and weakens the neurocognitive performance, along with the development of respiratory issues.

Safer Consumption Tips (If You Choose to Mix)

Since parties and gatherings are unavoidable and people crave to be “high”, here are some tips to stay safe and sound from any long-term issues.

• First, start low and go slow. Do not hurry or consume the mix fast, as it will affect your body and mind at the same time. In this case, long intervals between drinking and smoking are highly recommended.
• Remember, your body must have the tolerance for the simultaneous intake of alcohol and cannabis. In this regard, you must stay hydrated and eat adequate food before consumption.
• It is highly recommended to avoid driving or using heavy machinery for 12 hours or more to keep the body relaxed.
• If you are a beginner, it’s safer and better to consider CBD-dominant cannabis strains for milder effects.
• Lastly, know your limits, and never mix without any prior knowledge or intention.

Summary

Mixing alcohol with cannabis heightens effects, but if consumed limitlessly and over longer periods, the effects are observed on the brain and cognitive functions. On the other hand, consuming the mix may also influence behavioural changes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular challenges, since alcohol induces the impact of THC on the bloodline. It is advisable that you take the myths and facts into account before indulging in the idea of mixing cannabis with alcohol. For a beginner, it’s a BIG NO! For an experienced user, it can be a one-time experience, but definitely with all safety measures put into action.

Paving the Way Towards Safe Cannabis Consumption

Now that you have learnt about the ways of safe cannabis consumption and have come out of the cocoon of the fascinating idea (or myth!) of having cannabis and alcohol together, you may consider purchasing the right strain from our website. Walk on the path of safety and responsibility and enjoy all the benefits of cannabis!