Edibles and Alcohol: What You Need to Know about Mixing the Two

People often wonder if it’s okay to mix both edibles and alcohol, and if there are any negative effects of doing so. You might be here yourself as to how these two would interact with one another.

Generally, “crossfading” or when you combine weed and alcohol, can intensify the effects of both substances and cause unexpected reactions. It’s important to be aware that the combination of cannabis and alcohol may also lead to engaging in unusual or risky behaviors.

We’ll discuss the implications of alcohol and weed interacting with your body, the potential risks and effects of combining them, and important considerations to keep in mind.

How Do Edibles and Alcohol Interact with Your Body?

Before diving deep into the topic, it’s best to understand how edibles and alcohol interact with your body individually, as it is essential to understand the potential effects when they are combined.

Edibles

Edibles are food products infused with cannabis, typically containing THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. When consumed, edibles are metabolized in the liver and converted into a different form of THC called 11-hydroxy-THC, which can have a more potent and longer-lasting effect compared to inhaled cannabis. The effects of edibles can take longer to kick in, often ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours after consumption, and can last for several hours.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects various parts of the brain and body. It is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine, and then metabolized in the liver. The effects of alcohol can vary depending on factors such as the amount consumed, individual tolerance, and rate of consumption. Alcohol can impair motor coordination, judgment, and cognitive function, and can have sedative effects on the body.

Can You Mix Alcohol and Edibles?

Yes, but mixing alcohol and edibles can have unpredictable effects on the body, and it’s important to understand the potential risks and consequences.

What Happens When You Mix Edibles and Alcohol?

There is still limited information available today, but for now, these factors could likely be the possible outcome of consuming and mixing alcohol and weed:

Increased Impairment

Both edibles and alcohol can impair motor coordination, judgment, and cognitive function. When consumed together, the risk of impairment may be increased, leading to difficulties with coordination, balance, and decision-making.

This can result in an increased risk of falls, accidents, or other injuries.

Heightened Sedation

Edibles and alcohol can both have sedative effects on the body. When consumed together, their combined effects may lead to heightened sedation, causing drowsiness, lethargy, and even loss of consciousness.

This can increase the risk of accidents or other dangerous situations.

Altered Perception

Edibles and alcohol can both cause altered perception, such as changes in sensory perception, time perception, and mood. When mixed, these effects may be intensified, leading to distorted perceptions of reality and potential psychological discomfort or distress.

Increased Risk of Adverse Effects

Both edibles and alcohol can cause adverse effects on their own, and when mixed, the risk of adverse effects may be heightened. Adverse effects of edibles can include anxiety, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heart rate, while alcohol can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dehydration, and other symptoms.

Mixing the two substances can increase the risk of experiencing these adverse effects.

Individual Variations

It’s important to note that the effects of mixing edibles and alcohol can vary depending on factors such as individual tolerance, sensitivity, and other personal characteristics. What may be well-tolerated for one person may cause severe effects in another. It’s crucial to be aware of your own body’s response to both substances and to exercise caution when considering mixing them.

Is There a Difference If You Consume Alcohol First Before Edibles and Vice Versa?

Yes, there is a difference.

The order in which you consume alcohol and edibles can potentially impact the way they interact with your body and the effects they produce.

Consuming Edibles Before Alcohol

Consuming edibles before alcohol may result in delayed effects of the edibles.

Edibles are typically metabolized by the liver, and consuming them before alcohol may slow down the absorption and metabolism of cannabinoids in the liver. This can result in a delayed onset of the edible’s effects, as the liver may be busy metabolizing alcohol, which can potentially prolong the time it takes for the edibles to take effect. It’s important to be patient and not consume more edibles assuming they are not working, as this can lead to an overdose when the effects eventually kick in.

Consuming Alcohol Before Edibles

Consuming alcohol before edibles may potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and consuming it before edibles can further depress the central nervous system, potentially intensifying the sedative effects of both substances. This can lead to increased impairment, heightened sedation, and altered perception. It’s important to be cautious and avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol before consuming edibles to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Things to Consider When Mixing Edibles and Alcohol

Cannabis and alcohol often intersect at social gatherings or relaxing nights at home. When mixing the two, it’s important to keep several factors in mind:

Know Your Limits

Both alcohol and marijuana can impair judgment, so it’s crucial to avoid overconsumption of either or both substances. THC and alcohol can have augmenting effects, so be mindful of your intake.

Know What You’re Taking

The potency of the alcohol and cannabis used can affect your tolerance, so be aware of what you’re consuming and how it may impact you. Understanding the strength of both substances can help you regulate your consumption.

Stay Hydrated

Both alcohol and cannabis can cause dehydration, and when combined, they can compound this effect. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to minimize the intoxicating effects of alcohol and cannabis.

Have a Designated Driver

Impairment from alcohol and cannabis can affect your driving abilities, so never drive under the influence of either substance or both. Arrange for a designated driver if you plan to mix the two and need to travel.

Avoid Overconsumption Alone or with Unfamiliar People

Consuming too much alcohol or cannabis can lead to risky situations, especially if you are alone or with people you don’t trust. Use caution and moderate your consumption, as cannabis combined with high doses of alcohol can contribute to memory loss or blackouts.

Pace Yourself and Know When to Stop

It’s important to pace yourself and know your limits when mixing alcohol and cannabis. Starting low and going slow is recommended to avoid adverse effects and a potential hangover or “weed over” the next day.

Final Thoughts

Combining edibles and alcohol can have significant effects on physical and mental well-being, and it is important to understand the potential risks involved. Both substances can have augmenting effects, and overconsumption can lead to adverse reactions and risky behaviors. It is crucial to exercise caution and prioritize responsible use when consuming edibles and alcohol together.

At BMWO, we implore our users and customers to practice safe consumption not only of cannabis but also of alcohol. We prioritize the health and well-being of our customers above all else, and we are committed to promoting the responsible use of our products. This includes being mindful of your limits, understanding the potency of products, staying hydrated, arranging for a designated driver, avoiding overconsumption alone or with unfamiliar individuals, pacing yourself, and knowing when to stop. We believe that responsible use of cannabis and alcohol is paramount to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

As a leading cannabis retailer, we offer a wide range of high-quality cannabis products, including edibles, dried flowers, concentrates, and more. However, we want to emphasize that our products are meant to be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation. We encourage our customers to make informed choices, understand the potential risks of combining edibles and alcohol, and prioritize their health and safety at all times. We are committed to providing safe and enjoyable cannabis experiences for our customers, and we support responsible consumption practices.