CBD products are gaining a lot of momentum in the market today. Its immense benefits are speaking louder each day as more CBD products are being launched in stores both online and offline. This is a great opportunity for those who are new to CBD as well as those who have already been using CBD to explore their options and find the right option for them.
However, using CBD every day can come with a lot of doubts especially if CBD can be used with alcohol.
One of the reasons that keep people from using CBD is due to the uncertainties of whether CBD is safe to be consumed with alcohol. If you are wondering if or how CBD and alcohol can go together, you have come to the right place
This article will help you understand how CBD interacts with your body and the effects of using CBD and alcohol together. We will discuss everything you need to know about the use of CBD and alcohol.
What is CBD and how does it interact with the body?
CBD or Vijaya is obtained from the cannabis plant or popularly called the Vijaya plant in India which has more than 1000 compounds in it. Among them, CBD and THC are the most extensively used compounds. Unlike THC, CBD cannot have any psychotropic effect on your body and does not give you a high. CBD is significantly used for its health benefits and its ability to restore Homeostasis, a state of balance in the body
When CBD is consumed, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system and its components. The neuro receptors namely CB1 and CB2 interact with CBD and help in relieving pain, inflammation, fighting infections, and easing the body from ill effects like nausea, headaches, muscular pain, and other discomforts related to some diseases.
CBD is also consumed by some people regularly in the form of CBD gummies or capsules like a multivitamin to build up cannabinoid amounts in the body. This can help the body restore balance to the systems in case of any encounter with pain, inflammation, infection, or imbalance in the body
CBD is also used to improve skin and helps to deal with the symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleeping disorder, epilepsy, and more. There are also studies that have shown how CBD can help treat eating disorders and addiction to alcohol and smoking
CBD only interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body and induces the system to regulate the systems in the body to function normally.
How do CBD and Alcohol interact with the body?
While CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, alcohol interacts with the central nervous system. This can lead to changes in moods and behavior and also affect physical coordination and speech when consumed in large quantities.
CBD on the other hand interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors and induces anti-inflammation or pain relief functions in the body
Alcohol has the ability to reduce stress in the body and induce a calm and relaxed feeling. CBD has similar effects on the body with enough research to show that it can be effective against anxiety and stress.
A study had shown that people who took 25-75 mg of CBD every day for a month experienced reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality
Alcohol and CBD when taken together, could amplify each other’s effects and cause more relaxation and sometimes sleepiness or a state of sedation when taken in large quantities
Benefits of taking CBD and Alcohol together
As mentioned earlier, when taken in large quantities, alcohol and CBD can induce excessive sleepiness or sedation. But when taken in small quantities, or in the prescribed quantity by professionals, it can have immense health benefits.
Prevents Cell Damage
When alcohol is consumed excessively, it can damage the cells, increase inflammation and lead to chronic diseases like pancreatitis, liver disease, and trigger the formation of cancer cells. Several studies have indicated that CBD can potentially protect the body from cell damage, especially the liver cells.
When taken in small quantities regularly, CBD can protect the liver cells from alcohol-induced fatty liver disease by increasing autophagy, a process that increases the production of new cells and tissue regeneration.
There are also studies that have shown that CBD gels, when applied on the skin topically, can reduce brain cell damage by 49% due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Reduces Blood Alcohol Levels
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) specifies the amount of alcohol present in the blood. High BAC levels usually indicate a higher loss of motor control and cognitive function.
Although there is very little research done on how alcohol concentration and CBD are correlated, one study indicated that people who took CBD with alcohol had lower BAC levels than those who didn't use CBD.
Can be used to Treat Alcohol Addiction
There are several studies showing that CBD can reduce several symptoms of alcohol addiction and withdrawal. A study revealed that CBD can help to reduce alcohol intake, prevent relapse and decrease motivation to consume alcohol.
There are more studies indicating that CBD is highly effective to treat addiction to smoking
Ways to take CBD and alcohol together
CBD is usually taken as gummies, powder or CBD oil by regular CBD users as the preferential method. When taken as CBD gummies or capsules, it is consumed like a multivitamin every day. CBD oil is used during food preparation or is placed sublingually. CBD is also used as creams, gels, ointments or locations. CBD soaps are also available to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema.
When taking CBD and alcohol together for the first time, remember to take it slow and pay attention to how it affects your body as it can vary from person to person. CBD and alcohol can have diverse effects based on quantity and the type of consumption.
Your age, stature, lifestyle, metabolic rate, body condition, tolerance to CBD and alcohol, etc. all play a vital role as to how CBD and alcohol together can interact with your body.
Hence, it is better to take it slow or take the help of a professional with knowledge and experience on CBD and alcohol and their effects on the body
Final Thoughts
CBD and Alcohol interact similarly with the body. They help to calm the nerves and relax the body. CBD helps to treat some ill effects of alcohol consumption including hangovers by easing nausea, headaches and uneasiness due to excess alcohol consumption.
All things said CBD and alcohol are safe when consumed together in small quantities and under the guidance of a medical professional for both beginners and regular users of CBD.
Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-and-alcohol#recommendation
https://nanocraftcbd.com/blogs/post/cbd-alcohol-effects-safety-interactions