Both natural and synthetic cannabinoids are mind-altering substances and, despite common misconception, are addictive. In cannabis, the chemicals that produce What is End-Stage Alcoholism the drug-like effects are called cannabinoids. There are a few different cannabinoids; you might be familiar with the main ones, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). After cannabis is ingested, an observable increase in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) occurs in anterior brain regions — which are critical for semantic memory, according to a 2001 study in Neuropsychopharmacology. Euphoric effects generally kick in within the first 10 to 15 minutes and are correlated with transient changes in the brain’s electroencephalographic activity (EEG) activity. Essentially, as blood alcohol content (BAC) rises, marked changes can be seen in the electrical activity of the brain.

Health Challenges

Another person might not have any issues with misusing alcohol but still find it hard to function without weed. Sure, research on the topic is ramping up a bit, but there’s still a lack of large, long-term studies. THC can change how alcohol is metabolized in the body by pulling alcohol more slowly out of your GI tract.

High school seniors who used cannabis and alcohol together had the highest rates of unsafe driving compared to students who co-used the substances less frequently 15. Bramness et al. 42 conducted a retrospective cross-sectional forensic database study examining drivers apprehended by the police suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Researchers found that cannabis impairs driving ability in a dose-response manner, though the effect was smaller than for alcohol. However, when THC and alcohol were both on board, the risk of being deemed impaired greatly increased. There is a substantial body of research examining the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments for alcohol 84–88 or cannabis use disorders 78, 89–92. To date, however, there is little research evaluating the efficacy of interventions specifically for the co-use of cannabis and alcohol.

Smoking weed and drinking

This could lead to severe impairments to functioning and a higher risk of overdose. Overdose is a medical emergency that can lead to brain damage from loss of oxygen, coma, or death. When it comes to drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis, the road to health is complex and individual experiences may vary. However, despite one drug being more socially stigmatized than the other, both substances have their benefits and pitfalls when it comes to consumption. It’s hard to quantify the long-term health effects of crossfading when there’s limited marijuana research on humans.

Cross Faded: Understanding the Meaning, Symptoms and Risks

That may change in the future, but for now, there are a growing number of THC-infused beverages without alcohol. The researchers state that a critical factor to determine is whether or not the differences between users and non-users were provoked by exposure to alcohol or if these issues were present beforehand. At the same time, CBD can have a relaxing, sedative effect, which could potentially be heightened if taking a depressant like alcohol. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions.

1. In fact, a recent study found — for the first time ever — the daily use of cannabis of any kind among Americans surpassed the daily use of alcohol.
2. With more states legalizing recreational weed, crossfading is becoming more common.
3. The most common type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages is ethanol, which is produced through the fermentation of sugars and starches found in various crops like grapes, grains, and potatoes.
4. As much as possible, know what you’re drinking and which cannabis you’re using, and let this factor into how much you consume of both.
5. The higher your tolerance for alcohol or marijuana, the greater the amounts of it you are likely to consume to feel the same effects, which can lead to dangerous levels of it in your system.

Tolerance is a well-documented contributing factor to developing an addiction because it encourages continued use of the substance in increasingly higher amounts over time. Cannabis is the term for all products that come from the plant Cannabis sativa. THC, the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, is almost instantly absorbed and quickly reaches high blood concentration after inhalation through the lungs. In the later stages, drunkenness can generate a combination of blurred vision, delayed judgment, lack of coordination, emotional instability and high excitability. As BAC rises, alcohol users can segue from excitement to confusion and even a blackout state where consciousness is temporarily lost.

Use Risk Prevention Strategies

By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorize Addictionresource to contact you. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from Addictionresource. In other words, the person will feel less intoxicated than they are, increasing the risk of ethanol poisoning. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or marijuana addiction, help is available. Panic attacks, fainting, and vomiting can be very distressing reactions to cannabis, however, they are likely to improve within several hours.