Delta 8 THC has become increasingly popular over the past couple years as a legal alternative to marijuana in many states. Delta 8 provides some of the psychoactive effects of marijuana, but it derived from hemp, so it can be purchased and used legally. Many people enjoy using Delta 8 for recreational purposes and to promote relaxation. This has led to questions about whether it is safe to combine Delta 8 with alcohol. There are a few factors to consider when determining if you can drink alcohol while taking Delta 8.
How Delta 8 and Alcohol Work in the Body
To understand the effects of combining Delta 8 and alcohol, it helps to first look at how each substance works in the body.
Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, but differs slightly in its chemical structure. Like Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 activates the endocannabinoid system by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. This produces the characteristic “high” associated with cannabis along with other effects like euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and altered perception of time. Delta 8 is about half as potent as Delta 9 THC.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. It binds to GABA receptors in the brain, inhibiting neural activity. This reduces inhibition and leads to the relaxing and intoxicating effects of alcohol consumption. Alcohol affects coordination, decision-making, judgement, and reflexes. It also causes dehydration and inflammation. The effects of alcohol intoxication depend on the amount consumed and can range from relaxation and euphoria to nausea, vomiting, impaired motor skills, and even loss of consciousness.
So in summary, Delta 8 and alcohol both act on different receptor systems in the brain and body to produce intoxicating effects. Understanding how they work provides insight into how using them together may affect the body and mind.
Is it Safe to Mix Delta 8 and Alcohol?
There is limited research specifically looking at interactions between Delta 8 THC and alcohol. However, there are a few important considerations when it comes to mixing these two substances:
Intensified Effects
Delta 8 and alcohol both cause intoxicating effects on their own. Using them at the same time is likely to intensify those effects, increasing feelings of being “high” or drunk. This could make it more difficult to function, concentrate, control movements, or make sound judgements. The combined effects may be greater than what would be expected from either substance on its own.
Increased Side Effects
Using Delta 8 with alcohol can also worsen negative side effects. Delta 8 can sometimes cause dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, anxiety or paranoia. Alcohol often leads to headaches, nausea, increased heart rate and drowsiness. Mixing the two could make these side effects more pronounced.
Impaired Coordination and Cognition
Both Delta 8 and alcohol are known to impair motor coordination, balance and reaction time. Their effects could compound, making it extremely difficult and dangerous to do activities like driving a car or operating heavy machinery. The combination can also worsen issues with thinking clearly, concentrating, and making good decisions.
Unpredictable Effects
Reactions to mixing Delta 8 and alcohol are largely unpredictable. The same amounts could affect different people very differently based on factors like body chemistry, tolerance levels, age, medication use, and more. It’s challenging to anticipate how exactly the combination will impact someone. It’s better to err on the side of caution.
So while controlled, moderate use may be relatively low risk for some people, combining Delta 8 and alcohol does come with some important health and safety concerns to be aware of.
Risks and Dangers
While an occasional drink or two with Delta 8 may not cause serious harm in some individuals, excessive use together can be extremely dangerous. Here are some of the most significant risks:
Respiratory Depression
Both Delta 8 and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. Using large amounts together can slow breathing rate to dangerous levels. Left untreated, respiratory depression can lead to oxygen deprivation, brain damage, and even death in severe cases.
Impaired Driving
Operating a car or other machinery should be avoided completely after using Delta 8 and drinking. The combination dramatically reduces coordination and reaction time. Even small amounts could slow responses enough to result in accidents, injuries or legal consequences.
Blackouts
Excessive alcohol intake frequently causes blackouts – periods of memory loss while intoxicated. Delta 8 could make these more likely, leading to extremely reckless behavior with no recollection after the fact.
Dependence and Withdrawal
Those with a history of substance abuse and addiction may end up relying on Delta 8 and alcohol to dangerous degrees. Attempting to quit could lead to severe withdrawal symptoms in dependent individuals.
Accidental Injuries
The loss of balance, stability, judgement and alertness associated with Delta 8 and alcohol could easily result in falls, burns, drowning and other unintentional accidents and trauma.
Unsafe Choices
Disinhibition under the influence can lead to unsafe sexual choices, aggression, driving under the influence, binge eating, and other hazardous behavior.
The potential dangers demonstrate why caution is urged, especially when taking Delta 8 with higher alcohol amounts. Moderation of both substances is strongly advised.
Delta 8 Interactions with Different Alcohol Types
Not all alcohol is the same when it comes to effects and risks. Spirits, wine and beer can impact the body differently, which is important to consider if combining with Delta 8.
Hard Liquor and Spirits
Consuming shots or mixed drinks with high proof hard liquor alongside Delta 8 likely poses the greatest risk. Spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey and gin have an extremely high alcohol content. Just a couple servings can lead to severe intoxication and its consequences. The depressant effects are rapid and pronounced. Use extreme moderation.
Wine
The lower alcohol content of wine may make it somewhat safer for use with Delta 8 versus hard liquor. However, wine still contains 12-15% alcohol and will amplify intoxication. Its effects also set in faster than beer. Stay cautious with wine and Delta 8 pairings.
Beer
Of the alcohol types, beer likely has the mildest combined effects with Delta 8 due to its lower alcohol content versus wine or spirits. However, overconsumption can still easily occur. Stick to just 1 or 2 beers at the most with Delta 8 to keep risks low.
In general, any alcoholic beverages should be enjoyed in strict moderation with Delta 8 to minimize health hazards. Hard liquor and spirits are most likely to cause blackouts and safety issues. However, all alcohol carries risks when paired with Delta 8.
Tips for Using Delta 8 and Alcohol Together
The best advice is to avoid mixing Delta 8 and alcohol altogether. However, if you do choose to use them together, here are some tips to follow:
– Take very small doses of each at first to gauge effects before increasing amounts. Everyone reacts differently.
– Choose lower proof alcoholic beverages like beers and wine over hard liquor and spirits.
– Space out Delta 8 and alcohol use by several hours to avoid peaking effects simultaneously.
– Avoid additional substances like medications, drugs or other cannabis products.
– Use Delta 8 and alcohol at home only – never out in public or before driving.
– Have a sober friend monitor you to intervene or get help if worrisome symptoms arise.
– Stay well hydrated to minimize hangover effects and alcohol toxicity risks.
– Eat enough food before and during to slow absorption and offset drops in blood sugar.
– Get plenty of rest afterwards to allow complete sobering and recovery.
Exercising such precautions can help reduce, but not eliminate, the potential health consequences of combining Delta 8 and alcohol.
Signs of a Dangerous Interaction
Pay attention to signals from your mind and body when using Delta 8 and alcohol together. Seek prompt medical help if experiencing:
– Excessive vomiting, sweating, palpitations or shaking
– Difficulty breathing evenly and deeply
– Chest pain or irregular heart rate
– Disorientation, confusion or hallucinations
– Agitation, anxiety, paranoia
– Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
– Seizures
– Head injury, loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
– Signs of alcohol poisoning like clammy skin, low body temperature, bluish skin color
These could indicate a dangerous health emergency requiring urgent medical treatment. Don’t hesitate to call 911 or poison control if concerned.
Legality of Delta 8 and Alcohol Use
While Delta 8 itself is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, the legality of Delta 8 products varies between different states. Alcohol use is restricted to those 21 and older across the United States. Additionally, public intoxication with any substance is illegal. It is also illegal in all states to drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or any mind-altering substance. Know your local laws and do not use Delta 8 or alcohol illegally or irresponsibly.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC and Alcohol
Delta 8 THC is closely related but distinct from the Delta 9 THC found in cannabis. Delta 9 is directly intoxicating, while Delta 8 is mildly psychoactive. This also affects how they interact with alcohol:
Delta 8 and Alcohol
– Milder intoxication but still impairs coordination & judgement
– Lower risk of anxiety or paranoia
– Reduced side effects overall
Delta 9 and Alcohol
– Produces much stronger “high” when combined
– Markedly impairs motor skills and cognition
– Higher risk of intensified side effects like anxiety
– Much higher addiction potential
Delta 8 appears to be the safer choice if using cannabis products with alcohol due to its lower potency. However, both carry risks when mixed with alcohol beyond minimal amounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, combining Delta 8 THC with alcohol is widely considered to be unsafe due to amplified intoxication effects and increased adverse health hazards. While occasional light consumption may be tolerated by some, drinking moderate to high amounts of alcohol with Delta 8 can lead to respiratory depression, accidents, alcohol poisoning, and other dangerous outcomes. It is best to avoid this combination, or at minimum, drink only very small amounts spaced apart appropriately. If choosing to use Delta 8 and alcohol together, extreme caution must be exercised along with having trusted sober companions present. Additionally, the legality of Delta 8 varies, so check your local laws before use. By staying informed and making smart choices, the risks of mixing Delta 8 and alcohol can be reduced. But abstinence from one or both substances is the only way to completely avoid negative interactions.