Connecting two worlds: the secrets and pitfalls of alcohol and cannabis

18. 02. 2025

• How does alcohol affect the human body?
• How does cannabis affect the human body?
• Meeting of two worlds: alcohol and the endocannabinoid system
• Can CBD be mixed with alcohol?
• Alcohol and other cannabinoids
• Conclusion

 

 

How does alcohol affect the human body?

Alcohol, specifically ethanol, affects the central nervous system. It affects communication between neurons by affecting neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals between brain cells. During this biochemical storm:

• GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) enhancement: causes relaxation, reduced anxiety and drowsiness.
• Suppression of glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter): slows thinking and impairs coordination.
• Increase dopamine levels: Induces a feeling of euphoria.

Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to damage to the liver, brain, heart and other organs and increase the risk of cancer. Alcohol also weakens immunity and disrupts hormonal balance.

How does cannabis affect the human body?

Cannabis contains a number of biologically active compounds, with cannabinoids and terpenes being the two main components that have a major effect on the human body through the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is a hidden world inside our body that helps regulate key processes such as mood, metabolism, immunity, pain perception or sleep. It consists of receptors that are found in cells and are influenced by the natural inhabitants of this jungle - the  endocannabinoids that our body itself produces.

The main receptors include CB1 and CB2:

• CB1 receptors 🧠: They are present in the central nervous system, muscles, lungs, cardiovascular system and reproductive organs. They affect the proper functioning of the brain, the psyche, hormones and blood pressure.
• CB2 receptors 🦠: found in the immune system, organs and bones. They are key to regulating pain and inflammation.

 

Substances from cannabis, such as the cannabinoids CBD or THC, enter this intricate web and have the power to influence the ecosystem. The different components of cannabis react in the endocannabinoid system in different ways. While CBD, for example, interacts with CB2 receptors and is known in particular for its potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, THC interacts with CB1 receptors and produces psychoactive effects, altered perception or euphoria.

⚠️ When the endocannabinoid system is disrupted, it can lead to a range of health problems such as chronic pain, inflammatory diseases, nervous disorders, or mood and sleep problems.

Meeting of two worlds: alcohol and the endocannabinoid system

What happens when you combine alcohol and cannabis/cannabinoids? While alcohol blows into the central nervous system like an unbridled wind and alters the balance of neurotransmitters, the  endocannabinoid system regulates these neurotransmitters and tries to maintain the balance. ⚖️

Although alcohol does not directly affect the breakdown of cannabinoids in the body, it slows down metabolism by keeping the liver busy, which is responsible for breaking down both substances. This can lead to the cannabinoids lasting longer in the body and to alcohol amplifying the effects of cannabis in the short term. With frequent drinking and use of cannabis, the balance of the endocannabinoid system may be disrupted, with unpredictable consequences.

Chronic alcohol consumption  the production of endocannabinoids, leading to excessive activation of CB1 receptors, whose sensitivity may decrease over time.This can have a number of negative effects on human health. 👇

For example, a 2018 study showed that excessive activation of CB1 receptors is linked to a reduction in the ability to form new neurons in the brain's memory and learning areas. Another study suggested that this impairment may lead to higher anxiety and increase the likelihood of relapse in alcohol withdrawal.

 

Can CBD be mixed with alcohol?

CBD oil, gummies or capsules have become popular additions to the daily routine of many adventurers. Some smokers have taken a liking to CBD vapes. But have you ever wondered what happens if you take your usual dose of CBD in the morning and go out for a drink in the evening? Or what happens when you take a drag from a CBD vape with a beer?

Both alcohol and CBD have sedative properties, so you can expect an increase in feelings of relaxation, but also drowsiness and a decrease in reflexes. Since CBD is neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory, it could be assumed that it could eliminate some of the negative effects of alcohol, such as liver damage, as several studies have suggested.

If you take CBD after a fun night out, it could help with headaches 🤕 and stimulate your appetite 🍽️. However, there are no studies yet that show CBD will get rid of hangovers.

 

Alcohol and THC

Along with CBD, the most extensively studied substance in cannabis is the psychoactive THC. THC is a confident explorer that penetrates to the heart of the endocannabinoid system, where it interacts with CB1 receptors and affects, like alcohol, the central nervous system.

In addition to the fact that both substances share some common effects, alcohol also slows down the metabolism of cannabinoids. This can result more intense and prolonged positive but also negative effects, such as intense euphoria or attention problems, confusion and anxiety.

We do not have as much data on other cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBG9, THCV, as we do on CBD and THC - there is no research that better describes how these substances will interact with alcohol, but the concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis is not recommended due to the lack of knowledge about the impact on the human body and the potential risks.

If you know you are going to drink, you should avoid cannabinoids, especially those with psychoactive effects.

End of expedition

The combination of alcohol and cannabis opens the door to unpredictable experiences that can be both exciting and risky. Whether it is the sedative properties of the cannabinoid CBD or the psychoactive power of THC, the positive and potentially negative effects of these substances can be amplified and prolonged when combined with alcohol.

Chronic drinking can disrupt the balance of the endocannabinoid system. As a result, it can have a negative impact on psychological well-being and brain functioning and increase the risk of addiction.

🛑 The combination of marijuana and alcohol is definitely not recommended due to possible health problems, intensification of psychoactive effects and impairment of cognitive and motor functions.

When it comes to regular use of cannabinoids (such as CBD) and alcohol consumption, the scientific evidence is mixed, but caution is still warranted. This is doubly true for adventurers who experiment with psychoactive cannabinoids. And excessive drinking is best avoided in any case.

 

Author: Natálie Kubíčková

   

   

Photo: AI

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