by K. Astre
For most people, it’s very common to reach for a glass of wine after a full day. Between work, home, personal responsibilities and trying to piece together a social life, it can be a lot to try to keep everything together. In fact, a study showed that more than 60% of Americans drink alcohol to cope with their stressful lives. The study also reports that people often turn to alcohol to help improve their mood, reduce anxiety and assist them in calming down enough to restfully sleep at night.
But times are changing, as many people are becoming aware of the negative effects of long-term alcohol use and choosing to switch from alcohol to CBD as a way to relax.
So, is CBD an effective alternative to alcohol? Can the two be consumed together? Read on to find out.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is known for its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate functions such as sleep, mood, appetite and discomfort. The ECS is essentially a balancing system that keeps the body and mind in homeostasis. Similar to alcohol, CBD is also helpful when it comes to relaxing and reducing stress and anxiety, but without any of the side effects because it works to amplify your body’s natural balancing systems, instead of impairing them. CBD also comes without the risk of addiction or abuse.
READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF CBD
CBD vs. Alcohol
Alcohol
Though there is nothing inherently dangerous about enjoying a casual drink, there are side effects that can result from long-term overdrinking. Some of these include memory and attention span loss, high blood pressure, diminished gray and white matter in the brain, liver fibrosis and alcoholic hepatitis. Excessive drinking is also a contributor to cardiovascular disease and multiple types of cancer. It can even have negative effects on your central nervous system, which can affect things like your coordination, sleep schedule, concentration and even your personality.
CBD
When it comes to putting the two head-to-head, it’s pretty clear that CBD takes a significant lead over alcohol in terms of side effects. As we discussed above, CBD does not reliably produce negative side effects in the same way that alcohol does. It is also nearly impossible to take too much CBD (and it is considered safe to use at doses up to 1,500 mg — which is the equivalent to more than a bottle and a half of our CBD-rich Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil).
CBD can have some of the similar relaxing effects of alcohol. This may explain why more and more people are starting to opt for CBD instead of alcohol for relief. In fact, millennials are leading the charge by drinking less alcohol because they prefer CBD and are interested in the alternative because it aligns with their healthy lifestyle choices, allowing them to relax without the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
Using CBD and Alcohol Together
CBD is a non-intoxicating therapeutic cannabinoid. That means that it will deliver its health benefits without causing the “high” or any of the psychoactive effects commonly associated with the therapeutic benefits of THC. With that in mind, it makes sense why CBD-infused cocktails have gained popularity. When taken together, CBD and alcohol may amplify one another’s effects, so be careful about how much of both you are consuming. When you consume both in large amounts together, you may feel sleepy or heavily sedated, so it’s important to pay attention to your drink count in such cases.
CBD and Alcohol Addiction
Interestingly, there are studies that have shown that CBD cannot only be used as a substitute for recreational drinking, but also can be used for people who have problems with overuse or addiction to alcohol. CBD may also be used to help relieve the symptoms of a hangover. For people who feel as if those two to three glasses of wine per night after work are a requirement, CBD may not only act as a replacement but also may help to relieve some of the symptoms of addiction and withdrawal. Alternatively, CBD may be a good way to relax for recovering alcoholics. That said, if you are struggling with substance misuse or dependancy, you should always consult your doctor or seek professional help before incorporating CBD into your routine.
Conclusion
Although both CBD and alcohol can be used to help relax and unwind, CBD doesn’t come with the same risk of overuse or addiction that alcohol does. CBD can be used as a great alternative to a glass or two of wine at the end of the day, without any lingering feelings of lethargy and no threat of a hangover. In fact, CBD can be used to help relieve the pain associated with a hangover. It’s also a smart choice for anyone who wants to relieve stress or anxiety without experiencing any intoxication.
Sources:
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/alcohol-stress-coping-mechanism-uk-adults-drinking-wine-beer-a8159721.html
https://www.alcohol.org/effects/
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/cbd-might-help-you-cut-back-on-drinking-alcohol-and-reduce-its-damaging-effects-study-says/
https://www.workithealth.com/blog/can-i-use-cbd-in-recovery/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/cbd-cocktails
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-and-alcohol
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/millennials-appear-to-like-cannabis-more-than-booze-2018-09-26
