Staying Safe: Tips for Avoiding Alcohol and Cannabis Edible Interactions

The two most common substances consumed in social settings by Americans today are alcohol and cannabis use. But what happens when you mix alcohol and weed? They are two controlled substances that can alter your physical and mental states. Still, few people realize that combining alcohol with marijuana use could result in a life-threatening drug interaction.

Many people choose one substance rather than both. However, in a social setting, when someone may be impaired, the option to use both alcohol and cannabis is usually available. A recent national alcohol survey found that daily marijuana use currently outpaces alcohol consumption in the United States.

Let’s discuss what happens when you mix the two and what steps you can take to protect your safety and recover from unpleasant (potentially harmful) side effects.

Understanding the Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Cannabis Edibles

Mixing alcohol with cannabis edibles can lead to unpredictable and often unpleasant effects, so it is essential to understand the risks involved. Both substances have potent effects on their own, but when combined, they can amplify each other in ways that might catch you off guard.

Alcohol can increase the absorption rate of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, leading to more substantial and more immediate effects. This can result in a phenomenon known “as “cross-fading,” where the user simultaneously experiences both substances’ intense, sometimes overwhelming sensations.

One of the main risks of mixing alcohol and cannabis edibles is the increased likelihood of experiencing extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment. This can make everyday tasks, such as walking or driving, incredibly dangerous. Additionally, the combination can intensify feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and nausea, turning what might have been a relaxing experience into a distressing one.

How Alcohol and Cannabis Interact in the Body

Understanding how alcohol and cannabis interact in the body can help you make safer choices. When consumed together, these substances can create a potent cocktail of effects well beyond their individual impacts.

Alcohol, a depressant, slows down the central nervous system, leading to relaxation and lowered inhibitions. Cannabis, depending on the strain and dosage, can act as either a depressant or a stimulant, affecting mood, perception, and cognition.

Drug and alcohol dependence can alter the tolerance that some people have when mixing weed and drinking alcohol. That is because when alcohol and cannabis are combined, alcohol can enhance the absorption of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, into the bloodstream.

The change in tolerance levels means that you might feel the effects of cannabis more quickly and intensely than expected. This interaction can lead to “greening,” where the user feels nauseous, dizzy, and anxious.

Moreover, alcohol impairs your ability to gauge the strength and onset of cannabis edibles, which can take longer to kick in compared to smoking. This delay might tempt you to consume more, leading to an unexpectedly intense high. The combined impairment from both substances can severely affect motor skills, coordination, and judgment, making activities like driving particularly hazardous.

To navigate these interactions safely, start with low doses and wait to see how each substance affects you before consuming more. In the United States, there are six (6) deaths every day caused by alcohol poisoning. Always be mindful of your body’s signals regarding impairment.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Cross-Intoxication

Recognizing the symptoms of cross-intoxication between cannabis and alcohol is crucial for staying safe. Cross-intoxication occurs when both substances are consumed together, leading to a blend of effects that can be intense and unpredictable. Knowing the signs can help you or someone else avoid a potentially uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

One of the first symptoms to watch for is dizziness. The combination of alcohol and cannabis can lower blood pressure and affect your equilibrium, making you feel lightheaded or unsteady. Another common sign is nausea or vomiting, often a result of the body being overwhelmed by the combined effects of both substances.

Mental confusion is also a key indicator. Cross-intoxication can significantly impair cognitive functions, leading to disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and poor decision-making. You might also experience heightened anxiety or paranoia, especially if you’ve consumed a high dose of THC. This can make you feel excessively worried or fearful without an apparent reason.

Physical symptoms include sweating, tremors, and an increased heart rate. These can be alarming and uncomfortable, signaling that your body struggles to process the substances. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or others, it’s important to stop consuming immediately, hydrate, and seek a safe, calm environment or medical care.

Setting Personal Limits: Know Your Tolerance Levels

Setting personal limits and knowing your tolerance levels is essential when mixing smokable cannabis or cannabis edibles and drinking alcohol. The chemical reaction to these substances can vary widely, so understanding your limits helps prevent unpleasant or dangerous experiences.

When setting limits, begin with small amounts of each substance. For alcohol, this might mean sticking to one drink initially. For cannabis, whether smokable or in edible form, start with a low dose of THC, as edibles can take longer to kick in, and their effects last longer. Always wait to feel the full impact before deciding to consume more.

Are Cannabis-Infused Drinks A Better Option?

If you enjoy the symptom relief and effects of cannabis but prefer drinking alcohol in a social setting, cannabis-infused beverages may be an option for you. Many states, such as California and Massachusetts, have multiple cannabis beverage brands available for consumers.

Talk about the best of both worlds! The psychoactive and physiological effects of cannabis are formulated into a refreshing seltzer, wine cooler, or mineral water. You can also make your cannabis-infused cocktails at home. Check out our how-to guide and recipe ideas to create your cannabis mocktails.

Consumption Timing and Dosage Considerations

Smart consumption of cannabis and alcohol requires careful attention to timing and dosage, as mixing these substances is not always safe. Each has powerful effects, which can intensify when combined, leading to unpredictable and potentially harmful outcomes.

When it comes to timing, avoid consuming both substances simultaneously. If you choose to use both, start with one and wait at least a few hours before consuming the other. This gives your body time to process the initial substance, helping you gauge its full effects before adding another into the mix.

Dosage is equally important. Start with low doses—one standard drink for alcohol and a small amount of cannabis, especially if it is your first time with edibles. Edibles can take longer to kick in, sometimes up to two hours, and their effects last longer than smoking. Patience is key to avoiding overconsumption.

Additionally, be aware that both alcohol and cannabis can interact negatively with certain prescription medications. If you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or heart medications, the combination can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the efficacy of your medications. Always consult your doctor before mixing these substances with your prescriptions.

Exercising caution, being mindful of your limits, and understanding the interactions between cannabis, alcohol, and any medication you’re taking can help ensure a safer experience. Making informed choices keeps you in control and minimizes the risk of adverse effects.

The Importance of Reading Labels and Ingredients

Reading labels and ingredients is crucial when mixing alcohol with cannabis to avoid dangerous interactions. Alcoholic beverages and cannabis edibles often contain more than just alcohol and THC. Edibles, in particular, can include varying concentrations of THC and other cannabinoids, which can significantly affect potency and duration of effects.

Paying attention to labels helps you understand what you are consuming, allowing you to make informed decisions about dosages. Misjudging the strength of either substance can lead to overconsumption, increasing the risk of severe intoxication, nausea, anxiety, and impaired judgment. Additionally, some cannabis products contain additives or interact with certain medications, exacerbating side effects when combined with alcohol.

By carefully reading and understanding labels, you can better manage your intake, avoid unwanted surprises, and maintain control over your experience, ensuring your safety and well-being.

Staying Hydrated: The Role of Water in Managing Intoxication

Staying hydrated is essential when using medical marijuana or alcohol, as both substances can contribute to dehydration. Cannabis, especially when smoked, can lead to dry mouth and an increased heart rate, both of which can make you feel dehydrated. Alcohol, a diuretic, increases urine production, quickly depleting the body’s fluids.

When consuming both, the risk of dehydration intensifies, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water helps counteract these effects, maintaining hydration and supporting overall bodily functions.

What Are The Best Ways To Stay Hydrated?

If you are prone to feeling hungover after drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis, hydration can help. While cannabis can cause symptoms like red and irritated eyes or dry mouth, it does not actually dehydrate you at the cellular level.

However, alcohol is a diuretic that pulls fluids from your blood through the renal system (kidneys, ureters, and bladder) at a speedy rate. This can cause an increased risk of rapid dehydration, potentially accompanied by other symptoms, including nausea and headaches.

Make it a habit to drink water regularly throughout your session, and consider alternating between alcoholic drinks and water. Staying hydrated not only helps manage intoxication levels but also enhances your overall well-being, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience.

What to Do If You Experience Adverse Effects

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of adverse effects from consuming cannabis and alcohol. These can include severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extreme anxiety, paranoia, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or fainting. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, immediate action is necessary.

If you are experiencing adverse symptoms caused by consuming alcohol and cannabis, here are some suggested interventions or steps you can take if you are mixing weed and alcohol.

Stay Calm and Find a Safe Space

Panic can worsen the symptoms. Find a calm, quiet space to sit or lie comfortably. If you are feeling anxious or paranoid, try engaging in deep breathing exercises to help calm your mind. Remember that these effects are temporary and will pass.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help flush the substances from your system more quickly and alleviate symptoms like dry mouth, dizziness, and headaches. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can increase or amplify dehydration and anxiety.

Eat Something Light

Consuming light snacks can help mitigate nausea and dizziness. Opt for bland foods like crackers, bread, or fruit. Avoid heavy or greasy foods, which might exacerbate nausea.

Seek Support

Having someone by your side can provide comfort and assistance if needed. If you feel unwell, call a trusted friend or family member to stay with you or check in periodically. When you are concerned about your side effects, call the poison control hotline for guidance and assistance.

Avoid Further Consumption

It might seem obvious, but avoid consuming any more alcohol or cannabis. Adding more to your system can intensify the adverse effects and prolong recovery. Forget the advice of drinking alcohol to cure a hangover; the “hair of the dog that bit you” can make you feel a whole lot worse.

If you are experiencing adverse side effects from smokable marijuana use, take a break and allow your body to absorb and process the THC you consumed. Taking too much cannabis (similar to the risks of alcohol poisoning) will only exacerbate the negative symptoms you are experiencing.

Monitor Your Symptoms

If symptoms like severe vomiting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing occur, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you are taking prescription medications, it is possible for both alcohol and cannabis to conflict and cause adverse effects.

Do not try to “wait it out” if you feel uncomfortable or experience distressing symptoms. People who have consumed alcohol and small amounts of cannabis have consistently impaired driving performance. Call a friend (or an Uber or Lyft), but don’t try to drive yourself when you feel unwell.

Seek Medical Help

Do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe or persistent. If you are taking prescription medications, you have higher risk factors for adverse health effects and symptoms. Some of these could be potentially life-threatening, as cannabis can reduce the efficacy of certain medications, such as blood thinners and many common anxiety medications.

Call emergency services or visit the nearest emergency room. Be honest about what and how much you have consumed; this information is crucial for medical personnel to provide appropriate care.

Robert Dotson Jr., M.D.

A U.S. Army Reserve Veteran (Major), Dr. Dotson graduated from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences, College of Medicine. Dr. Dotson also served as Clinical Adjunct Faculty at the Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. For more than thirty years, Dr. Dotson has provided quality patient care specializing in ophthalmology and family medicine, and he is a Certifying Physician for DocMJ.