CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. That means you won’t feel any “high” after taking it.
CBD is often touted for its purported health benefits, which include reducing anxiety, pain relief, and improving sleep. Some people also claim that it can help with conditions like seizures and schizophrenia.
Alcohol, on the other hand, is a central nervous system depressant. That means it slows down your brain activity and can make you feel drowsy or sleepy. It can also lead to impaired judgment and motor skills.
One study in mice found that the combination of CBD and alcohol increased sedation more than either substance alone. The study authors concluded that the “data suggest that concurrent administration of CBD with ethanol will result in greater sedation than administration of either compound alone.”
Another study looked at the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol in healthy adults. The study found that 25 mg/kg of CBD combined with 0.08% alcohol produced mild impairments in motor skills and cognition. However, these effects were less than those seen with 0.08% alcohol alone.
CBD and Alcohol – The Pros
Drinking alcohol while taking CBD has a few potential benefits. First, CBD can help to offset the effects of a hangover. Hangovers are caused by inflammation in the brain, and CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory. So, if you take CBD before or after drinking, it may help to reduce the severity of your hangover.
Another potential benefit of mixing CBD and alcohol is that CBD can help to reduce the anxiety that sometimes comes with drinking. Alcohol affects the GABA receptors in the brain, which can lead to feelings of anxiety. CBD helps to modulate these receptors, which may help to reduce anxiety and make drinking more enjoyable.
CBD and Alcohol – The Risks
There are also a few potential downsides to mixing CBD and alcohol. CBD can potentiate the effects of alcohol. This means that if you drink while taking CBD, you may feel more intoxicated than you would otherwise. So, it’s important to be aware of this and to drink responsibly.
Conclusion
There is some evidence to suggest that combining CBD and alcohol may amplify each other’s effects, but more research is needed to confirm this claim. If you do choose to mix the two substances, start with a low dose of both to see how they affect you individually before increasing your dosage.
Interested in CBD? Then check out these CBD Capsules.
