CBD has become a go-to for those looking to feel more balanced, relaxed and in control of their wellbeing. You can take it as a drop of oil before bed, a gummy during the afternoon lull or a refreshing CBD drink to unwind in the evening; it's a flexible and effective tool in the wellness routines of many.
At the same time, alcohol remains a part of social life for a lot of people; a glass of wine with dinner, a beer at the pub or a cocktail to mark the end of the working week. Naturally, this raises an important question: can you take CBD with alcohol? And just as importantly, should you?
It's a fair question, and one worth answering properly. While both substances can help you switch off, combining them isn't always straightforward. How they interact can depend on what you take, how much and how your body responds.
One thing's for sure: there's no alarmist messaging here. Our goal is simple: to offer calm, clear answers so you can make informed decisions and discover new ways to support your wellbeing, naturally.
What happens when you mix CBD and alcohol?
CBD and alcohol may seem like very different substances – one known for its relaxing clarity, the other for its intoxicating haze – but they share some interesting overlaps in how they affect the body. Both are commonly used to take the edge off. Both can influence your mood, your sense of calm and your physical state. And both are processed by some of the same internal systems, including the endocannabinoid system and the liver.
Shared effects: relaxation and motor function
When taken separately, CBD and alcohol can each create a sense of ease or relaxation. That's part of why people use them. But when taken together, those calming effects can become amplified.
This can go one of two ways. For some people, combining CBD and alcohol may make them feel extra relaxed, slightly drowsy or more sedated than they expected. Others might find that it affects their coordination or reaction time, much like alcohol on its own, but with an extra layer.
That's because both substances can influence the nervous system. Alcohol is a known depressant, which slows down brain activity and physical responses. CBD, while non-intoxicating, also promotes a state of relaxation by interacting with key neurotransmitters involved in stress, mood and sleep. When combined, the result can be deeper calm – but also a greater risk of feeling too sluggish, foggy or physically impaired.
In practical terms, this means you might feel more tired than expected. Your focus might drift. Your reflexes could slow slightly. For this reason, it's especially important to avoid driving, operating machinery or making important decisions if you've taken both CBD and alcohol close together.
How the body processes CBD and alcohol
The way your body handles CBD and alcohol is another important part of the story. Both substances are processed by the liver, which is responsible for breaking down and clearing them from your system.
CBD is metabolised by liver enzymes in the cytochrome P450 family, which also handle many prescription drugs. Alcohol, too, is processed by liver enzymes, but it can also influence the activity of the same P450 enzymes involved in breaking down CBD.
What this means is that if you take CBD and alcohol close together, your liver may have to work harder, or more slowly, to metabolise both substances. In some cases, this could lead to slightly higher concentrations of CBD or alcohol in the blood for a longer period. While this doesn't make the combination inherently unsafe, it's one more reason to be mindful of timing and quantity.
If you take a high dose of CBD alongside multiple alcoholic drinks, the effects could be more pronounced than if you consumed either substance on its own. You might feel more sedated, more affected by the alcohol or find that the CBD hits differently than usual.
Timing and quantity matter
Ultimately, mixing CBD and alcohol isn't necessarily harmful – but how much you take, what type of CBD product you're using and how close together you take them can all influence how you feel. A low dose of CBD earlier in the evening, followed by a glass of wine later on, may have little to no noticeable impact for many people. But taking a strong CBD oil just before two or three drinks could amplify your body's response to both substances, especially if you're not used to them.
That's why, if you do choose to combine CBD and alcohol, it's wise to go slowly, pay attention to how your body reacts and be honest with yourself about what feels supportive and what doesn't.
Can you take CBD with alcohol? What the science says
The short answer is: yes, you can take CBD and alcohol together, but how they interact will depend on your body, how much you've taken of each and the context in which you're using them. While there's no current evidence to suggest that combining the two is dangerous or toxic, the effects can be amplified and for some, that can be less than ideal.
What the research says (so far)
Scientific interest in the relationship between CBD and alcohol is still growing and while large-scale human studies are limited, there are some useful findings to help guide decisions.
In a 2019 preclinical study, researchers found that CBD reduced alcohol intake, protected against alcohol-induced liver damage and prevented relapse in alcohol-dependent rats. While animal studies don't always translate directly to human experiences, this suggests a potential role for CBD in moderating alcohol use, particularly for those looking to cut back or reset their relationship with drinking.
Another small human study from 1979 looked at the effects of CBD and alcohol together. Participants who took 200mg of CBD along with alcohol had lower blood alcohol levels than those who drank alcohol alone, though they still experienced motor impairment and altered perception. This hints at the possibility that CBD may influence how the body processes alcohol, but it doesn't eliminate alcohol's typical effects.
So far, no study has shown that combining CBD and alcohol is toxic. That's an important distinction. There's no evidence of a dangerous chemical interaction. However, that doesn't mean it's a neutral combination for everyone.
Amplified effects
Where CBD and alcohol can intersect is in how they enhance or amplify each other's calming effects. Both substances can make you feel more relaxed – even sleepy – and both can impair coordination, focus and judgement if taken in large amounts or too close together.
So while you're unlikely to experience anything dangerous from having a CBD gummy and a glass of wine, you might feel more tired, foggy or less alert than usual. This is particularly worth noting if you're heading into a social situation, planning to drive or are trying to stay focused.
The risk is less about toxicity and more about how you feel – and whether that combination supports or disrupts your intentions.
Individual responses vary – a lot
Just as with CBD on its own, individual responses to mixing CBD and alcohol can vary widely.
Your body weight, metabolism, liver function and how accustomed you are to both substances will all influence the outcome. Someone who regularly takes upwards of 30mg CBD a day might feel very little when combining it with a drink. Someone new to CBD or sensitive to alcohol may find the same combination makes them feel groggy or unsettled.
Timing also matters. Taking CBD several hours before a drink is likely to feel very different to taking it at the same time.
This is why it's important to listen to your body and pay attention to how you respond. Start with low doses of both substances, keep track of how you feel and don't assume your experience will be the same as someone else's, even if you're using the same product.
What are the risks of mixing CBD and alcohol?
For most healthy adults, CBD is well tolerated and moderate alcohol consumption is a common part of social life. But when the two are combined, there are certain risks worth considering, especially when it comes to how you feel, function and make decisions. If you're planning on mixing the two, it's safest to do so only when you're in a secure, low-pressure environment and not expecting to make fast decisions or perform complex tasks.
Drowsiness and sedation
One of the most common reasons people take CBD is to help calm the mind or body; that might be to support sleep, ease tension or encourage a smoother wind-down in the evening. Alcohol, too, can feel relaxing, at least initially. Together, that sense of relaxation may tip into drowsiness.
While this can be helpful if you're deliberately winding down for the night, it can also leave you feeling more sluggish than expected, which is less than ideal the morning after.
Medication interactions
You know now that CBD and alcohol are both processed by the liver; specifically by a group of enzymes known as cytochrome P450. These enzymes also handle a wide range of prescription medications including blood thinners, antidepressants, antibiotics and anti-epileptics.
If you're taking any medication that relies on the liver for breakdown and clearance, combining it with CBD and alcohol can affect how efficiently that process happens. In some cases, this could increase or decrease the levels of the medication in your system, potentially making it less effective or increasing the risk of side effects.
That's why it's so important to speak to your doctor before introducing CBD, especially if you also drink alcohol regularly or are managing an existing medical condition.
It goes without saying, but combining CBD and alcohol – even in moderate amounts – is not recommended before driving, operating machinery or making any important decisions.
Even if you feel “fine”, your reaction time, focus and clarity may be subtly reduced. That might not be noticeable in a relaxed environment, but it can have serious consequences in more demanding situations.
If you're planning to try CBD and alcohol together, it's safest to do so at home and when you can be fully in tune with how your body responds.
CBD without alcohol: what are the benefits?
While it's possible to take CBD and alcohol together, many people find that CBD works best on its own. In fact, one of the main reasons CBD has become so popular is that it offers many of the relaxing, grounding effects people often seek from alcohol, but without the hangover, the mood swings or the disruption to sleep and recovery.
Benefit #1: Supporting stress and calm
CBD is best known for its ability to help the body manage stress. By interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, along with serotonin and other neurotransmitter pathways, it can help promote a greater sense of calm without dulling your energy.
That's one reason many people turn to CBD in moments where they might have once reached for a drink; after a busy afternoon, a post-work decompression or a social event that feels a little overstimulating, CBD offers a way to soften the edges without checking out.
Benefit #2: Improving sleep quality
While alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it's well known to disrupt your sleep cycle, often leading to lighter, more restless sleep and earlier wakeups. CBD, on the other hand, can support better sleep by calming a racing mind and helping the nervous system shift into a more restful state.
It doesn't sedate or knock you out. Instead, it helps set the stage for your body's natural sleep cycles to take over. That's why many people take CBD as part of their wind-down routine; to ease the transition from a full day into deeper, more consistent rest.
Benefit #3: Lifting mood and focus
CBD can also be part of a daily routine to support emotional balance and focus. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest it may help regulate mood by influencing serotonin activity in the brain; a key chemical involved in motivation, contentment and mental clarity.
Instead of using alcohol to 'take the edge off' during the day – which often leads to more imbalance later – CBD offers a way to stay steady, more present and better able to respond to challenges as they arise.
Benefit #4: Supporting physical recovery
CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a helpful addition to recovery routines, from easing post-exercise soreness to supporting your body through a demanding schedule. It can help support the body's ability to repair and reset, all without dehydrating you or slowing you down, as alcohol can.
A calmer alternative to drinking alcohol
For many people, CBD is not just a supplement; it's a meaningful alternative to alcohol. It supports similar feelings of relaxation and ease, but with far fewer downsides. No hangovers. No next-day regret. No sleep disruption or mood drop.
That's why products like CBD drinks, gummies and oils have become part of modern life; they might replace a post-work beer, take the place of a weekend glass of wine or offer a more balanced way to unwind without the after-effects of alcohol.
How long should you wait between CBD and alcohol?
If you're planning to take CBD and drink alcohol on the same day, timing matters. While there's no strict rule, spacing them out can help reduce the chance of amplifying their effects or feeling more sedated than expected.
As a general rule, it's sensible to wait at least four hours between taking CBD and consuming alcohol, especially if you're new to either or aren't sure how your body will respond to the combination. Taking CBD earlier in the day and having an alcoholic drink later in the evening is usually well tolerated for most people. That gap allows your body to start processing the CBD before alcohol enters the system, reducing the likelihood of both substances compounding their effects, particularly in terms of drowsiness, impaired focus or reaction time.
If you're using CBD oil, which is absorbed more quickly and directly into the bloodstream, it's even more important to allow some space between products. CBD drinks and gummies, which take longer to absorb but last longer in the system, may still be active hours after consumption, so be mindful of how much you've taken and when.
If you're trying CBD and alcohol together for the first time, take a moment to check in with your body before reaching for the next thing. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel more relaxed or overly tired?
- Am I clear-headed or a little foggy?
- Is my coordination the same as usual?
If something feels off – even slightly – it's a sign to pause and reassess. You can always adjust next time. The aim isn't to push limits, but to find what feels genuinely supportive and sustainable.
Keep doses low to start
If you do decide to combine CBD and alcohol, keep both doses low to begin with. For example, you might take a single CBD gummy earlier in the day and have one alcoholic drink later on. This gives your body a chance to adjust and gives you a clearer sense of how the combination affects you.
It's also worth noting that many people find they need less alcohol when they've already taken CBD because they're already feeling calmer, more grounded or more at ease.
Ultimately, it's about being intentional. CBD is designed to support wellbeing. That means checking in with yourself, using it in ways that serve you and not overloading your system with more than it needs.
Alternatives to mixing: How to unwind without alcohol
If your goal is to feel calmer, more relaxed or more present, there are plenty of ways to get there without alcohol in the mix. CBD is one option, but it can also be part of a broader lifestyle shift that supports wellbeing in a more sustainable way.
Herbal teas and natural sleep aids
Teas like chamomile, lavender, peppermint and valerian root have long been used to help calm the nervous system. Enjoyed in the evening, they can help signal to your body that it's time to slow down. Pairing herbal tea with CBD before bed or a CBD drink with dinner, creates a calming ritual that supports sleep and balance naturally.
Natural stress support from plants
Some herbs and fungi, like ashwagandha, reishi and Rhodiola, are known as adaptogens. That simply means they help the body adapt to stress over time. They don't work like alcohol or CBD, which you tend to feel more immediately, but when used consistently, they can help build resilience and reduce the impact of daily pressure. You'll find them in wellness supplements, teas and some functional drinks. And for many people, they slot neatly alongside CBD as part of a calmer routine.
Breathwork and mindfulness
Breathwork, meditation and short daily mindfulness exercises can also have a powerful effect. Even five minutes of guided breathing can shift your nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode and into rest-and-digest. You can use apps like Calm or Headspace or simply take a few slow breaths to reset between work and your evening.
Social alternatives that still connect
A big part of drinking culture isn't just about alcohol; it's about ritual and connection. That's why social alternatives that still feel thoughtful and intentional are so helpful. CBD drinks offer a refreshing, adult-feeling option without the downsides of alcohol. CBD drinks can deliver calm with clarity – no hangover, no hidden sugars, no unwanted effects. With 30mg of CBD per can, they're designed to genuinely support your nervous system, not just mimic the occasion.
You can also experiment with mocktails using soda water, citrus, fresh herbs, bitters and a drop of CBD oil, creating a relaxing drink that still feels like a treat.
Can CBD be used to quit drinking?
There's growing interest in CBD as a potential tool for people navigating alcohol dependency or cutting down after long-term use. While it's too early to call it a treatment, some early research suggests CBD might support the process in meaningful ways.
In preclinical studies, CBD has been shown to reduce alcohol-seeking behaviour in animals, help prevent relapse and even protect against some of the liver and brain damage associated with chronic alcohol use. Researchers believe CBD's interaction with serotonin receptors, the endocannabinoid system and inflammation pathways could all contribute to its potential benefits.
But – and it's a big but – this doesn't mean CBD should replace evidence-based care. Alcohol withdrawal is a serious medical condition, especially for those with long-term or heavy use and symptoms can range from anxiety and irritability to seizures and hallucinations. In these cases, professional treatment is not just recommended; it's essential.
If you're thinking about using CBD to support a reduction in alcohol use, it's important to speak to your GP or a qualified health professional first. They can help you assess whether CBD is appropriate for your circumstances and ensure it doesn't interfere with any medications or treatments you may already be using.
Used responsibly, CBD may become a helpful part of a broader recovery plan. But it should never be the only step.
A clearer way to unwind
For most people, combining CBD and alcohol occasionally, in moderation, isn't harmful. But it's also not necessary. The truth is that CBD works best on its own when it's not competing with alcohol's effects or processing demands.
Both substances influence how you feel – but in very different ways. Where alcohol can cloud, CBD can clarify. Where alcohol can pull you off balance, CBD is designed to restore it. And while alcohol often works fast and fades hard, CBD builds gently, helping you feel more present, steady and in control.
If you do choose to mix them, keep your doses low, space them out and be mindful of how your body responds. Avoid important tasks like driving and give yourself space to listen to what works and what doesn't.