Can I Take CBD Oil with Alcohol?

One commonly asked question is whether CBD is consumable with alcohol. While experts advise that one can ingest CBD oil and alcohol concurrently, there are a few things to keep in mind. The article below delves into CBD oil and its compatibility with alcohol.

Alcohol is one of the most sought-after drinks, especially since it offers a great option to unwind after a strenuous week or activity. However, mixing alcohol with any medication is never a good idea since it may reduce the effectiveness of the drug in question. Furthermore, it may cause adverse health complications. Despite being an ideal unwinding product, alcohol has been touted as one of the most potent depressants on the market. It interacts with the nervous system to impact speech, coordination, and general mood. CBD is an organic compound that has various benefits. It is popular because it is non-psychoactive, non-addictive, and relieves pain and inflammation.

Defining Alcohol and CBD

Johnson (2019) stated that CBD, or cannabinol, is one of the essential compounds found in the cannabis plant. Together with THC, they form a group of active compounds called cannabinoids. CBD and THC have similar chemical structures, although the molecules are arranged differently. Therefore, they have varying effects when consumed. Unlike THC, CBD is devoid of psychoactive effects, but one can still reap a surfeit of health benefits from consuming it.

Alcohol or ethanol is the chief intoxicant in alcoholic drinks and beverages. In essence, it is the substance that causes drunkenness. Alcohol is formed due to the contact between yeast and sugar in foods rich in carbs like grapes, grains, and potatoes. According to Brennan et al. (2020), it is also a highly abused substance globally that causes mild to severe effects on users—long-term effects of binge drinking range from nerve damage, perpetual brain impairment, addiction, and malnutrition.

CBD and Alcohol in the Body

CBD and alcohol have positive and negative impacts on the body based on the frequency of use and amount consumed. When alcohol is ingested, it reaches the bloodstream in a short time, which is why the effects set in quicker. Alcohol significantly impacts the body's normal functioning since it impairs the central nervous system. Based on the amount consumed, alcoholic drinks negatively affect memory levels, judgment, and speech, among other vital body functions.

Spinella et al. (2021) stated that CBD, unlike alcohol, does not cause intoxication since it works with the endocannabinoid system to oversee significant body functions. The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors to produce effects such as;

• Easing chronic pain.
• Calming the central nervous system.
• Boosting the quality of sleep.
• Reducing anxiety and depression.

However, CBD can cause some side effects after ingestion due to a higher dose and interaction with other medications, among other factors. Some of the side effects of CBD include;

• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Lightheadedness

Most CBD products sold in online and physical shops are sourced from hemp since it contains higher amounts of CBD and trace levels of THC. CBD can also be extracted from marijuana; however, marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug, meaning that any product infused with it is illegal.

Effects of Mixing CBD and Alcohol

Alcohol has sedative effects since it stimulates feelings of relaxation that moderate tension and stress. Nonetheless, the benefits of alcohol are outstripped by its numerous side effects, primarily when used with medication. Abusing alcohol has a significant impact on the mental and physical state of the user. Additionally, it causes absurd organ malfunction and social impairment among the abusers. Ingesting alcohol with CBD impairs the impact of CBD since it negatively affects the endocannabinoid system.

According to Arkell et al. (2019), ingesting a higher dose of CBD and a shot of alcohol positively impacts anxiety levels and causes stronger sedation. On the other hand, consuming CBD after an alcohol intake may help reduce hangovers' effects while also shielding the body organs from damage due to high alcohol intake. Using CBD oil before an alcohol session may slow down the effects of alcohol on the body. If alcohol levels in the body are higher, the user is more susceptible to impaired cognitive functioning, among other negative impacts.

Ironically, recent research on CBD oil and alcohol shows that CBD oil induces the sound effects of alcohol, like reducing anxiety and battling the adverse effects. Vomiting, puking, or feeling nauseated shows the body has excessive amounts of alcohol. It must eliminate some excess charges for the body to perform vital functions. Suppressing nausea associated with alcohol is not advisable since purging the extra alcohol shields the body from extreme harm. Even though vomiting after alcohol intoxication is not a phase that many alcoholics like, it is paramount since it also prevents alcohol poisoning.

CBD for Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal

Current research on the effects of CBD oil on alcoholics shows that CBD may help with severe alcohol cravings, relapses, and ultimately the frequency of alcohol intake. Several doctors who deal with the medicinal uses of cannabis attest that CBD oil may help with alcohol addiction and the withdrawals that arise from alcohol abuse. Furthermore, CBD oil fortifies how the body defends itself from the effects of alcohol which potentially reduces alcohol cravings. It is the reason why some health professionals use CBD products like CBD oil and CBD vapes to help patients on their journey to recovering from alcohol addiction.

According to the World Health Organization, CBD is a potent compound with no fatal effects on the human body. Abusing CBD is problematic since it can gut-processed. Therefore, higher doses may affect the efficacy of the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, CBD affects how the liver handles some medications since it impedes the enzyme CYP450, which aids in the catalyzation of drugs. Using medicine alongside CBD may hinder the effects of certain medications while also boosting the amounts of the drug in the blood to higher toxic levels.

Conclusion

One of the frequently asked queries is if CBD oil and alcohol can be combined. While experts suggest that one can consume alcohol and CBD oil simultaneously, a few considerations exist. Alcohol is the most popular beverage because it provides a beautiful way to relax after a demanding week or activity. However, combining alcohol with any prescription is never intelligent as it could lessen its efficiency and have adverse health effects. Alcohol has been praised as one of the strongest depressants on the market and a great way to unwind. It generally influences speech, coordination, and mood by interacting with the nervous system. Be careful while using CBD together with alcohol, and ensure you don't overdose on either drug. Learn more about how to take cbd oil drops?

References

Arkell, T. R., Lintzeris, N., Kevin, R. C., Ramaekers, J. G., Vandrey, R., Irwin, C., ... & McGregor, I. S. (2019). Cannabidiol (CBD) content in vaporized cannabis does not prevent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced impairment of driving and cognition. Psychopharmacology, 236(9), 2713-2724.

Brennan, S. E., McDonald, S., Page, M. J., Reid, J., Ward, S., Forbes, A. B., & McKenzie, J. E. (2020). Long-term effects of alcohol consumption on cognitive function: a systematic review and dose-response analysis of evidence published between 2007 and 2018. Systematic reviews, 9(1), 1-39.

Johnson, R. (2019). Defining hemp: a fact sheet. Congressional Research Service, 44742.

Spinella, T. C., Stewart, S. H., Naugler, J., Yakovenko, I., & Barrett, S. P. (2021). Evaluating cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy effects on acute stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized crossover study. Psychopharmacology, 238(7), 1965-1977.