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Amongst the many beneficial products that nature has blessed us with, Cannabidiol or CBD oil is among one of the most popular derivatives. It is not because of the long list of benefits that it has in store for our health and body, but also because of the potential uses that make it an ideal choice for people to consume it and save them from using expensive medicines.
Cannabidiol is derived from the cannabis plant and is a popular hemp-derived supplement on the Irish and European market.
Although it is considered to be relatively safe when consumed in limited quantities, one of the most common questions people ask is whether it is safe to drink alcohol after taking CBD oil. This question mainly sprouts because of the intoxicating effects of Cannabidiol oil.
While there is no definitive answer to this question, because the effects vary from person to person. It is generally advised to wait for at least an hour before consuming alcohol after any intake of CBD oil. This will allow your body to metabolize the CBD oil and avoid any potential interactions between the two substances.1
How long after taking Cannabidiol drops should I wait before drinking alcohol?
It is best advised not to consume both CBD oil and alcohol at the same time. The reason for this is that CBD oil can potentiate the effects of alcohol, which could lead to many side effects such as increased drowsiness and dry mouth, thus limiting your productivity. 2
If you really wish to consume alcohol after taking CBD oil, it is recommended that you wait at least 2 hours before doing so to be extra safe.
How Will Consuming CBD Oil And Alcohol Affect My Alcohol Tolerance?
CBD oil may affect your alcohol tolerance in many different ways.
Firstly, CBD oil can increase your blood alcohol levels. This occurs because CBD oil can increase the amount of alcohol in your blood. Second, CBD oil can decrease your alcohol tolerance. This is because CBD oil can decrease the amount of alcohol that your body can metabolize. 3
Finally, CBD oil can increase the effects of alcohol in some cases. This is because CBD oil can increase the amount of alcohol that your body absorbs. Others, however, would argue that CBD helps with the negative effects of alcohol, so it is best to see for yourself!
How Long Does CBD Oil Stay In My System?
CBD oil can stay in your system for up to 5 days, but this depends on a number of factors, including:
- How much CBD oil you took
- Your body weight
- Your metabolism
- How often you take CBD oil
If you take a small dose of CBD oil, it is likely to stay in your system for a shorter period of time than if you take a large dose.
More Reading: How Does CBD Oil Taste?
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Hemp Supplements?
Most people who take CBD supplements derived from hemp also drink alcohol out of habit. It is best however not to do so at the exact same time as this may cause both substances to influence the effects of the other. 4
As mentioned earlier, ideally a 2-hour gap after hemp supplement use is sufficient enough for someone to consume alcohol.
What are the Benefits of taking CBD?
Benefits or health claims cannot be made by those selling CBD products in Ireland, the UK or across greater Europe in most countries.
This is because CBD is categorised as a food supplement and is not considered medicinal under law. Reviews and testimonials from CBD users can be found online but cannot be used for marketing purposes due to the regulatory status of Cannabidiol and hemp.
How Does It Interact With Alcohol?
CBD oil and alcohol may interact in a way that could cause drowsiness or sleepiness but it is not certain or guaranteed. All people vary in tolerances to supplements including CBD and alcohol. The amount of both substances consumed by the person will also have a greater effect on the level of interaction between them.
What Are The Side Effects?
CBD oil can interact with other medications, so it is best to talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil. CBD oil can cause dry mouth, so it is best to drink plenty of water while using it. CBD oil can cause gastrointestinal upset for some people with sensitive stomachs, so it is best to take it with food. 5
CBD oil is non-intoxicating, meaning it will not make you feel “high” like THC-containing cannabis (the marijuana variety of cannabis). CBD oil is typically taken orally, but can also be added to food and beverages. The effects of CBD oil can vary depending on the person and the dosage.
How Long Does It Take For This Compound To Take Effect?
It depends on a few things: the type of CBD oil you’re taking, the dosage, and your individual physiology. No effects are guaranteed and no health claims can be made about such products.
CBD oil can be taken in a few different ways: sublingually (under the tongue), orally, or topically. The sublingual method is generally the fastest method of absorbing of CBD drops into the body as it bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream directly. 6
This is in contrast to taking a capsule or pill infused with Cannabidiol which like other forms of supplements (vitamins, minerals) must pass through digestion first.
How Long Does CBD Oil Last?
CBD oil can last for a very long time when stored properly. The shelf life of CBD oil is estimated to be around two years, although it can last longer if it is stored in a cool, dark place.
After opening, CBD oil should be used within six months. If you are unsure about the freshness of your CBD oil, it is best to check with the manufacturer.
References
- Hj V, Ba B, Kf M. Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo Clin Proc [Internet]. 2019 Sep [cited 2023 Feb 26];94(9). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31447137/
- Yurasek AM, Aston ER, Metrik J. Co-use of Alcohol and Cannabis: A Review. Curr Addict Rep. 2017 Jun;4(2):184.
- THC and CBD effects on alcohol use among alcohol and cannabis co-users – PubMed [Internet]. [cited 2023 Feb 26]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33764086/
- Cn N, Cs H, B LF. Effects of cannabidiol on alcohol-related outcomes: A review of preclinical and human research. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol [Internet]. 2019 Aug [cited 2023 Feb 26];27(4). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31120285/
- Huestis MA, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò FP. Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019 Oct;17(10):974–89.
- Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). Pharmaceuticals. 2020 Aug 28;13(9):219.
