Cbd And Beer: Safe Mix Or Risky Business?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular compound found in hemp plants that can help alleviate anxiety, improve sleep and relieve pain. It's gained popularity in recent years, with people using it in various forms, from oils to drinks. But what happens when you mix CBD and alcohol? Is it safe?

The short answer is: we don't know for sure. There is limited research on the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol, and the existing studies have produced conflicting results. While some studies suggest that CBD and alcohol can amplify each other's effects, leading to increased sedation and impaired coordination, other studies have shown no change in effects when the two are combined.

It's important to note that the side effects of mixing CBD and alcohol may depend on several factors, including the amount of alcohol and CBD consumed and the presence of THC in the CBD product. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, heart, liver and pancreas, and mixing it with CBD could potentially increase these negative effects.

Until more research is available, it's advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid mixing CBD and alcohol. If you choose to consume them together, do so in moderation and with caution, especially when driving or operating machinery.

CBD and alcohol may amplify each other's effects

However, the research on the interaction between CBD and alcohol is limited. The existing studies have produced conflicting results, with some suggesting amplified effects and others showing no change when CBD and alcohol are combined. It is important to note that the amount of CBD and alcohol consumed can also influence the effects.

While CBD is generally considered safe, and alcohol is deemed acceptable within limits, excessive consumption of either substance can lead to adverse health consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to consume both in moderation and with caution to minimise the risk of potential side effects.

Potential side effects of mixing CBD and alcohol

Mixing CBD and alcohol may amplify each other's effects, and consuming both together in high doses may cause an increase in sedation and sleepiness. Combining CBD and alcohol could also lead to impaired coordination and, in rare cases, vomiting.

The FDA warns that mixing CBD and alcohol can cause increased sedation and drowsiness, which could create a safety hazard when driving, operating machinery, or working with kitchen equipment. Alcohol may also worsen the sedation caused by CBD, and both substances can cause similar side effects such as drowsiness, diarrhoea, and liver abnormalities.

However, it is important to note that research on the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol is still limited, with only a handful of small, outdated human studies and animal studies available.

Recommendations

If you decide to mix CBD and alcohol, it is recommended to stick to low amounts of both to minimise the risk of adverse side effects. It is also important to consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

It is generally advised to wait at least four hours after your last dose of CBD before consuming alcohol, and to always start with a low dose of CBD and increase gradually as needed.

CBD may protect against alcohol's negative effects

While there is limited research on the health effects of taking CBD with alcohol, some studies suggest that CBD may protect against alcohol's negative effects. Here are some ways CBD may have a positive impact when taken with alcohol:

Preventing Cell Damage and Disease

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause cell damage and increase 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, a study on rats showed that applying CBD gel to the skin reduced brain-cell damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption by up to 49%. Similarly, another study on mice found that CBD helped protect against alcohol-induced fatty liver disease by increasing autophagy, a process that promotes new cell growth and tissue regeneration.

Reducing Blood Alcohol Levels

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) measures the amount of alcohol in the blood. A higher BAC generally leads to a greater loss of motor control and cognitive function. A study on 10 people found that when participants took 200 mg of CBD with alcohol, their blood alcohol levels were significantly lower than when they consumed alcohol with a placebo. However, it is important to note that this study used a very high dose of CBD, and more research is needed to determine the effect of normal CBD doses on BAC.

Therapeutic Potential for Alcohol Addiction

Some researchers believe that CBD could be a potential treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Animal studies have shown that CBD can help reduce symptoms of addiction and withdrawal. A study on alcohol-addicted rats found that CBD reduced alcohol intake, prevented relapse, and decreased the motivation to consume alcohol. While human research is limited, a study on 24 smokers found that using a CBD inhaler for a week reduced cigarette use by 40%, suggesting that CBD may help curb addictive behaviours.

Reducing Alcohol-Related Liver Damage

Initial research on animals indicates that CBD could help reduce alcohol-related liver damage by decreasing inflammation and slowing the development of fatty liver. A study on mice showed that CBD treatment improved liver damage due to excessive drinking, inhibited inflammatory responses, and limited fat buildup in the liver.

Alcohol may worsen sedation when combined with CBD

However, it is important to note that the research on the interaction between CBD and alcohol is still limited. There are only a few human studies on the topic, and they were conducted with very small groups of people. These studies showed no change in effects when participants were given a combination of CBD and alcohol compared to alcohol alone.

Despite this, it is generally recommended to avoid mixing CBD and alcohol due to the potential risks. The side effects of alcohol are much more severe than those of CBD oil, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause significant damage to the body, including the brain, nervous system, heart, liver, and pancreas.

If you decide to mix CBD and alcohol, it is essential to do so in moderation and with caution. It is also recommended to wait at least four hours after taking CBD oil before consuming alcohol to reduce the risk of adverse side effects.

CBD may be a treatment for alcohol addiction

While there is limited research on the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol, some studies suggest that CBD may be a potential treatment for alcohol addiction.

CBD's Effects on Alcohol Addiction

CBD has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption and protect against liver and brain damage caused by excessive alcohol use. Research suggests that CBD may:

• Reduce alcohol-related steatosis and fibrosis in the liver by reducing lipid accumulation, stimulating autophagy, modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and inducing death of activated hepatic stellate cells.
• Reduce alcohol-related brain damage and prevent neuronal loss by its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
• Reduce stress-related alcohol consumption, withdrawal convulsions, and impulsive alcohol use, indicating a potential reduction in alcohol cravings.
• Lower the motivation to drink or seek out alcohol.
• Reduce the urge to drink alcohol when combined with naltrexone, a medication that treats substance misuse.

Human Studies on CBD and Alcohol Addiction

While most of the research on CBD as a treatment for alcohol addiction has been conducted on animals, there have been some small-scale human studies. One study involving 120 adults who used both cannabis and alcohol found that people may be less likely to consume as much alcohol if they use CBD. Another study in 24 smokers found that using a CBD inhaler for one week reduced cigarette use by 40%, suggesting that CBD could help curb addictive behaviours.

In conclusion, while the research on using CBD as a treatment for alcohol addiction is still in its early stages, the available evidence suggests that CBD may be a promising therapeutic option. However, more high-quality human studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of CBD in treating alcohol addiction.

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