If you ever wanted to try cannabis and alcohol at the same time, we suggest that you pause and think. Both substances directly affect each other thus causing extremely harmful effects to an individual. There are several underlying factors that can cause different reactions. Nevertheless, it is vital to know the possible outcomes before you try mixing alcohol and weed.
1. Dehydration
Have you ever noticed that you always have the urge to pee when drinking alcohol? This is because alcohol is a diuretic. Using cannabis at the same time, therefore, increases the chances of dehydration. You probably won’t notice that you’re losing more fluid until it’s too late.
2. Impaired Judgment
If you use alcohol and marijuana separately, you know that they both can impair your judgment, especially if you consume too much. Now, marijuana and alcohol combined can escalate this. A person may experience blackouts, an increased risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors, and memory loss. They are likely to do extreme things under the influence of both substances compared to when they are only using one or the other.
3. Mental Health Problems
According to research, extreme intake of alcoholic drinks is associated with poor mental health, low life satisfaction, and psychological distress. Last 2018, the American Psychological Association warned that the use of marijuana can advance the onset of psychiatric problems. Also, adults are more prone to brain damage due to long-term use of marijuana.
4. Diminished Cognitive Function
Aside from mental health problems, a person who uses both marijuana and alcohol may develop poor memory and attention skills, cognitive decline, and lower IQ. Research also uncovered that people who consume alcohol alone have better cognitive function than people who consume both. This can put them and other people in danger if ever they try to drive a car under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.
5. Dependency
According to a review, people who ingest both of the substances have a higher chance of using them more. If this habit is not put to a stop, a person can develop a dependence on cannabis, alcohol, or both. This puts them at risk of developing physical health problems that may affect the following:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Immune System
- Heart
6. Overdose
People who consume alcohol and marijuana simultaneously have an increased chance of consuming more of both substances. They are also more at risk of experiencing an overdose.
What Are the Risks?
You may not know this, but a person who uses cannabis before alcohol or vice versa can experience different things.
When a person drinks before smoking marijuana, the bloodstream absorbs more THC, thereby increasing the risk of experiencing:
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Doing this results in a more intense “high”. Others may experience physical symptoms also known as “greening out”. The symptoms include the following:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
On the other hand, a person who smokes marijuana before drinking alcohol may not feel that they’ve had too much to drink. He or she may not feel intoxicated because weed delays the feeling of drunkenness. If you’re not careful, this can lead to alcohol poisoning.
How to Handle a Green Out?
If you or someone you know is in this situation, there are things you can do to manage the symptoms, including the following:
- Stay calm. Panicking will not help you and it will probably worsen the symptoms.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with a green out. This can help your body recover from drinking alcohol then smoking weed.
- Eat or drink to increase your blood sugar. If you feel dizzy, eating sweet foods can help alleviate that feeling. You can either drink juice or eat a warm soup.
What Should You Consider?
If you cannot shy away from consuming both substances, we recommend that you monitor how much drink you’ve had and how large a dosage of cannabis you’ve already smoked. You should also consider a number of factors to ensure your safety:
- Your tolerance to marijuana and alcohol
- Alcohol content of the beverage
- Interval of intake of both substances
- Whether you have edibles, joints, or vapes
- Any medication you’re taking
However, the best step you can take is not to consume both at the same time. It is also best to talk to your doctor if you have any medications to know if THC and alcohol could have any effects on your medications. Remember this: use responsibly.
Now that you know the risks that come with mixing alcohol and cannabis, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy quality cannabis products safely. Get recommendations from the experts! If you are looking for a nearby reputable Keystone Colorado dispensary, you can drop by Altitude Organic Cannabis. We can help you with all your cannabis needs. Contact us for more details!
