Understanding the Dangers of Mixing Marijuana and Alcohol

Throughout the U.S., alcohol and marijuana have become the most commonly used and most socially acceptable drugs available. Now that weed is legal in many states, it and alcohol can be legally and even responsibly consumed, but both are mind-altering substances that can have addictive properties or be prone to misuse.

Mixing weed and alcohol can have a compounding effect, increasing risks and exacerbating negative side effects. However, with the widespread legalization of cannabis and cultural drinking movements (e.g., wine moms, frat parties, bottomless brunches, etc.) becoming the norm, it’s more important than ever to understand the impact of mixing THC and alcohol.

Popularity of Mixing Weed and Alcohol

Numerous recent studies show that combined alcohol and marijuana use — especially in states in which cannabis has been legalized — is on the rise. These studies also consistently show that each of these substances has a similar effect — people who consume tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are more likely to drink excessively, while people who frequently binge drink are more likely to use marijuana.

What is Crossfading?

Crossfading refers to the practice of mixing marijuana and alcohol to achieve a more intense buzz from the combined effect. Being “crossfaded” is well-term, referring to being drunk and high at the same time.

While it can apply to combining alcohol with any drug, it’s most commonly used to describe a mix of alcohol and THC. It is increasingly popular with adolescents and young adults, though, in a study, we found that parents are overall less concerned with marijuana use than alcohol.

How Alcohol and Marijuana Interact in the Body

To fully understand how cannabis and alcohol mix when consumed together, we must first explore the effects of each.

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder impacts people from all demographics and backgrounds. There are many reasons alcohol use is so widespread, and many of those reasons have to do with alcohol being a depressant.

When alcohol is consumed, it doesn’t get digested like other food or beverages. Instead, it is absorbed into the blood, where it travels throughout the body. The depressive effect of alcohol can feel calming or soothing, which is why it’s often used by those who want to relax or escape.

With increased consumption, alcohol continues to dull the brain and nervous system. However, it also releases dopamine and lifts inhibitions, leading to a sometimes euphoric feeling.

Effects of Cannabis

Like alcohol, marijuana is a depressant, though it can also have some stimulant effects. It creates a relaxed, calm feeling in many users while also altering their perception of time and sensory input.

Marijuana may also be hallucinogenic, though some of these effects may depend on the type or strain being used. THC can be consumed in many different ways, including smoking, vaping, and edibles.

The effects of cannabis last longer in the body than alcohol and may feel more intense. The stimulant properties of some types of marijuana can be a mood booster but can also lead to increased anxiety, panic attacks, and aggression.

Combined Effects of Weed and Alcohol

When taken together, the result is a more intense combination of buzz and high, which can last substantially longer than taking one alone. If consumed first, alcohol can increase the absorption of THC into the bloodstream and speed up the onset of the marijuana high. Even small amounts of alcohol can have a major impact on the way the body processes THC.

Dangers of Combining Marijuana and Alcohol Consumption

Both are (in many states) legal, and both can be consumed responsibly, so why not mix alcohol and weed? The bottom line is that both marijuana and alcohol can be misused, which can lead to serious consequences.

Increased Impairment

Due to the way alcohol facilitates quicker absorption of THC, most combo users report a more intense effect of being high and/or buzzed. The initial feelings may be euphoric, but the fallout can be dangerous.

Because both alcohol and marijuana are depressants, they slow down the brain and the body’s response time. This can lead to difficulty moving, delayed response time, and poor decision-making. As an example, a study has found that people who use both weed and alcohol together are more likely to drive impaired.

Greening Out

“Greening out” refers to a sick feeling brought on by consuming too much marijuana. It can be used even if alcohol has not been consumed, but it happens more frequently when the two are combined. Greening out involves several negative side effects, which may include:

Greening out is highly unpleasant for the user. While it is not physically harmful in and of itself, it could lead to an increased risk of dangerous situations. It could also make it difficult for an individual or those around them to tell if the symptoms are greening out or something more nefarious, like alcohol poisoning.

Risk of Overconsumption

As mentioned earlier, people who mix the two drugs increase their risk for overconsumption dramatically, especially regarding alcohol. The cannabinoids in most strains of marijuana have a depressive effect, which can impact the way a person makes decisions and the speed at which they react.

That means that they may drink too much alcohol without realizing how much they have consumed. Because they are feeling the high from the THC, they aren’t as aware of the impact the alcohol is having.

Acute Health Risks

Cannabis is largely presumed to be a “safe” drug, and while it usually isn’t life-threatening when taken alone, it can create more risks and health problems when combined with alcohol.

Smoking marijuana can also trigger asthma attacks or breathing problems in some people, which can be dangerous. Alcohol abuse is also a major risk, as alcohol poisoning can be fatal.

Mental Health Impact

Combined usage of marijuana and alcohol can take a toll on a person’s mental health over time. Cannabis does not seem to cause long-term depression or anxiety in users, but it can exacerbate pre-existing mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It can also lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts and ideations.

Alcohol has been proven to alter brain chemistry, which can lead to depression, anxiety, or panic disorders. Eventually, both of these can take a toll on relationships and careers, which can also negatively impact mental well-being.

Addictive Nature and Dependency Risks

Alcohol is a proven addictive substance, and those who misuse it are often diagnosed with alcohol addiction, known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). Marijuana has long been viewed as a non-addictive drug, but this is a fallacy.

While weed is not as addictive as many other drugs like cocaine or heroin, it still has addictive properties. The stimulant qualities of marijuana lead to a feeling of happiness and positive energy, which many users will continue to chase. Around 10% of adults who use marijuana are susceptible to cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is cannabis addiction.

The risk of overdose from cannabis alone is relatively low. However, when mixing marijuana and alcohol, the user is compounding the high and increasing the risk of dependency significantly.

Long-Term Consequences of Marijuana and Alcohol Co-Use

You might think it’s fine in the short term to occasionally mix alcohol with marijuana, and you may be one of the lucky ones who doesn’t experience greening out or other negative side effects. However, the longer you continue to combine the two, the greater your risk of experiencing negative consequences of marijuana along with alcohol dependency.

It’s important to keep in mind that over time, strains of THC are becoming more potent, especially as legalization expands. Manufacturers are also exploring synthetic strains, which can affect the potency and the potential side effects. This means we don’t yet know what types of impact new types of marijuana can have.

Excessively drinking alcohol has many well-documented long-term effects, including alcoholic liver disease. It is also a contributing factor to heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. When combined, it is safe to say that most people who continually mix the two will experience some type of long-term health impact.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Depending on where you’re located and what age you are, both marijuana and alcohol can be perfectly legal. However, it might be time we address marijuana as we do alcohol: legal but potentially problematic. It’s important to remember that even though consumption may be legal, the actions you take while under the influence may not be.

Driving with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit is against the law and potentially deadly. But also, performing any daily life task while using alcohol and marijuana can put you at a higher risk of getting hurt or worse. It could mean putting your children in harm’s way or being aggressive to the point of physically assaulting another person.

You may think marijuana chills you out, or you only need a few glasses of wine to get a good night’s sleep, but when you combine these substances, the outcome can be unreliable and even unsafe.

Advice for Safe Use

Responsible use of each substance individually is possible, mostly in those with no genetic predisposition to or history of substance use disorder. However, the safest way to use either is to consume them separately.

If you have a small drink at dinner, it’s wise to forego taking an edible before bed. Or if you smoked marijuana in the morning, skip that glass of wine in the evening, even if you no longer feel high. When it doubt, wait it out.

Knowing When to Seek Help

Signs of alcohol use disorder can be easy to spot at times, whether in yourself or someone you love. Of course, some of those with AUD become experts at hiding the signs, and many who deal with it personally are in denial. Cannabis use disorder is more difficult to uncover or acknowledge.

However, if you — or someone you know — are mixing these two substances regularly or can’t seem to go for long stretches of time without needing one or the other, there may be a problem. If it’s become impossible to say no to drinks or weed, or if you feel that going without alters your behavior or your mental/physical well-being, it’s likely time to reach out for support.

How Caron Can Help

If you or a loved one is facing alcohol use disorder or cannabis use disorder, you don’t have to take the road to recovery alone. Caron offers evidence-based, compassionate care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. We have both inpatient and outpatient treatment options, plus family treatment, detox, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

The first step is the hardest, but at Caron, we’re here to walk beside you. Contact us today, and we’ll take that step together.