A 2019 study supports this, finding that those who use alcohol and weed simultaneously are likely to drink more alcohol more alcohol and brain fog frequently. In a survey of young adults aged 18 to 23, being cross-faded “was seen as moderately risky and not desirable by most.” However, over 18% of respondents stated that being cross-faded was desirable. Marijuana impacts each individual differently; for some, getting cross-faded may not be uncomfortable. All of our treatment programmes involve a full medical detox (where required) and a bespoke programme of innovative and evidence based addiction treatments.

Cannabis, on the other hand, can be classified as both a depressant and a stimulant. As such, mixing weed and alcohol can produce both synergistic and antagonistic effects. Keep in mind that combining the two may be linked to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dependence. Remember, consuming weed after drinking alcohol might make you feel less intoxicated, which can lead you to drink more than you usually would. If you’ve mixed weed and alcohol and are having a bad reaction, it’s probably because alcohol seems to make the high from using weed stronger.

The Influence of Co-use on Successful Treatment

We also provide a unique personalised transition programme to assist each of our guests in crossing the bridge from inpatient treatment into daily recovery in the community. Here at Delamere’s addiction treatment and behavioural wellness facility we treat all addictions and mental health illnesses comprehensively and simultaneously. The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Behavioral Pharmacology of Cannabis and Alcohol Co-use

For example, individuals using higher levels of cannabis reported higher levels of alcohol relative to those using lower amounts of cannabis. Among rhinophyma and alcoholism college-aged drinkers, lifetime and past year use of cannabis increased as level of alcohol consumption increased 24, 25. Preclinical and experimental research can be utilized to better understand the complex relationship between the co-use of cannabis and alcohol and related consequences. Furthermore, preclinical studies show that antagonists of the cannabinoid receptors and inhibitors of the enzymatic degradation of endocannabinoids dampen both preference for and overall intake of alcohol 61, 62. In contrast, cannabinoid receptor agonists and endocannabinoids serve to escalate alcohol-seeking behavior and consumption 63, 64.

1. To date, research in this area has been constrained by a relatively low dose of cannabis administered relative to cannabis with much higher THC potency commonly in use today 46.
2. Low to moderate doses can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, lower inhibitions, and make social situations more enjoyable (hence the term “liquid confidence”).
3. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.
4. Conversely, wine can produce more potent effects than beer when consumed with cannabis, due to its higher alcohol content.

Bramness et al. 42 conducted a retrospective cross-sectional forensic database study examining drivers apprehended by the police suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Researchers found that cannabis impairs driving ability in a dose-response manner, though the effect was smaller than for alcohol. However, when THC and alcohol were both on board, the risk of being deemed impaired greatly increased. Findings from preclinical research support the existence of potential cross-tolerance between cannabis and alcohol that may have important translational implications for clinical research. With driving under the influence for example, blood THC concentrations obtained from drivers may be lower than set limits despite greatly exceeding them while driving.

The effects of alcohol and THC were evaluated alone, and in combination, across separate sessions, in a within-subjects, randomized, double-blind design. The authors reported no evidence for synergistic effects of acute combinations of very-low-dose alcohol and THC on subjective or cyclobenzaprine interactions with alcohol physiologic response, or on cognitive performance. An interaction between ethanol and THC was observed, however, on ratings of desire to consume more of the administered drug. THC, when combined with ethanol, decreased the elevated ratings of wanting more ethanol after ethanol administration. Consequently, THC may either dampen ethanol’s effects or replace desire for more. More laboratory work is needed to examine how cannabis affects motivation to use alcohol and vice versa.

Mixing Marijuana and Alcohol: Dangers & Risks

A number of recent studies also focus on how combining weed and alcohol affects your driving. Those who consumed just alcohol had worse cognitive functioning than those who only consumed THC. Those who combined the two had reduced cognitive performance than those who only consumed alcohol. For example, you might feel like you’re good to drive, but your blood alcohol level may be well over the legal limit.

Is there a limit to how much alcohol and weed I can take together?

However, this finding comes from older research, and some people have questioned this study. There is limited research available on the long-term effects of consuming alcohol alongside weed, which people also call marijuana or cannabis. Both drugs have similar effects on the body and mind, including drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and changes in judgment and time perception.