Cannabis & alcohol mixers: a science-based guide to safe consumption

You’ve probably heard someone say “I’m cross-fading,” referring to the use of both cannabis and alcohol together. This type of substance combination creates a specific metabolic environment in the body. The combination of alcohol and cannabis causes a physiological response that isn’t merely the accumulation of both substances’ individual Effects; rather, it’s a biochemical interaction that needs to be approached from a safe perspective.

How does mixing cannabis and alcohol affect the body?

The two substances will metabolize each other in your bloodstream once they come into contact. There are two major ways in which this occurs:

1. Accelerated Absorption: in the stomach, the digestion process is influenced by alcohol (as a vasodilator), widening the blood vessels. This allows THC to enter the bloodstream in larger amounts and quicker than if it were consumed separately.
2. Delayed Processing: ethanol becomes the priority for the liver to break down. Once it has been processed, the liver slows down processing of cannabinoids. This intensifies the “high” effect and prolongs it compared to consuming either individually.

Risks and side Effects: dealing with the green out

Perhaps the biggest risk associated with combining both is that neither is predictable. Even people who are experienced users can fall prey to a “green out,” which includes feeling dizzy, nauseous, and disoriented.

Some important warning Signs to watch for are:

• Dehydration: both substances are diuretic. Therefore, both increase fluid loss. These increased fluid losses add to the potential for headaches upon waking the next day.
• Impaired Judgment: people generally don’t realize their own level of intoxication under the influence of both drugs. Therefore, people are more likely to make poor decisions (i.e., drive drunk).
• Emotional Volatility: because alcohol can suppress euphoria associated with marijuana use and replace those feelings with drowsiness or intense anxiety, emotions become more volatile.

Safety golden rule

Follow a harm reduction model if you want to combine them:

1. Order Matters: use cannabis after drinking alcohol. The rapid increase in THC Absorption is responsible for the majority of adverse reactions when using this order.
2. Lower dose: reduce your normal Dosage of both by at least 50 percent.
3. Hydration: drink at least 1 glass of water per every alcoholic drink or cannabis serving.

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