Full model effects with covariate estimates are presented in Supplemental Tables S1–S4. Without covariates, product combinations explained 28% of the variance in the consequence outcome, 35% of the alcohol consumption marijuana detox: what you should know outcome, and 55% of the cannabis consumption outcome. A recent study has also shown that those who consumed alcohol had much higher levels of THC in their bloodstream compared to a placebo group.

1. A 1992 study suggested that smoking weed before taking alcohol could slow the absorption of alcohol.
2. The researchers wrote in their conclusion that in states with legal cannabis, policymakers should consider requiring distributors to include warning labels about the risks of combining cannabis and alcohol on cannabis product packaging.
3. Alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a depressant that affects the central nervous system.

Despite several existing gaps, the current literature may shed additional light on these competing theories of substitution versus complementarity. For instance, preliminary work also suggests that individual differences, such as impulsive personality,117 may impact drinking rates on co-use days (i.e., less impulsive individuals are more likely to substitute cannabis for alcohol). Further, there is a significant dearth of research examining demographic factors—such as sex, race, and ethnicity—that likely play a role in co-use of alcohol and cannabis.

Information on levels and typologies of alcohol and cannabis use (see Figure 1), age, and race/ethnicity details are described where available. To enable comparison across studies, the terms used in each study to describe the level of substance use (i.e., heavy drinking) have been standardized to align with the figure. Overall, preliminary evidence indicates that heavy alcohol use during adolescence disrupts the maturation of network efficiency in a dose-dependent manner, with more significant effects observed among females. Even relatively low-level cannabis use (i.e., occasional and regular consumption) as well as heavier use during adolescence may alter the rate of neurotypical functional development in brain regions important for cognitive control. Some neural recovery may be possible after abstinence; however, months or years may be required for complete recovery of functional connectivity from heavy cannabis use.

What happens when you use weed before drinking?

Therefore, more laboratory research is needed on pharmacokinetic interactions between cannabis and alcohol and performance impairments from co-use. To date, research in this area has been constrained by a relatively low dose of cannabis administered relative to cannabis with much higher THC potency commonly in use today [46]. This increased potency has been implicated in worse behavioral outcomes including increased alcohol intoxication, yet has been largely left unstudied. This type of research is difficult to conduct, however, due to the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance that restricts researcher access to cannabis products [102].

However, when THC and alcohol were both on board, the risk of being deemed impaired greatly increased. Risk of motor vehicle accident rises significantly with increasing cannabis dose and use frequency [44], and the influence of increasing dose is particularly disquieting as potency of recreationally available cannabis has increased significantly in recent years [46, 47]. An additional methodological concern identified in this review is the reliance on youth self-report of substance use.

There have been reports of delusions and hallucinations when taken in high doses. Although it is possible to experience negative side effects from Marijuana, such as anxiety and paranoia, the drug is considered generally safe and non-life threatening. As two of the most commonly used substances, the majority of Americans have used alcohol and Marijuana at some point in their lives. Despite their legality in certain states, using these drugs together can produce uncomfortable side effects and even an increased risk for dangerous situations. THC-infused beverages present a fantastic opportunity for cannabis consumers who would like an experience similar to drinking alcohol (but without any actual alcohol being involved).

While awaiting medical attention, it is important to keep the person safe from harm. This includes preventing injury and providing reassurance and emotional support. Cannabis and alcohol intersect at countless get-togethers – and nights kicking back at home. If you are mixing the two, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind.

Co-use and Adolescent Brain Development

When used together, these impairments can be magnified, increasing the risk of accidents, including car crashes, falls, and other types of injuries. It’s important to note that the risk of accidents is not only limited to motor vehicles but also applies to activities that require physical coordination and mental alertness. When it comes to mixing alcohol and weed, there are several potential risks and dangers to be aware of. Combining these substances can have a significant impact on various aspects of a person’s physical and mental well-being.

Recent studies similarly point to the different ways in which individuals can develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. For example, about 29.7% of men and 22.2% percent of women aged 18 and over engaged in binge drinking in 2019. While binge drinking isn’t the same as alcohol addiction, it represents a form of misuse that contributes to the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Studies have also reported that combining heroin withdrawal affects people’s ability to drive more than drinking alone.

Those who combined the two had reduced cognitive performance than those who only consumed alcohol. For example, you might feel like you’re good to drive, but your blood alcohol level may be well over the legal limit. However, this study was pretty small, making it hard to draw any firm conclusions. Plus, a similar (but equally small) 2010 study found that alcohol consumption didn’t have much of an effect on THC concentrations. The researchers found significantly higher peak THC levels among participants who had alcohol versus those who had a placebo. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 150 deaths occur every day due to fentanyl and other opioids.

Present Study

It is worth noting that some individuals may have unique reactions to the combination of alcohol and weed, which can further complicate the outcomes. Alcohol and marijuana/cannabis are frequently used simultaneously (i.e., SAM use). SAM use is complex and the ways in which alcohol and cannabis are simultaneously used may reveal differential effects. The purpose of this study was to examine day-level effects of distinct alcohol and cannabis product combinations on simultaneous use and consequences on that day. Conversely, wine can produce more potent effects than beer when consumed with cannabis, due to its higher alcohol content.

While there is no evidence of a doubling effect, the research does indicate that the two substances do augment the effects of one another. An addiction to alcohol is something that should be taken seriously, and it is important to know the signs to determine if you or your loved one is struggling. A craving for alcohol, wanting to cut back but being unable to, having your professional or personal life affected by alcohol, and developing a tolerance to alcohol are all signs of an alcohol use disorder. It is commonly known that alcohol is addictive, but there is debate over whether Marijuana can be considered addictive.

Weed may appear to be safer than alcohol simply because we aren’t yet aware of certain risks. If you want to mix the two, pay careful attention to how much of each you’re consuming, especially if you’ve never mixed them before. Turns out, you might not need much alcohol to change the way your body absorbs THC.

This means you might be tipsier than you feel, increasing your risk for becoming overly intoxicated. Similar to cannabis, a number of variables means some individuals may be more likely to become addicted to alcohol than others. Factors such as genetics, a family history of alcoholism, mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, and traumatic experiences elevate the likelihood of developing an addiction. THC increases dopamine release, and when dopamine is released, the resulting feelings of pleasure can reinforce the potentially addictive effects of the cannabinoid. If your dopamine levels stay elevated for too long—due to constant cannabis use, for example—the dopamine system becomes dysfunctional. Studies suggest that people who consume marijuana and alcohol simultaneously generally consume more of both.