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The use of both cannabis and alcohol has become increasingly common as more states legalize medical and recreational cannabis. However, combining these substances, particularly without medical guidance, can have serious effects on both the body and mind. While alcohol is a familiar staple in social settings, cannabis is gaining traction as an alternative that can offer relief from various symptoms without the negative impact alcohol can often have.
This blog delves into the potential risks of using cannabis alongside alcohol, why it’s generally better to use them separately, and how medical cannabis could even help reduce the desire for self-medicating with alcohol.
When alcohol and cannabis are used simultaneously, they can interact in ways that amplify each other’s effects. This combination can create more intense and unpredictable reactions than using either substance alone, and these effects can vary from mild to severe.
Both alcohol and cannabis are depressants, meaning they slow down the central nervous system and can impair cognitive function, motor skills, and judgment. When used together, they can multiply each other’s sedative effects, leading to a significantly heightened state of intoxication. This can increase the risk of accidents, falls, and other injuries, as well as impair judgment in ways that could lead to risky behavior.
Known as “greening out,” the combination of alcohol and cannabis can result in severe nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. This is due to the fact that both substances affect the area of the brain responsible for balance and the vestibular system. When these systems are overwhelmed, the body reacts by becoming extremely nauseous.
Cannabis can dull the perception of alcohol's effects, leading some users to drink more than they typically would or safely can. Since cannabis can mask the sedative effects of alcohol, users may not realize they are becoming dangerously intoxicated, putting them at risk for alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.
Both substances can impact memory, focus, and cognitive function. Together, these effects can be exacerbated, potentially leading to blackouts, memory loss, and a lack of awareness of one’s surroundings. In extreme cases, mixing cannabis and alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of psychosis in susceptible individuals.
While cannabis can have calming effects, it can also provoke anxiety in some users, particularly if consumed in higher doses. Alcohol, which is commonly used as a social lubricant, can lead to increased feelings of inhibition or impulsiveness. When combined, the sedative and mind-altering effects may not relax you but instead heighten feelings of anxiety and paranoia, creating an uncomfortable or even distressing experience.
Given these risks, experts generally advise against combining alcohol and cannabis. Using these substances on separate occasions allows users to understand and monitor the effects each one has on their body and mind, which can help prevent unexpected or dangerous outcomes. Separating the use of alcohol and cannabis helps ensure that you remain in control of your experience, thereby minimizing the risk of adverse interactions.
For those who find themselves turning to alcohol as a way to manage symptoms such as stress, anxiety, or chronic pain, medical cannabis may offer an effective, less risky alternative. While alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism, it can lead to a cycle of dependency and worsen some symptoms over time. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, is prescribed with the specific intention of relieving symptoms without the harmful side effects associated with alcohol.
Medical cannabis can alleviate symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. By addressing these symptoms directly, cannabis provides relief without the downsides of alcohol, such as hangovers or liver damage. In fact, patients who use cannabis to manage pain report an improved quality of life and fewer negative side effects compared to alcohol.
Research has shown that medical cannabis patients often reduce their alcohol consumption after beginning treatment. Cannabis can fulfill the need for relief in a way that doesn’t require high levels of consumption, reducing the likelihood of self-medicating with alcohol. By using cannabis under medical supervision, patients are also less likely to misuse or overconsume.
While cannabis can be habit-forming for some, its risk of dependence is generally considered lower than that of alcohol. Medical cannabis, prescribed in specific doses and strains, allows for controlled usage that reduces the risk of developing a dependency, making it a safer choice for those managing chronic symptoms.
While both alcohol and cannabis have unique effects, the combination of the two can lead to unpredictable and often risky outcomes. By choosing to use these substances separately, users can have more control over their experiences and avoid potentially dangerous interactions. For those who use alcohol as a way to manage pain, anxiety, or other symptoms, medical cannabis offers a safer, medically supervised option that may reduce the need for self-medication with alcohol.
If you’re considering using medical cannabis as an alternative to alcohol, consult with a Cannabis Clinician who can guide you through the best strains and dosages for your symptoms. In doing so, you’ll be choosing a safer, healthier approach to managing your well-being, one that can help you live a fuller and more balanced life.
