What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Weed Edibles: Is It Safe or Risky?

Here’s a brief guide on whether taking edibles on an empty stomach is a good idea, what to expect, and FAQs you might have in mind. However, the body of existing research is likely to grow and evolve as more states begin to legalize marijuana use. The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only.

Their appealing flavors and textures make them a favored choice among both recreational and medicinal users. The day after mixing alcohol and edibles, your hangover could hit you harder than what you’d typically expect. To ensure that your doses of CBD or THC are low, you can try microdosing.

At Reefside, we encourage you to explore both to find your favorite way to enjoy cannabis. Unlike traditional edibles that must be digested and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC (a more potent compound), cannabis drinks deliver THC more directly into your bloodstream. What sets THC drinks apart is their ability to provide a more social and refreshing way to consume cannabis.

Factors That Influence Liver Health With Edibles And Alcohol

• This initial phase is why alcohol is commonly used in social settings, as it can make people feel more at ease and outgoing.
• Chewable edibles such as gummies and brownies are absorbed through the digestive system, which contributes to a longer onset time compared to alcohol.
• Adding alcohol to a high dose of THC impaired driving simulator scores by 17 percent.

“But if overconsumed, edibles may cause anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, rapid heart rate and altered perception,” she says. Like alcohol, cannabis can also impair your ability to drive, doubling the risk of having a car accident, according to the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Additionally, the combination of THC and alcohol can have unique effects. Studies have shown that any dose of alcohol combined with cannabis significantly increases the levels of THC in the blood. This combination can create unpleasant side effects and increase the risk of accidents, such as car crashes.

Keep this in mind, as it can significantly influence the final taste and overall experience of your edibles. This potent substance carries all of the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes but lacks the alcohol base. This process can be done by heating the tincture at a low temperature, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slowly.

Always check your local laws to avoid any legal issues surrounding marijuana use. The effect of edibles can also be influenced by the balance of CBD to THC, with higher CBD ratios reducing the intensity of intoxication. Adding CBD to edibles is a great way to mellow out the effects that can sometimes be too intense for some when consuming THC by itself. Binge drinking can also lead to acute kidney injury, which may require dialysis and can sometimes cause permanent kidney damage.

THC Drinks vs. Edibles: What’s the Difference?

Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular issues, cognitive impairment, and increased cancer risk. Alcohol can indeed affect the experience of consuming cannabis edibles. When alcohol is present in the bloodstream, it can increase the absorption rate of THC into the blood. This can intensify edibles’ effects, which may catch users by surprise. “Crossfading”—getting high and drunk at the same time—can be a risky proposition. A few whiskeys and a joint can take down even experienced faders, but when you add in a strong dose of edibles, anyone can get leveled.

• In this article, we’ll break down the liver effects of edibles and alcohol to help you make an informed choice for healthier relaxation.
• If you’re sensitive to weed, try avoiding spicy or acidic foods before edibles to reduce the risk of an upset stomach.
• While the liver can handle many compounds with ease, some substances like THC in edibles and alcohol demand more energy and resources to process, leading to temporary strain in certain conditions.
• The effectiveness of these products has not been verified by FDA-approved studies.
• They are popular in social settings like bars and parties, offering endless possibilities for creativity and flavor combinations.

Cross Faded: Understanding the Meaning, Symptoms and Risks

Ciders are made from fermented apple juice, while hard seltzers are alcoholic beverages made with carbonated water and flavorings. Both typically have an alcohol content similar to beer and are popular for their refreshing taste and lower calorie content compared to other alcoholic beverages. These drinks appeal to those looking for a lighter, more refreshing alternative to traditional beer and spirits.

This is a sharp contrast to alcohol where people who drink moderately tend to get rid of the excess alcohol from their system by vomiting. This could lead to a serious medical situation as the edibles act to suppress vomiting while the body tries to expel the excess alcohol it cannot metabolize. Mixing alcohol and edibles can amplify the effects of both substances, leading to increased impairment and potential health risks.

This can happen any time you’ve consumed to much weed — with or without alcohol. Weed appeared to slow down the rise of blood alcohol levels after consuming a high dose of alcohol. While there’s some research around the effects of drinking alcohol before using weed, there isn’t much about the opposite approach. Occasionally mixing alcohol and weed — also known as crossfading — likely won’t lead to major health problems. But there are a lot of variables to consider, including which one you use first and how you consume them.

Infuse Store-Bought Gummies with Cannabis Tinctures

And as always, store your edibles in a secure, locked location, away from children and pets. The alcohol also helps to extract the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a more potent product. When these two substances are mixed in excessive amounts, they can have a greater effect and depress your brain activity significantly. Too many edibles on their own can make you unwell, just like too much alcohol on its own can also make you sick.

Chill Berry Infused Iced Tea – 5mg THC / 5mg CBD

Mixing THC and alcohol can also increase your risk of alcohol poisoning by encouraging overconsumption. Alcohol effects kick in within 15 to 45 minutes, while edibles take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to take effect. The negative consequences on mental health, including disrupted sleep patterns, are edibles and alcohol also much more severe with alcohol than with marijuana.

The longer duration means edibles affect liver processing more gradually. Yes, CBD-infused edibles, like those from Soul CBD, can promote relaxation and help manage stress, offering a natural alternative that may reduce alcohol cravings for some users. Have you ever considered how your favorite way to relax impacts your liver? Alcohol might help you unwind, but the liver pays the price by filtering out toxins.

The brain and body are affected similarly by these substances, leading to enhanced effects and greater chances of adverse reactions. The combo can impair your judgment and motor skills, making it harder to make safe choices. People who eat large amounts of an edible may feel high for a longer time than if they had just drank alcohol. And if someone has a medical condition that limits their ability to digest food well, consuming an edible could make their condition worse by causing gastrointestinal issues. Higher levels of alcohol consumption can cause slurred speech, drowsiness, and decreased reaction times. These effects can make communication difficult and can significantly impair one’s ability to perform tasks that require alertness.