Can You Mix Delta 8 and Alcohol?

While there is no doubt that delta 8 THC can be extremely enjoyable all on its own, it is expected that there are plenty of people out there who like to enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine when delta 8 is in their system. 

Throughout history, we can safely assume that people have been combining together alcohol and cannabis, as they’re two of the most widely used intoxicants in the world.  But, does that mean that it’s actually advisable to combine delta-8 with alcohol?

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Mixing Alcohol and THC: What We Know

First, let’s point out one thing: no studies have been done on the effects of mixing alcohol with delta 8 THC, specifically.  Therefore, the only thing we can do is reference the effects of mixing alcohol with delta 9 THC, which makes sense because delta 8 and delta 9 are extremely similar when it comes to how they interact with the body. 

Since delta 8 is, in essence, a milder form of its predecessor, delta 9, we can project a lot of the information we know about combining weed and booze onto this particular investigation.  Ultimately, the two cannabinoids work on the same CB1 receptors in the brain that result in the psychoactive response that we associate with feelings of euphoria and relaxation when we consume THC.

One thing we can say is that alcohol is a sedative, which ultimately has a depressant effect on the nervous system.  When we drink alcohol, we know exactly what to expect in terms of its effects.  But, when we throw THC into the mix, things can get unpredictable.  THC is neither a sedative nor a stimulant, as it offers effects of both while also being potentially hallucinogenic (more commonly with delta 9 than with delta 8). 

If you ask two people what their experiences were combining delta 8 or delta 9 with alcohol, you may very well get two entirely different answers.  Some will tell you that they felt extremely relaxed, and others may say that they felt dizzy and nauseous.  In large part, this is because there are a lot of variables at play, including the quantity of each, the delivery method of the THC and the duration of time between taking a serving of each.

But, there are also physiological factors that can determine how a person feels when mixing these two intoxicating substances.  Everyone’s body is unique and has a specific tolerance to both alcohol and Delta 8 THC.  Beyond tolerance, some of us just react in a unique way to these substances – for example, some people are naturally prone to paranoia when they consume THC, while others are not.  Some people get a boost of energy when they consume alcohol, while others want to go right to bed as they feel sleepy.

What this means is that we can’t offer a conclusive description of what to expect when mixing together alcohol and delta 8.  It’s important to know your body, and how it responds to each of these substances before considering mixing them together in any quantity or proportion.

It May Depend on the Order

There’s yet another factor that may play a big role when it comes to how these substances interact with one another, and that’s the order.  Interestingly, which of the substances you consume first can greatly impact the outcome.

A study showed that drinking alcohol before consuming THC can cause the THC to absorb at a higher rate in the body.  In short, this means that for many people, consuming delta 8 after having a few drinks can greatly increase the intoxicating properties of THC, which may or may not be enjoyable depending on your sensitivity level.  Some of the more unwanted effects people may experience are nausea, vertigo and anxiety.

Meanwhile, research shows that consuming THC first can actually prevent full absorption of the alcohol, which means that you may feel less drunk than you would if you had not first consumed the THC.  But, that’s not necessarily a positive thing.  It means that you may end up drinking a lot more than normal in order to catch a buzz, which could bring your blood alcohol levels to a dangerous place.

Being Responsible

Ultimately, you can combine delta 8 THC with a drink, and many people do.  Whether or not it’s recommended is hard to say.  While enjoying each in small quantities is likely fine, you have to be careful with how much of each you consume.  Delta 8 in high doses is generally tolerated by the body but can come with side effects like anxiety and paranoia.  Consuming alcohol in high doses, as we know, can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.

That being said, you should aim to be responsible, and start slow if you do plan on mixing, having only a little bit of each and monitoring how you feel.  Also, note that you should never drive under the influence of any intoxicating substance.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there may be long-term effects, even if you don’t feel any side effects when intoxicated by this combination.  A small study found that people who frequently consumed THC and alcohol experienced more long-term cognitive impairment than those who consumed alcohol alone.  Of course, if you live by the “everything in moderation” adage, you may not have to worry about this. 

Lastly, note that each delivery method of delta 8 THC has its own potency and onset time.  

• • Inhalable products like vapes take effect within minutes with high potency, which may make you feel more intoxicated in the short term when consumed with alcohol.  

• • Tinctures and edibles are slower to act and not as potent, but it means that there would be a longer duration of time during which the two substances could interact as the effects of both last longer (4-6 hours and 8-10 hours, respectively).

The Bottom Line 

Both alcohol and delta 8 THC can help people unwind at the end of the week or after a long day, so it’s no surprise that so many people like to consume both.  Mixing them together is, in many cases, not associated with seriously negative effects, but you still need to be careful, especially since alcohol can be extremely dangerous in large amounts.  

Note: If you do have any medical conditions or are taking prescription medications, then taking both is a not the best idea, as you should consult with your doctor first, even before taking delta 8 THC.

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