By now, we see CBD popping up all over the place, from CBD stores, online, and even in your grandma’s medicine cabinet.  It has quickly become a popular wellness product across the nation. CBD oil comes in many forms; CBD lotions, CBD drops, CBD gummies, and CBD vaporizers.  As CBD has been such a popular wellness product, what about using it for fun, what about CBD and Alcohol? 

Mixing CBD and Alcohol

CBD is a chemical compound known as a cannabinoid and can be found in high concentrations in hemp.  CBD is one of over 150 known cannabinoids found in cannabis.  CBD works in our body’s Endocannabinoid System and has proven to have many benefits to the user.  

Alcohol, which goes by the chemical name “ethanol” is produced by a process of fermenting grains, fruits, or other sugars.  Alcohol is a depressant, meaning that it slows down your brain cells and reduces your body functions.  Alcoholic beverages are used in society as a social substance and have both positive and negative connotations.  It’s used to loosen the mood and create a fun party vibe, but alcohol abuse is very real and can cause damage to a person’s lifestyle and can even cause death. 

Both Alcohol and CBD have been federally illegal as controlled substances in the past – Alcohol was banned in the 1920s, during the prohibition era, and Cannabis (including CBD) was made illegal in 1937.  However, by the 1930s Alcohol became legal again, and it wasn’t until 2018 that CBD became federally legal.  

Can you mix CBD and Alcohol?

You might be asking “Can you mix CBD and alcohol?” Let’s take a look at how safe Mixing CBD and alcohol could be, and what the effects are. 

Mixing CBD and Alcohol might be a good idea if you want an extra dose of relaxation.  Both CBD and Alcohol are known to be sedative and may produce a higher level of sedation when taken together.  Sounds like a good nightcap, right?

So now we ask if mixing CBD and alcohol is safe.  While there is limited research available on the potential adverse health effects of taking CBD with alcohol, there are several studies showing how CBD has helped reduce the negative effects of alcohol. 

A 1979 study on the interaction of CBD and alcohol was published in the journal Psychopharmacology.  In this study, random participants were given CBD and alcohol and then another set was given just Alcohol. Those who were administered CBD and alcohol were found to have a lower blood alcohol content than those with just alcohol. 

A more recent study found that when CBD was given to rats prior to being given alcohol, there was less oxidative stress to the rat’s liver.  This may present the possibility that CBD can temper some negative effects of alcohol, but more research should be done. 

So, Can you Mix CBD and alcohol? Yes, and it may be a good idea in moderation.  However, since both are sedative in nature, mixing CBD and alcohol may present undesirable sedation. 

Is CBD a hangover cure?

When it comes to the subject of CBD and Alcohol, using CBD with alcohol hangovers is something we certainly suggest.  Experiencing a hangover is never pleasant, and many try to remedy the hangover with things like electrolyte drinks, medications, sweating it out, sleeping it off, or even drinking more alcohol.  If this sounds like you, try adding CBD to this mix

CBD may help to alleviate hangover symptoms such as nausea and headaches.  CBD has neuroprotective and antioxidant properties and using CBD Drops, CBD Gummies, or CBD Vapes could help alleviate your hangover.   

VIIA CBD and Alcohol Cocktail Recipes

We now know that Mixing CBD with alcohol can be safe in moderation, and could potentially even help with negative side effects, as well as help with a hangover.  It’s time to get to the fun part, making your own CBD alcohol cocktails! 

Here are our three favorite CBD alcohol recipes.  Grab your favorite shaker, some ice, alcohol and CBD products, and let’s get started. 

Lavender Lemonade Mojito

Here we have the perfect summer cocktail with a refreshing bit of CBD and alcohol. Best drank by the pool, in your favorite bathing suit, and with great company. 

What you will need:

1.5 ounces of Light Rum

15 MG (half a dropper) VIIA’s Day Drops 

15 MG (Half a dropper) VIIA’s Night Drops

1 oz Lavender Simple Syrup

5 – 10 Mint Leaves

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup Water

Ice

How to make:

1. Muddle the mint leaves with lemon until well combined
2. Add Rum, CBD Drops, and Lavender simple syrup, stir well. 
3. Add ice and soda water, stir thoroughly 
4. Enjoy!

CBD Gimlet

Ready for a strong CBD and alcohol cocktail that will surely pack a punch. Add your favorite gin (ours is Hendricks), and spike it with a dose of our Day Drops. 

What you will need:

2 oz ounces of Hendricks Gin

1.5 Tablespoons of fresh Lime Juice

30 mg (one dropper) VIIA’s Day Drops

2 Teaspoons Castor Sugar

Ice Cubes

How to make:

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker
2. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass over fresh ice
3. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy

Elderflower CBD Cocktail

Quite possibly our favorite CBD and alcohol beverage is the Elderflower CBD cocktail.  This is a deliciously refreshing beverage and feels like a healthier option – as Elderflower and CBD are good immunity boosters.  

What you will need:

1.5 Ounces of Vodka

½ Ounce of St. Germain

15 mg VIIA Night Drops

5 MG VIIA Day Drops

4 OZ of Blueberry Seltzer

Berries for garnish

How to make

1. Stir Vodka, Elderflower, and CBD with Ice
2. Add Seltzer and stir together
3. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with berries
4. Enjoy

Takeaway

• CBD and alcohol can be safely mixed in moderation
• Mixing CBD and alcohol may create a sedative feeling
• Both CBD and alcohol have been illegal in the past and are now legal
• CBD is an excellent hangover cure
• CBD alcohol cocktails are delicious, try our favorite recipes