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WithDelta-8-THC emerging as a legal alternative to recreationalDelta-9-THC, people are finding new and creative ways to incorporate it into parties and social events. But is it safe to mix Delta-8 and alcohol?
Let's explore this question and what you should know about potential interactions.
Table of Contents:
What Happens When You Combine Delta 8 and Alcohol?
Take Caution When Mixing Delta-8 With Alcohol
Can Delta-8 Help a Hangover?
Conclusion: Can You Mix Delta-8 and Alcohol?
Where to Buy High-Quality Delta-8
Resources
Combining alcohol and THC, often referred to as “crossfading,” can produce unique effects. The outcome depends on factors like dosage, order of consumption, and individual tolerance. Delta-8 and alcohol can amplify each other's effects, leading to increased sedation, delayed drunkenness, and potentially dangerous situations.
In reality, however, the way that a combination of alcohol and THC affects you depends on a range of factors, including how much you intake, the order in which you use the two substances, your personal tolerance to each substance, and other unique biological factors.
Although many people have combined the two without issue, there are some adverse interactions to look out for. Here’s why:
Delta-8-THC's antiemetic properties are one of its most well-known benefits, meaning it can help calm nausea and prevent vomiting. In fact, Delta-8-THC was found to be 100% effective at stopping vomiting in one pediatric study.
While this might seem beneficial, it can be dangerous if it prevents your body from expelling excess alcohol.
Vomiting is one of the body's ways to get rid of excess alcohol, reducing the risk of alcohol poisoning. If you over-consume alcohol and Delta-8-THC prevents you from vomiting, you could be at greater risk of alcohol poisoning.
This danger mainly affects heavy drinkers, making the combination of Delta-8-THC and alcohol potentially risky. While it's likely safer for light drinkers, there are still other side effects to consider when mixing these substances.
Alcohol is often used as a nightcap because it can help you fall asleep. However, alcohol-induced sleep can be heavy and unrefreshing, leaving you feeling groggy the next day. After a night of heavy drinking, many people struggle to wake up, even if they went to bed early.
A study found that Delta-8 might amplify these effects. When mice were given Delta-8 before alcohol, it increased the sedative effects, and this impact lasted up to 72 hours after the final dose. The effects diminished with frequent use, but we don't recommend chronic use of any recreational substance. While it's unclear how this animal study applies to humans, be cautious when mixing Delta-8 with alcohol, as it might lead to heavier sleep and reduced sleep quality.
There may also be some specific concerns to keep in mind depending on the order in which you use alcohol and Delta-8. For instance, one small 2015 study found that even small doses of alcohol can increase the absorption rate of Delta-9-THC. In other words, drinking alcohol before THC consumption may lead to stronger effects. Although this research focused on Delta-9, it may very well translate to Delta-8 since the two compounds are absorbed similarly.
There may be risks when using the two substances in the reverse order as well. A 1992 study found that consuming THC before drinking alcohol may slow the rise in blood alcohol levels, which means it may delay the feeling of drunkenness.
This is a problem that may result in over-consumption of alcohol, or it could be a recipe for an even more dangerous situation. For instance, it may make you feel like you're actually sober enough to drive when the drunkenness is actually just delayed.
More research is needed to fully understand how Delta-8 and alcohol may interact, but it's safe to say that you should proceed with extreme caution when mixing the two substances.
Since Delta-8 and alcohol can amplify each other’s effects, it's crucial to be cautious when consuming them together. Consider the following tips:
Mixing Delta-8 and alcohol can lead to stronger effects, so reduce your usual doses. Plan to drink less alcohol and take smaller Delta-8 doses to avoid unintended consequences.
Understand your personal tolerance for both substances before mixing them. If you're new to Delta-8 or alcohol, it's better to use them separately until you have a clear understanding of your limits.
Always ensure you're in a safe environment when combining Delta-8 and alcohol. Consider having a designated sober person or staying at home to reduce risks. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after consuming either substance.
On the other end of the spectrum, many people claim that Delta-8 and alcohol have a unique symbiotic relationship in that Delta-8-THC may help ease post-alcohol discomforts. We really can't argue with this point. Although there hasn't been any research to date to evaluate Delta-8's effectiveness at treating a hangover, the symptoms and benefits do line up.
Delta-8-THC may help fight nausea and vomiting, soothe headaches, reduce fatigue, and stimulate appetite, all of which can be useful when you're battling a nasty hangover. Read “Delta-8-THC Health Benefits” to learn more.
If you want to use Delta-8-THC to soothe your post-party blues, we recommend trying one of these products:
Flower is one of the most effective and fast-acting ways to consume Delta-8. Inhaled THC doses take effect almost instantly, and Delta-8-THC flower generally brings a reasonable dose of CBD to the table, too.
With a variety of different Delta-8 strains available, you're likely to find something that meets your needs whether you plan to spend the day sleeping off the previous night or you need to shake it off so you can go about your day. To choose the best strain, read "Which Strain of Delta-8 Flower is Best?"
Delta Edibles are a convenient, pre-measured dosing method, and it's pretty easy to keep edibles on hand when you need them. Some reports suggest that the effects of edible doses are more potent because of the way that THC is metabolized in the gut, so you may even be able to use smaller doses while reaping the same benefits. Of course, edibles may not be the best option if you're having trouble keeping food down.
Although Delta-8 tinctures are technically a form of edibles, the small liquid doses may be a little easier to stomach when you're feeling nauseous. Plus, tinctures are taken sublingually, which means you drop the dose under your tongue and hold it for about a minute before swallowing.
When dosed this way, Delta-8 takes effect pretty quickly, usually in about 30 minutes. This method is popular because it allows you to precisely control your Delta-8 dose, and Delta-8 tinctures are generally the most cost-effective dosing option.
If you need to soothe a hangover but aren't keen on experiencing psychoactive effects as you navigate your day, CBD is a good option to consider. It has some similar benefits, like the potential to soothe nausea, pain, and fatigue, and it may also help promote focus and sustained energy.
It's not psychoactive, so you don't need to forgo hemp-derived relief even if you'll be spending your day at the office or running errands. A full-spectrum CBD lollipop or tincture dose is a great option for getting your day back on track after a long night out.
Read “Can CBD Stop a Hangover?” to learn more.
There are no research-backed adverse effects from mixing Delta-8-THC and alcohol, but there may still be risks. Delta-8 and alcohol can affect each other’s absorption, so you might need to consume much less than usual.
If you are a heavy drinker, you should avoid Delta-8, as it could increase the risk of alcohol poisoning. For most people, it’s safer to consume either Delta-8 or alcohol, but not both. (TIP: Delta-8 doesn’t cause a hangover!)
If you decide to combine Delta-8 with alcohol, do so responsibly and keep track of your intake. It's best to use high-quality Delta-8-THC products to minimize adverse reactions. Consider having a designated sober person or staying at home if you aren't sure how the combination will affect you.
You can buy Delta-8 in stores and online in states where Delta-8-THC is legal, but shopping online gives you access to a wider variety of product types, flavors, and potencies. Our Elev8 Collection is 100% Farm Bill Compliant and made according to the industry’s highest standards. Our unique sublingual-style edibles are the perfect party companions.
Combining Delta-8 and alcohol can increase the effects of both substances. This can lead to stronger sedation, delayed drunkenness, and a higher risk of adverse reactions. If you do choose to mix them, consume responsibly and in smaller amounts than usual. It’s best to have a designated sober person if you're going out or stay at home for safety.
Delta-8 might interact with other medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system, like sedatives or anti-anxiety medications. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before mixing Delta-8 with prescription or over-the-counter drugs to avoid adverse effects.
Delta-8 can be an alternative to alcohol for those seeking relaxation without the hangover effects. It offers a milder high compared to Delta-9-THC, but it's not without risks. Always use Delta-8 responsibly and be aware that it can impair coordination and reaction times, similar to alcohol.
Drinking water does not eliminate Delta-8 from your system, but it can help you stay hydrated and reduce the intensity of side effects like dry mouth. Delta-8 is metabolized by the body over time, and staying hydrated is a good practice when consuming any psychoactive substance.
Delta-8 may ease some hangover symptoms due to its antiemetic properties, which can help reduce nausea and vomiting. It might also help stimulate appetite and reduce headaches. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for hangover relief. If you choose to use Delta-8 for this purpose, start with a small dose and monitor its effects.
No, it is not safe to drive after using Delta-8. Like other THC products, Delta-8 can impair coordination and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. It's best to avoid operating vehicles or heavy machinery until the effects of Delta-8 have fully worn off.
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