Key Takeaways:
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CBD is extracted from hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant grown to contain very little THC. In the UK, a finished CBD product must contain no more than 1mg of controlled cannabinoids per container to be sold legally.
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It helps promote a sense of calm by interacting with the receptors and endocannabinoids of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
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Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant. In moderation, it can act as a stimulant, but it can have negative side effects.
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Mixing CBD and alcohol in moderation is generally well tolerated, and some early research points to CBD potentially offsetting a few of alcohol's negative effects, though the evidence is limited.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) classifies CBD (cannabidiol) as a Novel Food. As long as a CBD product is registered on the FSA’s Novel Foods list and contains 1mg or less of controlled cannabinoids per container (THC is a controlled cannabinoid), it's legal to buy and sell in the UK.
Many people use CBD to relax, and many others drink alcohol to switch off. But what about mixing CBD and alcohol? What are the effects of mixing the two, and are there any side effects?
Early research suggests that CBD and alcohol can be mixed, but there are a few things to consider before you do. This article explains everything you need to know.
Can you take CBD and alcohol together?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, can promote feelings of calm and relaxation, and alcohol can lift your mood, reduce your inhibitions and make you feel more relaxed.
CBD and alcohol can be used together, but you need to be mindful that they can amplify each other’s effects and cause drowsiness and even a sedative effect when used at the same time.
What CBD is and why people combine it with alcohol
CBD is a type of cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, and there are around 200 different types. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is another type of cannabinoid. THC is responsible for the high caused by using cannabis products; CBD is different, it’s non-intoxicating and doesn’t have a psychoactive effect.
Some people choose to use CBD at the same time as they drink alcohol to help them relax and switch off. There may also be some extra benefits to mixing CBD and alcohol, as we’ll discuss further on in this article.
How alcohol and CBD each affect the body
CBD and alcohol have similar effects when used in moderation. But they work on the body in different ways.
Alcohol as a central nervous system depressant
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, meaning that when we drink alcohol, it slows down brain activity, which effectively slows down movement, speech and reaction times.
However, alcohol also acts like a stimulant. When we drink alcohol, in the early stages, and if we keep it in moderation, it triggers the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine increases energy levels and confidence, and lifts the mood; the reason why many people drink alcohol to switch off, relieve stress and have a good time.
When our blood alcohol level rises as we drink, the stimulant effects increase. But only to a point.
If we drink more than a few glasses of wine or pints of beer, we’ll experience the depressant side of alcohol. Brain activity slows down, our coordination, motor function and perception become distorted and our speech may become slurred. Drowsiness kicks in as the sedation effects of alcohol take hold, and our reaction times slow down.
Body weight, metabolism, and body chemistry all influence how much alcohol affects us, but ultimately, if we continue to drink, we’ll pass the point of alcohol as a stimulant and reach the point where it’s a central nervous system depressant.
How CBD works through the endocannabinoid system
CBD is thought to have an effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of cells and receptors that run throughout the body, responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance. It helps regulate mood, sleep cycles, appetite, stress reactions, pain perception and inflammation.
Naturally occurring chemicals called endocannabinoids interact with receptors of the ECS, signalling that action needs to be taken, such as releasing a hormone that supports a better mood or signals that it's time to wind down for bedtime.
THC and CBD are cannabinoids that can mimic the effects of endocannabinoids. The way they interact with the ECS is the subject of much study. It’s thought that THC binds directly to receptors of the ECS called CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD is thought to help prevent endocannabinoids from being broken down, helping to regulate and calm the body, without causing a high.
CBD is neither a true stimulant nor a true depressant. Instead, its unique properties have a relaxing effect on the body. At a relatively low dosage, or when used during the day, some people report increased focus and concentration, whereas at a relatively higher dosage or when used at night, it can promote sleepiness.
What happens when you mix CBD and alcohol
How you feel after mixing CBD and alcohol will depend on your body chemistry, and to date, the studies into the effects of combining the two are limited.
Sedation, drowsiness and coordination
CBD and alcohol can both have a relaxing effect on the body, albeit through different mechanisms (see above). So taking them together could cause drowsiness and even a sedative effect, leading to slower movement and coordination.
Effects on blood alcohol concentration
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in your blood. The more units of alcohol you consume, the higher your BAC. There are conflicting studies over whether or not CBD reduces the level of alcohol in the blood when taken at the same time.
One study from 1979, conducted on a small group of ten people, found that taking 200mg of CBD significantly reduced blood alcohol levels. But since then, very little work has been done to test this further, on a larger group. Also, small animal studies have found evidence that CBD doesn’t reduce blood alcohol levels.
The 1979 study is obviously very old, and on a small subject group, and a dose of 200mg of CBD is much higher than most people would take. Therefore, relying on CBD to bring your blood alcohol concentration down isn’t advised.
Can CBD offset some of the effects of alcohol?
So it's unclear if CBD can reduce actual blood alcohol concentrations, but what about the effects of alcohol? Could CBD protect against the negative effects of drinking alcohol?
Liver and brain protection in early research
Early animal research suggests that CBD could help to protect against alcohol-induced fatty liver disease and have a neuroprotective effect on brain cell damage linked to alcohol consumption. More research is needed to determine whether this effect can be replicated in large-scale human studies.
Inflammation and oxidative stress
Drinking alcohol can lead to an increase in inflammation, which can cause oxidative stress, linked to disease. Early animal studies suggest that CBD's anti-inflammatory properties could potentially help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress damage to the organs caused by alcohol use.
CBD, alcohol cravings and alcohol use disorder
Early animal studies show that CBD could help people struggling with alcohol use disorder (alcoholism). Studies show the potential for CBD to help reduce cravings and the symptoms of addiction and withdrawal, but more studies are needed to demonstrate how this might work.
Risks and side effects of combining CBD and alcohol
As well as potentially offsetting some of the effects of drinking alcohol, research has found that there are potentially other things to consider when mixing CBD and alcohol.
Increased drowsiness and impaired judgement
CBD may help to improve sleep quality, while alcohol has a depressant effect on the brain if not used in moderation. Therefore, combining the two could cause excessive drowsiness and lead to sedation. Excessive drowsiness could impair judgment and decision-making.
Liver strain at higher doses
CBD and alcohol interact in the liver via the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system, which means taking them together can lead to competition for these enzymes. This could result in the liver overworking, so it’s advised that if you intend on mixing CBD and alcohol, you use both in moderation.
Interactions with medication
Some medications cause drug interactions with CBD, while others cannot be taken at the same time as alcohol. Avoid using CBD or drinking alcohol if you’ve been informed by a medical professional that you should, and definitely avoid mixing CBD and alcohol while taking your medications. If in doubt, check with your doctor.
How long to wait between taking CBD and drinking
If you’ve been drinking alcohol and want to use CBD oil or take CBD gummies, there are no hard and fast rules on how long to leave between them. Perhaps leave it an hour or so, unless you know exactly how combining them makes you feel.
How much CBD is sensible if you drink
Again, as the research is limited, and because everyone reacts differently, it's unclear how much CBD is best when drinking alcohol. So start on a low dose of a maximum 10mg an hour or so after drinking, and monitor how you feel.
UK dosage guidance and alcohol units
CBD cannot be sold as a medicine or make medical claims in the UK, according to the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The FSA recommends adults consume no more than 10mg of CBD per day. If you're new to it, start at or below this and see how you feel.
The NHS and the Chief Medical Officer recommend no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. This equates to 6 medium (175ml) average-strength glasses of wine, or 6 pints of average-strength beer.
Who should avoid mixing CBD and alcohol?
Mixing CBD and alcohol can cause drowsiness, so you should avoid doing so if you need to be alert for work, home commitments, driving or any other reason. CBD and alcohol should also be avoided if you take prescription drugs that cause drowsiness or if you have a condition that affects your liver.
CBD drinks and CBD cocktails
CBD drinks, such as the Goodrays range, are easy to drink on the go. They contain a pre-measured dose of CBD, so you know how much you’re taking, and they’re usually non-alcoholic.
If you’re thinking about mixing CBD and alcohol, you’ve tried it before, and you know how it makes you feel, you could use CBD drinks as a mixer. For example, with a single measure of vodka or gin, to make a long drink. CBD cocktails can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
CBD as a mindful alternative to alcohol
CBD drinks and mocktails are becoming a popular alternative to alcohol. As CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive or mind-altering effects, it’s a more mindful option that doesn’t cause you to lose your inhibitions and make decisions you might regret, and it doesn’t result in a hangover.
Is it legal to combine CBD and alcohol in the UK?
Yes, in the UK, it’s legal to mix CBD and alcohol, and to buy pre-mixed alcoholic drinks with added CBD, as long as there’s 1mg or less of controlled cannabinoids in the container and the product is listed on the Food Standards Agency’s Novel Foods list.
More information and research
This Healthline article discusses the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol, and this article provides detailed facts about CBD use.
FAQs
How long should you wait after CBD oil before drinking?
There’s no strict rule on how long to leave between drinking and taking CBD. Leave at least an hour or so if you’re new to mixing the two, and monitor how you feel, keeping both in moderation.
Does CBD stop you getting drunk?
Studies suggest CBD might help to reduce the amount of alcohol in your blood, but more research is needed. It won’t stop you from getting drunk.
Can CBD help with a hangover?
There’s some evidence to suggest that CBD may help relieve some hangover symptoms, such as alcohol related anxiety and a headache. Keep in mind that if you still have alcohol in your system, using CBD may cause you to feel sleepy.
Does CBD protect the liver from alcohol?
There’s evidence to suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage, but more studies are needed.
Will CBD and alcohol show up on a drug test?
Drug tests test for the presence of THC, not CBD. Keep in mind, however, that full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC. Regular use may cause THC to show up on a drug test. Drug tests don’t test for alcohol, but breathalysers do. If you plan to drive, make sure you stay within the legal UK drink drive limit.
References
Rd, R. a. M. (2019, May 22). What happens if you mix CBD and alcohol? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-and-alcohol
Miles, A. (2022, November 30). Is alcohol a stimulant or depressant? Monument. https://joinmonument.com/resources/is-alcohol-a-stimulant-or-depressant/
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.
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