If you’re following health trends, you’re probably aware that CBD offers a ton of positive effects on the body. CBD and alcohol are pretty safe when taken together and can even be beneficial together in some ways. Here’s everything you need to know about alcohol and CBD, how they interact, and how you can try your own CBD cocktails at home.
Is it safe to mix CBD and alcohol?
At the end of the day, yes. It’s safe to mix alcohol and CBD. CBD is safely infused with all sorts of topicals, edibles, tinctures, and vapes. These days, you can already find CBD-infused shots, beers, and other beverages at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants all over the country. CBD is legal all over the country thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp.
Both alcohol and CBD are known for helping you release inhibitions and feel more relaxed. Taking alcohol and CBD together amplifies these effects, though it tends to leave you feeling more tired and sedated. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, it doesn’t have any adverse interactions with alcohol. All of the negative effects, like decreased motor function and changes in mood or behavior, come from the alcohol itself.
CBD protects against the negative effects of alcohol
While the side effects of CBD and alcohol aren’t studied much since they don’t interact negatively, lots of studies have explored how CBD can actually counteract some of the adverse effects of alcohol.
CBD has cell-protective properties and may help prevent cell damage and disease caused by alcohol. Drinking too much can increase inflammation and cause cancer, pancreatitis, liver disease, and the destruction of brain cells, while CBD can reduce these effects. CBD helps the body function optimally and find balance when taken every day.
CBD may also help reduce blood alcohol levels. The more alcohol you have in your blood, the more impaired you feel. One study found that people who took a hefty dose of CBD with alcohol had much lower BAC levels than those who consumed alcohol with a placebo.
Lastly, CBD has shown to be therapeutic against alcohol addictions. Many researchers believe that CBD can help treat alcohol use disorder since studies have shown that CBD reduces many symptoms associated with addiction and withdrawal. CBD can help reduce alcohol intake, prevent relapse, and decrease the motivation or interest in consuming alcohol.
Ultimately, the main side effect of CBD and alcohol is tiredness, but there are plenty of benefits associated with taking alcohol and CBD together.
CBD and alcohol cocktails, and a recipe
Since CBD has actually been found to reduce some of the adverse effects of alcohol, many bars and restaurants are adding CBD to their cocktail menus. Typically the bars will use full-spectrum CBD to get a range of effects from other cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes can help boost the effects of CBD while also improving the scents and flavors of the cocktail.
Pattern Bar in the fashion district offers a ton of different cocktails, and you can add CBD to any drink for a small fee. You can also find CBD and terpene-infused cocktails and kombuchas at Prank Bar in Los Angeles. If you’re not looking to spend money out at bars and restaurants, you can also find CBD-infused alcohol at select liquor stores.
However, infusing CBD to your favorite cocktails is exceptionally easy. You simply make your favorite drink and add a dose of CBD oil to your mix. You can even add terpenes to help alter your flavor profiles and boost the effectiveness of your CBD.
Try this recipe for a CBD-infused dirty martini.
To make your own CBD cocktail, you will need:
- 2 ounces dry gin
- 1/2 ounce extra dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce green olive cocktail brine
- One dash fresh cracked black pepper
- Green olive
- 10-20mg dose full-spectrum CBD oil
- Optional: a dash of water-soluble b-caryophyllene terpenes for flavor
To make it:
- Add ice to a mixing glass along with gin, vermouth, cocktail brine, and optional b-Caryophyllene terpenes. Stir until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Add CBD oil, skewered olive, and black pepper for garnish.
The bottom line
Taking CBD and alcohol together can reduce the effects of alcohol, though there isn’t enough information available to determine the long-term risks of the combination. You should also keep in mind that CBD affects everyone differently, so the effects may vary from person to person. If you decide to mix alcohol and CBD, start with small amounts of each to lower your risks of negative side effects.
We’d also like to reiterate that this information is not to be interpreted as medical advice. We do not condone substance abuse. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this mix if you have any concerns.
