In addition, there seems to be a sample-dependent distinction between the impact of cannabis use on alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. For instance, review of the neurobiological mechanisms suggests that cross-tolerance exists between alcohol and certain cannabinoids. This cross-tolerance may result in increased use among those seeking to experience increased effects from co-use (i.e., “cross-fading”).
Both can also leave you feeling a bit worse for wear the next day, though this is more likely to happen with alcohol. While one person might feel relaxed while drunk, another might feel restless. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call911immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help.If you do not have access to a phone contactWeb Poison Control Servicesfor online assistance.
“Any dose of alcohol combined with cannabis significantly increases levels of THC in blood.” May 27, 2015. Another risk of an alcohol and marijuana combination is that you may take too much of either substance. Although using too much marijuana isn’t usually life-threatening, inhalation burns and asthma attacks from smoking cannabiscan be deadly.
Health Risks of Taking Marijuana and Alcohol Together
Although it is possible to experience negative side effects from marijuana, such as anxiety and paranoia, the drug is considered generally safe and non-life threatening. It is not advised to combine alcohol and cannabis if you have a history of substance abuse or are currently taking medication that can interact with either substance. Additionally, combining the two can increase the risk of potentially harmful or distressing side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and impaired judgment. Alcohol has long been a staple of social gatherings and celebrations, with millions of people consuming it regularly. In fact, according to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 85% of adults aged 18 or older reported having consumed alcohol in their lifetime.
If weed use does slow down the increase in blood alcohol levels, this may cause people to drink more than usual. In turn, this could increase risky behavior and the likelihood of alcohol poisoning. As the research indicates, people who use both alcohol and weed together tend to consume more of both. A new study on the impact of marijuana consumption on people’s use of other drugs suggests that for many, cannabis may act as a less-dangerous substitute, allowing people to reduce their intake of substances famous people with fetal alcohol syndrome such as alcohol, methamphetamine and opioids like morphine.
- Context of co-use is another characteristic that may impact alcohol-related outcomes.
- For example, smoking is rough on your lungs, but this risk doesn’t apply to edibles.
- It’s also important to remember that there aren’t many high-quality, long-term studies on weed and its effects.
- Cannabis slowed the absorption of alcohol, and subsequently reduced the psychoactive effects of alcohol, ultimately suggesting that cannabis may change the bioavailability of alcohol.
- On each occasion, they’d rank a different dose of alcohol, including a placebo, as a low dose or a high dose.
If you use weed before drinking, pay extra attention to how much you’ve had to drink. To err on the side of caution, assume you’ve had a bit more to drink than you actually have, or aim to drink less than you usually would without using weed. In a 2015 study, 19 participants drank either a placebo or small amount of alcohol. Ten minutes later, they used a vaporizer to inhale either a low or a high dose of THC. And even if Floridians vote “yes” at the polls on Tuesday, marijuana won’t instantly become legal in Florida. The Legislature’s regular 2025 Legislative Session doesn’t start until March and the process of taking a successful referendum and turning an amendment into a law can take many months.
Worsening Mental Health
Your tolerance can be affected by the potency of the alcohol and the cannabis used, so be mindful that not every mix may have the same effect. As much as possible, know what you’re drinking and which cannabis you’re using, and let this factor into how much you consume of both. The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only.
Long-term effects can include liver damage, brain damage, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Additionally, alcohol can lead to addiction, which can subsequently devastate a person’s health and well-being. Preclinical and experimental research can be utilized to better understand the complex relationship between the co-use of cannabis and alcohol and related consequences. Emerging preclinical evidence demonstrates that the endocannabinoid system, which regulates cannabis reinforcement, is also involved in alcohol reinforcement, motivation to consume alcohol, excessive alcohol consumption, and alcohol dependence 57–60. Furthermore, preclinical studies show that antagonists of the cannabinoid receptors and inhibitors of the enzymatic degradation of endocannabinoids dampen both preference for and overall intake of alcohol 61, 62. In contrast, cannabinoid receptor agonists and endocannabinoids serve to escalate alcohol-seeking behavior and consumption 63, 64.
Don’t overdo it alone or with people you don’t trust
Akin to this, cannabis use can also affect coordination and motor skills because THC can interfere with the functioning of specific sections of the brain like the cerebellum and the basal ganglia. While cannabis is widely viewed as a non-habit-forming drug, it seems that some people can build a tolerance to THC. Some users also find themselves unable to stop using cannabis despite the negative impact on their life or health, resulting in cannabis use disorder (CUD).
Continued crossfading may lead to serious long-term issues like liver damage, breathing problems, or cognitive decline, particularly with habitual substance use. By itself, excessive drinking increases the risk for alcohol dependency or alcoholism and has been linked to liver damage, kidney damage, heart problems and cognitive impairments. Volpicelli says women are more susceptible than men to alcohol’s physical effects. Giordano says drinking before smoking may also make it easier for drugs to enter the brain — although further research is needed. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Neuroscience reported excessive alcohol use or alcohol dependency could compromise the blood brain barrier, which prevents harmful chemicals or drugs from entering the brain.
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