Both cannabis and alcohol are known for their relaxing effects on the body and mind. If you are looking to unwind from a long day or a hard stressful week, you may be considering mixing two of your favorite legal substances; cannabis and alcohol.

 

Just like most things in life, moderation is key. It is highly unlikely that mixing cannabis and alcohol will cause any health concerns when consumed responsibly. In fact, it can be enjoyable. Let’s talk about how. 

 

Initial Considerations When Consuming Cannabis and Alcohol

Here are some things to consider when choosing the best way to unwind, starting with some terms to know so that you can keep up with the cool kids. 

 

• Crossfading: Occasional mixing of alcohol and weed. 
• SAM: Simultaneous use of Alcohol and Marijuana
• Green out: Feeling adverse effects after consuming too much cannabis. 
• Spins: Adverse reaction to intoxication that includes dizziness. This can be prompted by cannabis or alcohol. 
• Drunk: Temporary state of physical and mental impairment induced by alcohol. 

 

People can have very different reactions to the same amount of cannabis or alcohol. It is important to understand your personal tolerance for both substances in order to avoid adverse effects such as greening out, spins, or drunkenness. 

 

Factors such as your weight, metabolic speed, hydration levels, and food intake can all impact the way your body reacts to what you consume. The method of consumption and amount is extremely important. Make sure that you are choosing a cannabis product that is reputable and properly labeled from a licensed Michigan marijuana dispensary in order to avoid consuming more or less than you intend.  

 

What Does Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol Do To Your Body?

A 2015 study published in Clinical Chemistry found that participants who consumed cannabis with a small amount of alcohol had significantly higher THC levels than those who consumed cannabis alone.

 

According to Medical News Today, this could occur because alcohol dilates blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract. When blood vessels widen, THC can be absorbed faster. This may be most impactful with cannabis edibles because, like alcohol, they are processed through the liver before entering the bloodstream. 

 

Method of Marijuana Consumption Matters

Versatile cannabis consumers may notice that the high from edibles is less predictable than other methods of ingestion such as inhalation. Part of this is due to the factors previously listed, but also the conversion process that takes place during digestion. If you are not a regular edible consumer, it is probably best to avoid mixing edibles and alcohol. 

 

Inhaling cannabis by smoking or vaping introduces cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream through capillaries in the lungs. Edibles are known to “sneak up” on consumers because they don’t enter the bloodstream until they are metabolized in the liver. The liver converts THC (Delta-9) to 11-Hydroxy-THC. This compound is nearly 9 times more potent than THC that is inhaled. 

 

Should You Consume Alcohol or Cannabis First?

Drinking prior to cannabis consumption can intensify the effects of cannabis. If this is what you are hoping to achieve, make sure you are still consuming in moderation. Consuming more cannabis than your body is used to can cause you to “green out,” which is the opposite of the relaxing feeling you were hoping for. 

 

Using cannabis prior to alcohol may reduce the immediate impact of alcohol causing you to feel less intoxicated than you are. Strains high in CBD (cannabidiol) may have a positive impact on alcohol consumption. Some studies have focused on the antioxidant effects of CBD on the body to reduce hangovers and fatty liver disease, but the research is not conclusive. 

 

The Best Way to Consume Cannabis and Alcohol

There is no one-size-fits all approach to consuming cannabis, alcohol, or a combination of the two. As a hard and fast rule. know your limits with each substance separately and then cut that tolerance in half.

Cannabis Beverages and Mixes

It is currently illegal for alcohol or cannabis producers to make products that contain both substances, but there are beverages that contain cannabis without alcohol. There are also cannabis beverage mixes. Make sure to read the label on any cannabis beverage so you know what you are getting, and ask questions when purchasing from your trusted Michigan marijuana dispensary. 

Terpenes and Strains

Wine and cannabis both contain terpenes that give them their unique flavor and aroma profiles. In recent years, wine and weed pairing events have begun to pop up in states where marijuana is recreationally legal. This can be a fun way to learn more about strains you enjoy, as well as wine varietals. 

Alcohol Percentages

As with all alcoholic drinks, the higher the alcohol content, the faster you will become intoxicated. This also impacts how fast your body responds to cannabis in your system. Hard alcohol generally has a higher alcohol percentage than beer or wine. 

 

Cannabis and Alcohol Takeaways

Here is a summary of things to remember when you are considering using cannabis and alcohol:

 

• Moderation is key
• Know your tolerance of each substance separately
• Understand how your body responds to different methods of cannabis consumption
• Stay hydrated before, during, and after
• Choose your drinks and strains wisely

The knowledgeable Cannsultants at our Michigan marijuana dispensary can help you choose the right products to fit your needs. It is important to remember that both cannabis and alcohol can impact any medication you may be taking, so we advise that you consult your physician prior to using either substance in conjunction with medication.