Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking CBD?
If you’re thinking about taking CBD, you might be wondering if you can still drink alcohol.
According to a poll carried out by YouGov, nearly one-in-ten Britons have been using CBD products since they became available on the UK market in 2018. Similarly, there are 71.2% of adults in the UK consuming alcohol at least once a week.
Picture this: you’re nervous about going out for a drink with a new date tonight, so you want to take drop of your trusty CBD. But wait – can you still have that drink if you do?
Whether you’re celebrating or having a quiet drink with a friend, you might be curious as to whether your alcohol consumption is having any impact on the effects of your CBD, or whether there are any safety concerns over mixing the two.
If you’re taking CBD, it is critical to be aware of any drug interactions. Here, we explore the interaction between CBD and alcohol.
Can I drink alcohol when taking CBD?
As far as current understanding goes – it is safe to drink alcohol while consuming CBD. However, the answer is not as simple as this, as there are some considerations to keep in mind when consuming the two together.
Scientific research has so far revealed sedation to be the most common side effect of CBD, which can cause people to feel drowsy and relaxed. At the same time, alcohol is a depressant drug and is known to induce sleepiness and slowed breathing.
These effects on the central nervous system from CBD and alcohol combined may increase levels of drowsiness, potentially leading to accidents or decreased coordination.
Additionally, both CBD and alcohol have been shown to reduce blood pressure in research, which could be a dangerous combination for some people. Reduced blood pressure can cause dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and fainting.
As every body is different, both CBD and alcohol will affect each individual differently. It is also important to consider your tolerance to alcohol and your own body’s response to CBD if combining the two.
Start low, go slow
The effects of the two substances together may be dependent on dose, so, if you’re planning to drink and drop, an important rule of thumb is always to ‘start low and go slow’.
Equally, moderation is key, and taking either substance in large quantities could be harmful.
As it stands, research into CBD is still in its early days, and studies that have been carried out have been done on animals or with small human cohorts.
Similarly, there are no long-term studies on CBD and alcohol, so our current understanding of the two substances interaction is limited.
If you're considering implementing CBD into your routine, ensure you consult with a medical professional to ensure it is suitable for you.