Mixing alcohol and CBD Oil: Is it safe?

CBD is everywhere. Should it be in your cocktail?

A few years ago, CBD was truly inescapable. It appeared in almost everything, from your favorite granola to your pet’s supplements and even your preferred cocktails. From once-trendy CBD bars in New York to BuzzWorks’ CBD-infused beers in San Francisco, it wasn’t hard to find establishments that featured the popular cannabinoid in at least one of its drinks.

Today, however, the big CBD wave has largely subsided—and it’s left a lot of unanswered questions. Is it really safe to combine CBD and alcohol? Are there potential interactions between the two that remain unknown?

If you’ve been thinking about bulking up your personal cocktail bar with some smooth CBD additions, you’re in the right place.

CBD and alcohol: What does the research say?

When it comes to cannabis and boozy drinks, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First, our current medical understanding suggests that for most people—excluding those with an active use disorder or addiction—an occasional glass of wine or cocktail can be a reasonable part of a healthy lifestyle.

In general, practicing moderation is key, particularly for those managing chronic conditions or taking prescription medications, since alcohol can alter, amplify, or interfere with the effects of many prescribed substances. If you fall into any of these categories, you might consider cutting out alcohol entirely for the sake of your health and stick with other alternatives. However, if you’re just getting started on your cannabis journey, aren’t taking any medications, and have been considering pairing weed with alcohol, it’s important to note that alcohol also interacts with cannabinoids—the active compounds found in cannabis.

Though the modern acceptance of cannabis is exciting, proper scientific research on it is still in its early stages—especially research on its effects when consumed in tandem with alcohol. However, recent advancements are shedding new light. For example, in 2024, a study reviewed the existing medical literature on the interactions between alcohol and CBD and THC. With some exceptions, the findings suggested that when compared with its intoxicating cousin, CBD appears to have minimal negative effects when combined with alcohol.

[SEE ALSO: CBD for hangovers | Feel human again without the high]

Are there any benefits to mixing CBD and alcohol?

While we often associate substances like ethanol, the active ingredient in alcohol, and THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the “high,” with their noticeable effects, behind the scenes, they can also produce physiological changes. For instance, you may have experienced some effects that are typically seen as negative, such as the anxiety or paranoia that can result from taking too much THC—or positive, like CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory properties.

But are there any positives to combining CBD and alcohol? Some research has shown that, like alcohol, CBD has the potential to lower blood pressure, likely due to its calming effects. Interestingly, the broad survey of medical literature we mentioned above suggests that combining CBD and alcohol might also result in a greater reduction in blood pressure compared to consuming alcohol alone. While this could be a concern for individuals with already low blood pressure, it’s generally viewed as beneficial, especially given that nearly half of all Americans are estimated to have high blood pressure.

Additionally, CBD’s well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help mitigate some of the negative effects of alcohol. In one example, a study involving over 300,000 adults with a history of alcohol abuse found that general cannabis use was associated with a reduced incidence of liver disease. Another study focused explicitly on CBD suggested that it could potentially treat alcohol-induced neurodegeneration and alleviate associated behavioral and cognitive impairments. Finally, for those looking to quit alcohol altogether, CBD shows promise as a potential therapeutic tool for substance use disorders (SUDs).

CBD is not considered habit-forming, can reduce alcohol-associated impulsive behaviors in animal studies, and is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. This makes it a compelling candidate for supporting recovery from drug and alcohol dependence, and we’ll likely see increased use of this natural, plant-based compound in the treatment of addiction in the future.

Combining alcohol and CBD: Tips and considerations.

As the latest research suggests, CBD doesn’t appear to have the same amplifying effect on alcohol as THC does. In fact, most people report minimal subjective effects from CBD—at most, mild mental clarity and a greater sense of calm.

However, responses to cannabinoids like CBD can vary from person to person. If you’re thinking about combining CBD with alcohol, it’s a good idea to try CBD on its own first to see how it affects you. Once you’re familiar with its subtle effects, adding in alcohol is less likely to lead to any unexpected or disorienting reactions. Still, it’s important to note that there’s limited research on the potential long-term effects of regularly mixing CBD and alcohol.

If you’re using CBD to address health concerns like insomnia or anxiety, it’s possible that mixing it with alcohol can reduce its effectiveness. The relationship between alcohol, anxiety, and sleep is complex. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prolonged alcohol use can sometimes cause anxiety rather than relieve it. Similarly, while alcohol might help you fall asleep initially, the Mayo Clinic warns that it disrupts sleep later in the night, ultimately reducing the overall quality of your rest.

For these reasons, it’s worth carefully considering how and when to combine these substances, especially if you’re using CBD for therapeutic purposes.

Shedding new light on CBD and alcohol.

The bottom line? After years of spotty research and a surge of CBD-infused cocktails and other trendy products, a large-scale review of the existing literature offers some new light on the interactions between CBD and alcohol. The findings are encouraging for those curious about enjoying this medically significant cannabinoid alongside their favorite drink.

According to the research, mixing alcohol and CBD doesn’t seem to worsen the safety profile of either substance. In fact, combining CBD with booze may even offer some potential benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and potentially helping to counteract the effects of liver disease and certain neurodegenerative conditions.

However, as with any new substance or combination, it’s wise to first know how CBD affects you on its own before combining it with anything else.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article by Eaze are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended to serve as or substitute for a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.