As marijuana gains popularity and becomes legalized in various states, studies and research focusing on the frequency of how these drugs are used, as well as the short and long term effects of combining them are evolving. At the moment, researchers cannot agree on all the alleged effects by several generalizations of combining these drugs have been made based on their individual effects on the human body.
The side effects and risks of mixing weed and alcohol include:
Enhanced effects of THC
Mixing alcohol with any drug increases its half-life meaning that the drug stays in the human body longer than when used alone. This is a result of the liver prioritizing the metabolism of alcohol in favor of other substances taken with it. Basically, the liver can metabolize one ounce of alcohol per hour meaning that any other substances taken alongside alcohol remain unchanged until all the alcohol is metabolized. Consequently, when taken with alcohol, THC remains in the human body for a longer period than normal, and it effects accrue until it is adequately metabolized.
Overdose potential
Research has established than combining other drugs with alcohol increases the probability of an overdose. When it comes to THC, an overdose can be lethal more so to younger people and the fatality is increased when combined with alcohol. To be precise, combining alcohol with cannabis products can cause alcohol poising and increase the chances of overdosing on the 2 drugs.
Decreased judgment
Cannabis products and alcohol can both impair one’s capacity to think rationally. Since these two drugs contain synergistic properties, consuming them together increases the chances of poor judgment, impulsive acts, and engaging in behaviors that can result in serious and consequences and accidents. Specifically, combining these two drugs increases the chances of experiencing memory issues, drug-related blackouts, and long-term cognitive issues.
Potential issues with elimination
Most cannabinoids are antiemetic which means that they can hinder one’s capacity to vomit. Though this is a medicinal effect used in people suffering from HIV and eating disorders, it can result in fatalities when THC is combined with alcohol. Since one can’t vomit, the chances of overdosing are higher and this can lead to alcohol poisoning since one’s ability to get rid of excess alcohol by vomiting is hampered.
Intensified side effects
Studies have already shown that combining alcohol with other drugs intensifies the side effects of both. Unfortunately, cannabis products have many adverse effects such as hallucinations and anxiety. Combining them with alcohol can result in potentially deleterious effects including allergies.
Long-term effects
Long term effects of abusing alcohol include an increased risk of developing liver disease, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal complications, cancer among others. Hence, it can be theorized that combining THC products with alcohol increases the risk to develop these conditions.
Complicated physical dependence
There is no doubt that physical dependence on alcohol is real and detrimental. Moreover, the American Psychiatric Association has established that there are withdrawal symptoms associated with THC. Thereof, abusing these two drugs chronically can increase tolerance and physical dependence.
Psychological effects
In reference to the American Psychiatric Association abusing any of these substances is highly associated with various forms of mental illness. Consequently, combining these drugs is associated with an increased risk of developing mental issues such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders.