While cannabis alone had minimal effect on performance, again the combined impact of cannabis and alcohol on divided attention were greater than those by alcohol alone. Recent research has employed advanced simulated driving methods to assess the effects of cannabis and alcohol co-use. Hartman and colleagues 70• investigated the effect of cannabis on driving with and without alcohol on THC blood concentrations in a within-subject study with six conditions. Participants drank alcohol (placebo or low dose) and inhaled 500 mg vaporized cannabis (placebo, 2.9%, or 6.7% THC) ad libitum for 10 min before completing a driving simulation.

One of the main active ingredients in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which  can lead to cognitive effects and impairments. In the United States, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving is 0.08% in nearly every state. It is never advised to operate a vehicle or machinery while under the influence of either alcohol or cannabis. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it reduces (or depresses) activity in the central nervous system.

Concerns of Mixing Alcohol with Other Drugs

Long-term alcohol use can result in heart-related diseases, liver disease, and unintentional injuries. The risk of injuries can be increased when someone chooses to mix alcohol and marijuana. Generally, higher levels of consumption or an increase in consumption of one substance is related to higher levels of or an increase in use of the other substance.

What Are the Risks?

1. Ten minutes later, they used a vaporizer to inhale either a low or a high dose of THC.
2. There is a substantial body of research examining the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments for alcohol 84–88 or cannabis use disorders 78, 89–92.
3. If you or someone you care about needs help with addiction treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of American Addiction Centers admissions navigators at .
4. Marijuana impacts each individual differently; for some, getting cross-faded may not be uncomfortable.
5. THC acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can lead to cognitive effects and impairments.

The higher your tolerance for alcohol or marijuana, the greater the amounts of it you are likely to consume to feel the same effects, which can lead to dangerous levels of it in your system. This could lead to severe impairments to functioning and a how does flakka affect your brain higher risk of overdose. Overdose is a medical emergency that can lead to brain damage from loss of oxygen, coma, or death. Estimating intoxication can be challenging when combining alcohol and cannabis, but several tips and tricks can help.

What Really Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Weed?

The cannabis market is constantly evolving, but as of 2023, THC-infused alcoholic beverages are still hard to find in most markets. That may change in the future, but for now, there are a growing number of THC-infused beverages without alcohol. Both weed and alcohol, together and on their own, are also potentially addictive and can lead to dependence and misuse. If you take medication, talk to your doctor before using weed, alcohol, or both. They may weaken the effectiveness of what foods have alcohol in them your medication or increase your risk for certain side effects.

This can increase your risk for developing a dependence on alcohol, weed, or both. Weed appeared to slow down the rise of blood alcohol levels after consuming a high dose of alcohol. Combining weed and alcohol can increase the effects of both drugs and cause adverse reactions. The combination can also lead fun recovery games for groups people to engage in unusual or risky behaviors. Various factors could determine the severity of the effects you experience from mixing marijuana and alcohol. Another risk of an alcohol and marijuana combination is that you may take too much of either substance.

Co-use of Alcohol and Cannabis: A Review

Using alcohol and weed simultaneously also increases the chances of having unprotected sex with a partner, as well as other negative outcomes relating to legal issues, academia, and relationships. Not everyone reacts in the same way to weed, alcohol, or a combination of both, and many factors play a role in how a person will respond. However, it is helpful to understand the possible outcomes of mixing these drugs. The first step in recovery from a cannabis and alcohol addiction will be to stop both substances safely.

The exact risks of mixing marijuana and alcohol, or other cannabinoids and alcohol, are not well studied. However, you can avoid and identify health emergencies to protect yourself and those around you if you choose to use either of these substances recreationally or you have a prescription for medical marijuana. When people drink and smoke marijuana together, alcohol increases the amount of THC that is absorbed into the body.