Cbd And Beer: Mixing Safety Concerns

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a popular compound found in hemp plants that can help with anxiety, sleep, and pain relief. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant that affects the brain and body, impairing coordination, cognition, and altering mood and behaviour. So, what happens when you mix the two?

The short answer is that we don't yet know for sure. There is limited research on the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol, and the studies that do exist have been conducted on small sample sizes or on animals. However, here is what we know so far.

CBD and alcohol are both nervous system depressants, so combining the two may increase feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. There is also a chance that mixing CBD and alcohol could lower blood alcohol levels, as seen in a 1979 study where participants who took CBD and alcohol had lower blood alcohol levels than those who took a placebo with alcohol. Additionally, CBD might protect against alcohol-induced health issues like liver damage and brain cell loss, as seen in animal studies.

It is important to note that the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol may depend on various factors, including the amount of alcohol and CBD consumed and the amount of THC present in the CBD product. While there may be some potential benefits to mixing the two, it is generally recommended to err on the side of caution and consume CBD and alcohol in moderation and not concurrently.

CBD and alcohol may amplify each other's effects

However, it is important to note that the research on the interaction between CBD and alcohol is still limited. The existing studies have produced conflicting findings, with some showing amplified effects and others showing no change when the two substances are combined.

For example, one small study from 1979 found that participants who consumed 200 mg of CBD alongside alcohol experienced significant impairments in motor performance and alterations in their perception of time. On the other hand, two other small studies from the same year showed no change in effects when people were given a combination of CBD and alcohol compared to alcohol alone.

It is also worth noting that the 1979 study used a much higher amount of CBD than most people typically use today. Therefore, more research is needed to determine how CBD and alcohol interact at moderate doses.

In general, it is recommended to consume both substances in moderation and to be cautious when mixing them.

Combining the two may lead to drowsiness or behavioural changes

Combining CBD and alcohol may lead to drowsiness or behavioural changes. Alcohol is a depressant, and CBD is a relaxant, so there are concerns that the two substances could amplify each other's effects. For example, a person may feel sleepier when combining CBD and alcohol than they would after consuming either substance alone.

In addition, alcohol can impair coordination and increase the risk of accidents, and CBD may enhance these effects. Combining the two may also lead to impaired motor performance and altered perception of time.

However, the research on the interaction between CBD and alcohol is limited, and the side effects will depend on several factors, including the amount of alcohol and CBD consumed and the amount of THC in the CBD product.

CBD may reduce blood alcohol levels

Other studies have found conflicting results. Several animal studies have reported that CBD did not reduce blood alcohol concentration when it was given to animals alongside alcohol. One such study, conducted in 1979, found that when 200mg of CBD was taken at the same time as alcohol, it reduced blood alcohol levels. However, this did not happen when a different dose of CBD was given one hour before alcohol in another study. It is important to note that the level of impairment remained the same in both studies, and CBD did not appear to lessen alcohol's effects when they were given together.

As such, it is difficult to draw any clear conclusions from the existing research. More studies are needed to determine how CBD may affect blood alcohol levels in humans.

CBD may protect against alcohol-induced cell damage

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause cell damage, increasing the risk of inflammation and chronic diseases such as pancreatitis, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. Several animal studies have shown that CBD may protect against cell damage caused by alcohol consumption.

For example, in one study, applying CBD gel to the skin of rats decreased brain-cell damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption by up to 49%. Another study found that injecting mice with CBD helped protect against alcohol-induced fatty liver disease by increasing autophagy, a process that promotes the turnover of new cells and leads to tissue regeneration.

In addition, a clinical trial on rats published in the journal Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that administering CBD with ethanol reduced alcohol-induced cell death in the hippocampus and etorhinal cortex of the brain in a dose-dependent manner by up to 60%.

While these animal studies and clinical trials show promising results, more research is needed to determine whether CBD can prevent alcohol-induced cell damage in humans.

CBD may be therapeutic for alcohol addiction

Alcohol addiction, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition characterised by an inability to control drinking habits despite negative consequences. AUD can have far-reaching effects on personal safety, health, and social relationships.

Research indicates that CBD may offer therapeutic benefits in managing AUD symptoms. CBD can influence brain networks linked to addiction and may alleviate AUD symptoms by modulating the endocannabinoid system.

Animal studies have shown that CBD can significantly decrease alcohol-seeking behaviours and reduce impulsivity associated with withdrawal. A study on alcohol-addicted rats found that CBD helped reduce alcohol intake, prevented relapse, and decreased motivation to consume alcohol. Another study on 24 smokers found that using a CBD inhaler for one week reduced cigarette use by 40%.

However, more high-quality studies are needed to determine whether CBD may help with alcohol addiction in humans.

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