CBD and alcohol – what you should keep in mind with this combination

In recent years, CBD has shifted from a niche product to a regular part of many daily routines. It's associated with relaxation, improved sleep, and stress relief. Alcohol, on the other hand, remains one of the most widely consumed substances worldwide. For some, relaxation is the main reason for drinking, but frequent alcohol consumption can be dangerous.

The question often comes up whether CBD and alcohol can be used together. Do they amplify each other's effects? Or can CBD even reduce the effects caused by alcohol? Research is still in its early stages, but there are a few key points you should know to properly assess this combination.

How CBD and alcohol work in the body

CBD acts through what's known as the endocannabinoid system, which regulates processes like mood, pain perception, sleep, and inflammation. CBD doesn't bind directly to the well-known CB1 or CB2 receptors, but instead affects other signaling pathways, including serotonin and adenosine receptors. This leads to the familiar relaxing but non-intoxicating effects.

Alcohol, by contrast, acts on the central nervous system. It increases the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and blocks excitatory messengers like glutamate. This results in relaxation and lowered inhibitions, but also slower reactions, drowsiness, and, with higher consumption, coordination problems.

Both substances are broken down in the liver by similar enzymes (the CYP450 system). Because of this, taking them together could theoretically affect how quickly each is metabolized.

What current studies show

The scientific evidence is still limited, but some studies offer initial insights.

A clinical study by Consroe et al. (1981, Psychopharmacology) tested the combination of CBD and alcohol in healthy volunteers. The result: Participants felt a bit more tired and calm when taking both CBD and alcohol together, but there was no stronger intoxicating effect or higher blood alcohol concentration.

Other studies suggest that CBD may inhibit certain inflammatory processes in the body. However, it's still unclear whether this actually reduces alcohol-related cell damage in humans. So far, there is no clinical evidence that CBD affects alcohol metabolism or measurably reduces the effects of alcohol in the body.

From an ethical standpoint, animal testing should definitely be rejected. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that earlier studies with animals provided indications that CBD may reduce alcohol consumption and alleviate inflammation in the nervous system. However, the significance of these findings is limited, since results from animal studies can only be applied to humans to a certain extent. In the future, research approaches that do not involve animals should take priority in order to continue investigating the effects of CBD responsibly.

Iconic Study: CBD and Alcohol Addiction

A new study from Heidelberg University, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry (2024), shows that CBD could significantly reduce the craving for alcohol. In the so-called ICONIC Study, participants with alcohol dependence received a single dose of 800 mg cannabidiol. Brain scans were then used to measure how strongly their reward center—the nucleus accumbens—responded to alcohol cues. The result: Activity in this area was significantly reduced in the CBD group, as was the subjective craving for alcohol. The researchers see this as a possible new approach to treating alcohol addiction more effectively in the future. Although this was only a short-term, experimental study with a small number of participants, it provides intriguing evidence of the therapeutic potential of CBD for addiction disorders.

Possible Interactions and Risks

Combining CBD and alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. If you are sensitive to alcohol, you may notice these effects more strongly. Your ability to concentrate and react may also be more impaired than with alcohol alone.

CBD can also change the effects of certain medications because it blocks the same liver enzymes that break down many drugs. If you take medication regularly—such as blood pressure medicine, antidepressants, or painkillers—you should talk to your doctor before using CBD.

If you have a sensitive liver or drink alcohol regularly, you should also be cautious. Alcohol puts stress on the liver, and CBD can alter its enzyme activity. Together, they can slow down your metabolism.

What to do if you start feeling unwell

If you notice that you feel unwell after taking CBD and alcohol—such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or severe drowsiness—you should stop taking them immediately. In most cases, symptoms will subside on their own with rest and plenty of fluids. The following can help:

• Drink water: CBD and alcohol can both cause dehydration.
• Stay calm: Lie down and avoid physical activity.
• Don’t drive: Even mild dizziness can significantly slow your reaction time.
• Monitor your condition: If dizziness or nausea persists, seek medical attention.

In general: The combination isn’t life-threatening, but it can be challenging for some people—especially if you’re sensitive to alcohol or have taken a higher dose of CBD.

Tips for using alcohol and CBD responsibly

If you want to combine CBD and alcohol, it’s a good idea to be mindful.

1. Separate CBD and alcohol in time: Ideally, take CBD several hours before or after drinking alcohol. This eases the strain on your metabolism and helps prevent the substances from interacting with each other.
2. Start with a low dose: Especially if you rarely drink alcohol or are trying a new CBD product, begin with a small amount. Your body needs time to adjust to the combination.
3. Check quality: Look for lab reports and certificates from reputable manufacturers. Low-quality products may contain residues that can amplify unwanted effects when combined with alcohol.
4. Pay attention to your body: Everyone reacts differently to CBD and alcohol. Notice how you feel, and it’s best to keep a written record of your dose and timing. This helps you figure out what works for you.
5. Consider your medications: If you take medication regularly, talk to your doctor first. Both CBD and alcohol can affect how certain medicines are metabolized—so it’s important to clarify this in advance.

Key takeaways

CBD and alcohol work in different ways, but they can influence each other. Both have a calming effects, and the effect can be stronger when combined. Early studies suggest the combination isn’t dangerous, but it is noticeable—mainly as tiredness or slower reactions. However, this area is still largely unexplored.

If you feel better with CBD and use it regularly, you should only drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether. If you try both, stay mindful, keep the dose low, and pay attention to how your body responds.

CBD isn’t a remedy for the negative effects of alcohol—but it can help you approach relaxation more consciously. The best advice remains: focus on quality, moderation, and being attentive to your own well-being.