CBD & Alcohol: Should You Mix These Two Substances?

Alcohol is considered one of the most famous intoxicants globally. The use of fermented beverages dates back to the earliest Egyptian, Chinese and Indian civilisations. Sooner or later, the use of alcohol travelled globally to Greece, Europe, and America.

Although alcohol begins as sugars and yeast, it acts as a powerful depressant. Alcohol can significantly affect speech, coordination and mood. Short term side effects include drowsiness, diarrhoea, headaches, distorted vision, and vomiting. The long-term effects include liver disease, addiction, sexual dysfunction, pancreatitis and others.

Nowadays, you can enjoy this drink in a new way – with the addition of a beneficial supplement called cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. Today, CBD is used in various products, such as capsules, creams, oils, edibles and even alcoholic beverages. But is it a good idea to mix substances like CBD oil and alcohol?

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is a natural remedy used to ease the symptoms of some common ailments. The natural compound is one of over 110 phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant and endow the plant with unique therapeutic properties. Recently, scientists and medical doctors have tested and confirmed that CBD possesses promising health benefits.

CBD is usually linked with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychotropic compound in the cannabis plant that causes most users to feel “high” to varying physical or mental degrees. Unlike THC, CBD is generally well-tolerated and does not cause intoxication. This property makes CBD oil an appealing option in the health and wellness industry.

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabinoids tend to work in the body by indirectly interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex receptor system. The ECS is found in humans as well as fish, reptiles, mammals and some invertebrates.

The ECS was discovered in the 1990s when researchers were analysing the impact of cannabinoids in the body. CBD and THC have different effects, but both can interact with the body’s ECS, which is responsible for regulating vital bodily functions and supporting homeostasis.

Five Effects Of Combining CBD Oil & Alcohol

Supports healthy sleep

Although alcohol can make you sleepy, it could also disrupt your sleep cycles. Several human studies found that CBD could play an important role in supporting healthy sleep. Furthermore, CBD can help inhibit or reduce the activation of the stress hormone cortisol.

Can reduce cellular damage

Excessive alcohol intake harms liver cells. Luckily, it was also observed that CBD encourages the degradation of damaged liver cells. Animal studies suggest that CBD could reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver. 

Could decrease alcohol abuse

Due to the availability of alcohol, addiction is an incredibly common problem. Addiction is commonly associated with neurodegeneration, cognitive and behavioural impairment. Recent animal studies indicate that CBD has the potential power to reduce the reinforcing properties of alcohol and alcohol addiction. However, there are ongoing research studies examining the CBD’s properties to aid in treating alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal.

Alleviate hangovers

After a fun evening or amazing night, headaches, nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and intense thirst await you in the morning. Since hangover headaches usually are caused by inflammation resulting from dehydration, the potent anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can help to relieve pain and ease the adverse effects of alcohol intake. CBD also possesses neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, which could make it a great hangover relief option.

Enjoy new flavours

CBD oil has a unique flavour profile that can please your taste buds by adding it to the drink. That means you can enjoy familiar alcoholic beverages in a new way while receiving positive effects from CBD use.