Weed Beer: Can You Get High Drinking It?

Drinking alcohol and smoking weed are two of the most common recreational activities. But what happens when you mix the two? When people smoke weed while drinking beer, they tend to have higher levels of THC in their blood compared to when they do not drink while smoking. This is because the alcohol in beer widens the blood vessels, allowing THC to be absorbed more quickly. While some users report that drinking while smoking can lead to a higher high, it can also amplify the adverse effects of cannabis, such as anxiety, breathing problems, headaches, impaired judgment, increased heart rate, and nausea.

THC-infused beers can get you high, but CBD-only beers won't

It is important to note that, while THC-infused beers can induce a high similar to that of smoking or ingesting cannabis, the experience may differ when combined with alcohol. Alcohol can intensify the effects of THC, leading to a stronger high. This combination may be desirable for some but can also increase the risk of adverse effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired judgment. Additionally, the alcoholic content in beer can widen blood vessels, allowing THC to be absorbed more quickly, which can further enhance the high.

The legality of THC-infused beers varies and is subject to changing regulations. In some places, it may be illegal for breweries to add THC to their beer, and consumers may need to infuse their own beverages for personal consumption. On the other hand, CBD-infused beers are more widely accepted and can be found in certain regions, such as Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. However, the legal status of CBD beers can also be unclear, and they may face challenges due to bureaucratic red tape.

While THC-infused beers can induce a high, it is important to consume them responsibly and in moderation. Combining THC with alcohol can lead to unpredictable behaviours and increase the risk of developing a dependence on one or both substances. It is also crucial to consider factors such as medication use, tolerance levels, and the interval between consuming cannabis and alcohol to minimise potential negative consequences.

In summary, THC-infused beers have the potential to get you high due to the presence of the psychoactive compound THC. However, CBD-only beers will not have the same effect as CBD does not produce mind-altering effects. It is essential to understand the legal status and potential risks associated with consuming THC-infused beers, especially when combined with alcohol.

Alcohol widens blood vessels, allowing THC to be absorbed faster

When people smoke weed and drink beer, blood tests show higher levels of THC in their blood compared to when they only smoke. This is because alcohol widens the blood vessels, allowing THC to be absorbed much faster.

THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive ingredient in weed. When a person consumes both weed and alcohol, they tend to feel the effects of one or both of these substances faster than they would typically experience. This combination is known as crossfading.

While some users report that drinking while smoking can give a higher high, it can also amplify the adverse effects of smoking cannabis. Symptoms that get intensified include anxiety, breathing problems, headaches, impaired judgment, increased heart rate, increased appetite, hallucinations, memory problems, nausea, and paranoia.

The combination of weed and beer can also lead to unpredictable behaviours and expose people to extreme cerebral symptoms. Additionally, consuming too much alcohol can lead to memory loss or blackouts. Regularly consuming both substances can also lead to the development of a dependence on one or both of them.

Drinking alcohol before smoking weed can heighten the risk of experiencing anxiety, panic, and paranoia. On the other hand, taking cannabis before drinking alcohol can make a person less aware of their surroundings and less able to control their alcohol intake, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.

While weed beer may sound appealing, it is important to note that it is not without its challenges and potential risks. The process of making weed beer involves dealcoholizing the beer and then infusing it with THC and/or CBD isolates. This presents logistical, legal, and brewing challenges, as well as increased costs due to the number of facilities required for production.

In conclusion, while alcohol can enhance the absorption of THC, leading to a stronger high, it is important to exercise caution when mixing the two substances as it can also amplify the adverse effects.

Combining weed and beer can amplify adverse effects like anxiety, nausea, and paranoia

Combining weed and beer can amplify adverse effects, such as anxiety, nausea, and paranoia. This is primarily due to the interaction between the two substances, particularly the increased absorption of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in weed, when consumed with alcohol.

When alcohol is consumed before using weed, it can intensify the effects of THC. Alcohol widens the blood vessels, allowing for quicker absorption of THC, resulting in a stronger high. While some individuals may enjoy this enhanced effect, it can also lead to unpleasant symptoms, such as increased anxiety, paranoia, and nausea. This phenomenon is often referred to as "greening out."

Additionally, the combination of weed and beer can impair cognitive function and increase the risk of developing a dependence on either or both substances. Regularly mixing alcohol and weed may also lead to decreased cognitive performance and changes in brain structures over time.

It is worth noting that the effects of mixing weed and beer can vary from person to person, and other factors such as tolerance, type of alcohol and weed consumption, and individual health conditions can also play a role in the overall experience. However, due to the potential amplification of adverse effects, it is generally recommended to avoid mixing weed and beer or to proceed with caution if choosing to do so.

Drinking before smoking weed intensifies its effects, while smoking before drinking may make you less aware of your alcohol intake

Drinking alcohol and smoking weed together can lead to a range of adverse effects, including dizziness, sweating, and nausea. This combination is often referred to as "cross-fading" or "greening out." While it may be enjoyable for some, it can cause discomfort for others.

Drinking alcohol before smoking weed intensifies the effects of weed. Alcohol increases the absorption of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in weed, resulting in a stronger high. This can be desirable for experienced users but may lead to an unpleasant "green out" for those sensitive to weed or with less experience.

On the other hand, smoking weed before drinking alcohol may make you less aware of your alcohol intake. Weed appears to slow down the rise of blood alcohol levels, delaying the feeling of drunkenness. This can lead to drinking more than intended and increase the risk of alcohol poisoning. It also makes it challenging to gauge your level of impairment, which can be dangerous if you need to drive or operate machinery.

The order in which you consume alcohol and weed can significantly impact your overall experience and level of impairment. It is important to be cautious and aware of the potential risks and side effects when combining these substances.

Weed beer is not a trend—it's here to stay

The world of cannabis-infused beer has been steadily growing since legislation changed at the top of 2018, and it's not going anywhere. Weed beer might seem like a fad, but it's a natural evolution of two of the world's most popular recreational substances: weed and beer.

Beer drinkers are a ripe crossover audience for cannabis-infused beverages. The familiarity of herbaceous flavours from hops and the overall inclusive, laid-back vibe of beer culture make it a good fit for cannabis.

The process of making weed beer is challenging. Most products that fall under the weed beer umbrella are dealcoholized beers, which is difficult because alcohol is one of the main carriers of body and flavour in beer. The current industry standard is to use a flavourless and colourless THC and/or CBD isolate in liquid form, which is nano-emulsified to make the cannabinoids more bioavailable. This means the effects come on faster and feel stronger.

Weed beer also presents a unique opportunity for seasoned and new cannabis users. One of the benefits is the intuitive serving size—one beer equals one dose. Low doses, combined with a quick onset, allow consumers to self-manage their experience and avoid accidentally consuming too much.

In addition, weed beer fits in with current trends in the cannabis world. According to research by BDS Analytics, the top two cannabis trends for 2019 were social consumption and infused beverages.

Beer industry expert Angela Steil predicts that "beer will be one of the biggest industries driving [cannabis] laws and consumption forward". As a beer lover and consumer herself, she is excited about having a non-alcoholic but THC/CBD-based beverage option as part of the larger non-alcoholic trend. She also points out that the relationship between hops and marijuana means that the flavours of weed beer are already familiar to beer consumers, especially those who enjoy IPAs.

The future looks bright for weed beer, and it's clear that it's not just a passing fad. As Steil declares, "weed beer is not a trend, it's here to stay".

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