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This delayed onset may cause the user to consume more than intended, creating a longer, more intense high. In extreme cases of consuming edibles, people have experienced hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic reactions. Using marijuana before drinking alcohol may make it difficult to gauge how intoxicated the user is from alcohol, potentially leading to dangerous situations like driving under the influence.

An interaction between ethanol and THC was observed, however, on ratings of desire to consume more of the administered drug. THC, when combined with ethanol, decreased the elevated ratings of wanting more ethanol after ethanol administration. Consequently, THC may either dampen ethanol’s effects or replace desire for more. More laboratory work is needed to examine how cannabis affects motivation to use alcohol and vice versa. Recent research has employed advanced simulated driving methods to assess the effects of cannabis and alcohol co-use. Hartman and colleagues [70•] investigated the effect of cannabis on driving with and without alcohol on THC blood concentrations in a within-subject study with six conditions.

Using similar methodology, a second study suggested that plasma THC levels were significantly increased when subjects first consumed alcohol [72]. Compared to placebo, the combination of a low cannabis dose (2.53% THC) and low alcohol dose (0.35 g/kg) increased the number and duration of positive subjective effects, and resulted in higher plasma levels of THC. The effects of alcohol and THC were evaluated alone, and in combination, across separate sessions, in a within-subjects, randomized, double-blind design. The authors reported no evidence for synergistic effects of acute combinations of very-low-dose alcohol and THC on subjective or physiologic response, or on cognitive performance.

As with the short-term effects of alcohol and weed, the long-term effects differ from person to person. The short-term effects of weed and alcohol differ from person to person. While it’s alcohol storage ideas not entirely clear why drinking alcohol makes weed more potent, it may be because of the way alcohol affects blood vessels. This may allow the lungs to absorb more THC when someone smokes marijuana. There is limited research available on the long-term effects of consuming alcohol alongside weed, which people also call marijuana or cannabis. Remember, consuming weed after drinking alcohol might make you feel less intoxicated, which can lead you to drink more than you usually would.

Mixing Alcohol with Marijuana

In 1991, only 2 percent of fatal car accidents involved drivers impaired by THC and alcohol. In 2008, more than 10 percent of fatal crashes were caused by drivers under the influence of both drugs. Mixing alcohol and marijuana increases a person’s chances of greening out because alcohol increases blood levels of THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana.

Another person might not have any issues with misusing alcohol but still find it hard to function without weed. There may be additional risks because it is easy to overconsume edibles. Even small amounts of edibles can produce strong highs, depending on the amount of THC and other cannabinoids that they contain. Marijuana use may contribute to cognitive decline, poor attention and memory, and lowered IQ, especially in the developing brain. The American Psychological Association suggest that adolescents’ developing brains are especially vulnerable to long-term damage from weed use.

Weed before alcohol: Assume you’ve had an extra drink or two

Taken together, alcohol and cannabis can compound these side effects of one another, so it is imperative that you stay hydrated if you are consuming alcohol or cannabis – together or on their own. The way you consume weed can have a big impact on its short- and long-term effects. For example, smoking is rough on your lungs, but this risk doesn’t apply to edibles. Among people who drink alcohol, marijuana is the most signs you were roofied frequently used substance alongside alcohol.1 It can be potentially dangerous for individuals to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana at the same time or one after the other.

Cannabis info at your fingertips

Marijuana and alcohol are the two most commonly used drugs in the nation, and people often use the substances together. Individuals who choose to mix the two should keep track of how much alcohol and weed they consume. A 2019 study supports this, finding that those who 2cb effects use alcohol and weed simultaneously are likely to drink more alcohol more frequently. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes people to produce more urine. Over several hours, this can lead them to become dehydrated, as they lose more fluid than they take in. If you want to mix the two, pay careful attention to how much of each you’re consuming, especially if you’ve never mixed them before.

Mental health problems

The researchers state that a critical factor to determine is whether or not the differences between users and non-users were provoked by exposure to alcohol or if these issues were present beforehand. At the same time, CBD can have a relaxing, sedative effect, which could potentially be heightened if taking a depressant like alcohol. Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa.

If alcohol or marijuana is negatively impacting your life and you seem unable to quit on your own, there is help available. Using weed before drinking alcohol may minimize the effects of alcohol. This means you might be tipsier than you feel, increasing your risk for becoming overly intoxicated.

1. The combination can also lead people to engage in unusual or risky behaviors.
2. Marijuana impacts each individual differently; for some, getting cross-faded may not be uncomfortable.
3. For example, smoking is rough on your lungs, but this risk doesn’t apply to edibles.
4. Edibles are foods that contain marijuana or its active ingredients, such as THC.
5. Mixing alcohol and marijuana together can intensify certain effects of both, leading to increased health risk and dangers over using either alone.

Other forms of cannabis, including edibles, can also interact with alcohol to cause most of the same risks as smoking cannabis. Edibles are foods that contain marijuana or its active ingredients, such as THC. Research indicates that there is an association between frequent heavy alcohol use and poor mental health, including psychological distress and low life satisfaction. Both weed and alcohol, together and on their own, are also potentially addictive and can lead to dependence and misuse. But if you’ve been drinking a lot, it might be hard to tell the difference between a green out and alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Keep in mind that combining the two may be linked to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dependence. Those who consumed just alcohol had worse cognitive functioning than those who only consumed THC. Those who combined the two had reduced cognitive performance than those who only consumed alcohol.

While one person might feel relaxed while drunk, another might feel restless. Weed may appear to be safer than alcohol simply because we aren’t yet aware of certain risks. If you or someone you care about needs help with addiction treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of American Addiction Centers admissions navigators at .

If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance. Cannabis and alcohol intersect at countless get-togethers – and nights kicking back at home. If you are mixing the two, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind.

Someone drinking alcohol may experience slurred speech, distorted vision and hearing, drowsiness, and nausea and vomiting. Alcohol poisoning can also occur, which can be deadly if not treated. Long-term alcohol use can result in heart-related diseases, liver disease, and unintentional injuries. The risk of injuries can be increased when someone chooses to mix alcohol and marijuana.