Combining Hemp Gummies and Alcohol: What You Need to Know
There’s a new craze merging hemp gummies and alcohol and it’s more than just a passing trend. While hemp products provide users with a healthy, therapeutic alternative to alcohol, mixing edibles with alcohol can be unpredictable and dangerous. Here, we’ll dissect the science behind it all, share some tips and tricks from experts and enthusiasts, and give you a fun, informative look at the gummy and alcohol trend.
Effects of Combining Hemp Gummies and Alcohol
Amplified Relaxation
Hemp gummies and alcohol have similar effects of relaxation and, when compounded, these effects might multiply and yield an enhanced calm, an exaggerated relaxation. Such an outcome might seem popular at a social hour, but care should be taken. Excessive relaxation can degrade motor skills and cognitive function, which decreases the ability to stay alert and responsive.
Potential for Increased Intoxication
Hemp gummies (especially those with both CBD and THC) will affect your mood, pain response, and other physiological reactions by interfering with your endocannabinoid system. Although food can prolong the effects of alcohol – a glass of wine with a meal can take more time to metabolize than in the absence of food – it doesn’t usually power up these chemicals to a new level. It’s unfortunately not uncommon to hear of serious injuries and other accidents resulting from people becoming more intoxicated than they’d expected. Obviously, part of the toxicity of mixing might be because you can’t reliably determine your level of intoxication when you’re gulping down alcohol with the munchies and a bag of chips.
Impacts on Mental Clarity
Alcohol and hemp gummies, consumed in moderate quantities, can result in an enjoyable time. A couple of hemp gummies, or a glass of wine, can result in a lifting of the body and a soothing of the mind, according to some case studies. However, when combined in this fashion, users tend to be met with a haze over their mind. The degree to which this impacts you personally is of course highly variable, but if it does affect you in this manner, then you can likely expect your ability to think quickly to be severely diminished, your response times significantly slowed. Perhaps not the best idea when you’re supposed to be out at a party with friends, or let alone a party with co-workers.
Potential Risks of Mixing Hemp Gummies and Alcohol
Increased Risk of Dehydration
Alcohol, of course, is a diuretic, increasing the production of urine and leading to dehydration if your water intake isn’t sufficient to compensate. Hemp gummies contain cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, which can contribute to dry mouth, helping to increase the drying effects of alcohol. As you probably already know, it is indeed unwise to mix anything with alcohol if you don’t want to feel like death the next day, but CBD is no exception, especially if you take it in significant doses. Stay hydrated if you choose to partake of these two substances.
Heightened Anxiety and Paranoia
Unlike THC, CBD has a relatively low potential for causing paranoia or anxiety, so, in theory, these hemp gummies, especially if they’re super CBD-dominant– might have a calming effect or help you relax. The problem is that it’s a delicate balance, and taking it with booze could mean that you veer into a state of paranoia or anxiety. It’s much more likely if you’re eating Sativa or even Hybrid gummies that have a mildly arousing effect, as opposed to Indica gummies that are known for their more sedative and calm effects.
Liver Strain
Both alcohol and hemp products are metabolized through the liver. Alcohol is processed in the liver using enzymes, while the body breaks down cannabinoids by using fat-soluble enzymes. When mixing the two, you may put more strain on the liver. If this is done frequently, it can damage your liver.
Hemp Gummies as an Alcohol-Free Option
Indica Gummies for Relaxation
If you stay away from alcohol for relaxing, opt for Indica gummies as it is known for sedative and relaxing effect, which could help one relax at night or after a prolonged routine. Brands like Simple Leaf manufacture the finest Indica gummies which give chilling effects.
Sativa Gummies for Energy
A Sativa gummy makes a great replacement for pre-gaming before heading out for a night on the town. They’re also terrific to keep handy for times during the day when you might otherwise want to have a drink. They give you the energetic, euphoric, and uplifting buzz that creates a sense of creativity and sociability. You’re good to go without feeling like you’re going to crash at any point.
Hybrid Gummies for Balance
Balanced hybrid gummies include elements of both Sativa and Indica, leaving you buzzy and sociable with just the right amount of mellowness, perfect for hanging out with friends, although they also can be enjoyed at more manageable parties.
Personal Experience
For me, an introvert who regularly attends social gatherings such as dinner parties, brunches and beach outings, and doesn’t wish to get sloppy drunk, hemp gummies have been a godsend. At a recent beach ‘brunch’ where we mostly kept fanned by waiters and drinks were flowing freely, I opted for Simple Leaf’s Sativa gummy rather than guzzle down wine all afternoon. I got relaxed and social, without the grogginess and hangover that usually accompany a night of drinking. The vibe was not too high, not too bland – smooth, connected and social.
Conclusion
Absolutely, mixing hemp gummies with alcohol will enhance the effects and increase risks – from further intoxication and dehydration, to increased anxiety. But consider hemp gummies on their own, which can be a viable, healthier alternative to alcohol. If you want to chill out, perhaps opt for Indica, or maybe you want some energy for a social night out? Then Sativa will be ideal. Or perhaps you want the best of both worlds? Then Hybrid gummies will be a great mix for you! Want to be happy on a night out and not drink? Choose hemp gummies, you can also choose to enjoy social events in a state of good mental health and happiness. Stay hydrated, keep to your limit, and enjoy the natural power of hemp.