CBD and Alcohol: Should You Mix The Two?

Winding down for the evening with a glass of wine isn’t anything new. Women have been doing it for generations. Because you earned it, right? Now, many women are introducing CBD (cannabidiol) into their wellness routines for better sleep, sex, and stress relief.  

As cannabis products become more mainstream, we’re realizing alcohol isn’t the only (or best) way to take the edge off. CBD and alcohol are used for similar effects, but create much different outcomes. 

How CBD Interacts With Your Body?

CBD will work and interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a system in your body that plays a big role in appetite, sleep patterns, and overall mood. Many people who take CBD report that it produces calming, relaxing, and soothing results.

CBD is a naturally occurring part of the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC, which is known for its psychoactive effect that gives that "high," CBD is a non psychoactive compound. Therefore, CBD will not give you the "high" that THC does.

So instead of getting you high, CBD can help relax your nervous system and focus on what you need, especially when paired with quality active ingredients like L-theanine. 

How Does Alcohol Impact Sleep?

Alcohol isn’t all bad. Moderate alcohol use does have its health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, ischemic stroke, and possibly reduced risk of diabetes. But routinely consuming alcohol has been shown to damage your REM cycles of sleep, causing you to fail to get the deep sleep your body needs and craves. 

So why are 20% of Americans using alcohol to help fall asleep at night? When it comes to your sleep, quality and quantity both matter. Instead of reaching for your nightly pinot grigio, try reaching for some CBD (cannabidiol) oil infused with melatonin instead. 

Can You Mix CBD And Alcohol?

 

TL;DR: It’s safe to consume CBD and alcohol together. CBD can slow down the process of neurodegeneration, a negative side effect of heavy alcohol consumption or binge drinking.

While research is still catching up to understand these effects, there are dozens that show a positive relationship between CBD and alcohol, with CBD lessening the impacts of a night of drinking. 

You can take CBD and still enjoy a drink or two socially or with dinner. Unlike with THC, the properties that come with CBD aren’t psychoactive. This means you won’t face any unwanted “cross-buzzing” symptoms. 

In general, CBD acts as a subtle, pleasant compound that provides relaxing and calming effects. Alcohol is considered a depressant. Both provide relaxing benefits, but only one is long-lasting (spoiler: it’s CBD). 

Benefits of Alcohol And CBD Oil

• Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Combining CBD with alcohol may enhance the calming effects of both, potentially leading to a reduction in anxiety and stress.
• Enhanced Relaxation: The combination might provide a synergistic effect in promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
• Possible Neuroprotective Properties: CBD has been suggested to have neuroprotective properties that might counteract some negative effects of alcohol on the brain.
• Reduction in Alcohol-Related Side Effects: CBD may help in reducing certain side effects associated with alcohol consumption, such as nausea or headaches.
• Potential for Reduced Alcohol Consumption: Some studies suggest that CBD might help in reducing cravings for alcohol, potentially aiding in lower alcohol consumption.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBD's anti-inflammatory properties might help in alleviating inflammation caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

What About CBD Gummies And Alcohol?

 

Aspect	Details
Interaction	Potential interaction effects between CBD gummies and alcohol may vary based on individual responses and dosage.
Effects	May enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety, but can also increase drowsiness and impair motor functions.
Safety	Generally considered safe in moderate amounts, but excessive consumption of either can lead to adverse effects.
Usage	Should be consumed with caution, especially for those who are not familiar with the effects of either substance.
Considerations	Important to consider factors such as personal tolerance, reasons for use, and the environment in which they are consumed.

 

Changing Your Night Routine

Chances are you have woken up in the middle of the night post-drinking wondering if you will be able to get back to sleep that night. Whereas alcohol only temporarily makes you feel sleepy (thanks, sugar), CBD has a long-lasting, extended-release impact on your body. It also won’t leave you with any intrusive headaches the next morning.

Ladies: drink if you enjoy it. There is no shame here. However, reconsider using alcohol for bedtime. There are better options that won’t make you groggy and hungover.

If you are trying to improve your sleep or need help falling asleep each night, the House of Wise sleep drops and CBD sleep gummies are packed with calming ingredients like melatonin and full-spectrum CBD for a full-night’s rest and groggy-less mornings. 

Getting In The Mood for Sex

Yes, those tequila shots might help unwind and clear your mind from getting frisky. But you feel like complete crap later. Unlike alcohol, CBD oil works with natural ingredients that elicit desire without the bad effects. 

CBD can also be used in efforts to increase libido. If you ask us, an unforgettable night is better than a blacked-out night. 

Breaking The Stigma

There is a heavy stigma attached to cannabis usage, including CBD, even though CBD doesn’t get you high. However, daily alcohol used is embraced, encouraged, and baked into our routines. 

House of Wise was founded on the premise that CBD is worth celebrating. It’s okay to get a little help from natural substances that make life a tad easier. Alcohol is not doing that for us. 

The Mindful Drinking Movement

It’s not weird or uncool to stop drinking alcohol. In fact, you’re in good company. Many people are moving toward the idea of mindful drinking, which means being aware of how much you are drinking and the impact it is having. 

One of the best ways to wellness routine is to ditch regular alcohol use. It’s not doing you any favors, and the emerging normalization of CBD provides a better alternative.