Weed Soaked In Alcohol: A Dangerous Mix?

Alcohol and weed are two of the most commonly used substances, and while there is research on the effects of consuming one after the other, there is little on the effects of smoking weed soaked in alcohol. One source suggests that the alcohol will have taken all the good stuff (THC, CBD, terpenes) out of the weed, and that it would be pointless to smoke it. Another source suggests that you might not need much alcohol on your weed to change the way your body absorbs THC, and that this could be dangerous. However, the existing studies on this topic are old and mostly inconclusive.

The health implications of smoking weed soaked in alcohol are unclear

One potential concern is the impact on the weed's potency. According to some sources, soaking weed in alcohol can cause the THC, CBD, and terpenes to dissolve into the alcohol, potentially reducing the weed's effectiveness. This means that smoking weed that has been soaked in alcohol may not produce the desired effects and could be a pointless endeavor.

Another consideration is the taste. It is suggested that smoking weed that has been soaked in alcohol, especially sugary alcohol, may result in an unpleasant taste. This could detract from the overall experience and potentially cause discomfort.

Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with mixing alcohol and weed. While occasional mixing may not lead to major health problems, regular or excessive use could result in negative consequences. Mixing the two may be linked to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dependence. Additionally, the combination can lead to a "green out," causing nausea and ruining a night out.

It is worth noting that the effects of mixing alcohol and weed can vary significantly between individuals. The order of consumption and the method of ingestion can also play a role in the overall experience and potential health implications. As such, it is challenging to make definitive statements about the health effects of smoking weed soaked in alcohol without comprehensive and conclusive research.

The alcohol may negatively impact the taste of the weed

While there is limited information on the safety of smoking weed that has been soaked in alcohol, there are some concerns about the potential impact on taste. One source suggests that if the alcohol used was sugary, it is likely to result in a bad taste as the sugar will remain even after the alcohol evaporates. Similarly, if vodka is used, the alcohol may soak up the THC, CBD, and terpenes, potentially leading to a less desirable taste.

Another factor to consider is the drying process. If weed that has been soaked in alcohol is not thoroughly dried before smoking, it could negatively affect the taste. The presence of residual alcohol or moisture can alter the flavour profile and overall smoking experience.

Additionally, the process of soaking weed in alcohol may introduce impurities or cause chemical changes that affect taste. The interaction between the alcohol and the weed's compounds, such as THC and CBD, could result in the development of unpleasant flavours or odours.

While some people may experiment with soaking weed in alcohol to enhance their experience or out of curiosity, it is important to approach this practice with caution. The potential impact on taste, as well as safety concerns, should be carefully considered before smoking weed that has been soaked in alcohol.

It is always advisable to prioritise safety and legal guidelines when it comes to substance use and to be mindful of potential health risks associated with combining substances.

The alcohol may reduce the weed's THC, CBD, and terpene content

While there is limited information on the effects of soaking weed in alcohol, a Reddit user has claimed that doing so may reduce the THC, CBD, and terpene content of the weed. This is because alcohol can act as a solvent, extracting these compounds from the weed. As a result, smoking weed that has been soaked in alcohol may not have the same effects as smoking dry weed, as the compounds responsible for the plant's psychoactive and therapeutic effects will be diminished.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the "'high'" associated with weed. CBD (cannabidiol), on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and is believed to have a range of health benefits, including potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Terpenes are another type of compound found in cannabis, and they are known to contribute to the plant's aroma and flavor. Like CBD, terpenes may also have potential health benefits, such as reducing alcohol intake and providing anti-inflammatory effects that could help heal and protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol use disorder.

The reduction in THC, CBD, and terpene content due to alcohol soaking could alter the effects of smoking the weed. With lower THC levels, the psychoactive effects of the weed may be diminished. Additionally, the reduced CBD and terpene content could lessen the potential health benefits typically associated with cannabis consumption.

It is worth noting that the relationship between alcohol and cannabis use is complex and varies depending on factors such as product type, geographical location, and individual intentions. While some evidence suggests that medical cannabis users tend to reduce their alcohol intake, the data for larger populations is mixed. Furthermore, consuming cannabis with alcohol can have unpredictable outcomes, as alcohol can increase the absorption and potency of THC, leading to adverse effects for some individuals.

The combination of alcohol and weed may increase the risk of dependence

While there is limited research on the long-term effects of consuming alcohol and weed together, some studies indicate that mixing the two substances may increase the risk of dependence on one or both substances.

A 2017 review of existing studies found that people who use alcohol and weed together tend to consume more of both. This higher intake may increase the risk of developing a dependence on alcohol, weed, or both. A 2019 study supported these findings, showing that those who use alcohol and weed simultaneously are likely to drink more alcohol more frequently. As with any drug use, there is a potential for overdose when consuming higher amounts of alcohol and weed.

The combined use of alcohol and weed can also lead to unusual or risky behaviours, such as impaired driving performance. A 2013 study found that participants who consumed both alcohol and weed made more driving errors in a simulation compared to those who only consumed alcohol or weed alone. The depressive effects of both substances can impact motor control and concentration, increasing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, the combination of alcohol and weed can cause blackouts, memory loss, and an increased likelihood of engaging in sensation-seeking behaviours. It can also lead to negative outcomes related to legal issues, academia, and relationships.

While the research on the long-term effects of mixing alcohol and weed is still evolving, the existing evidence suggests that the combination may increase the risk of dependence and lead to adverse consequences. It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and take steps to minimize harm if choosing to consume both substances.

The order of consumption matters: weed before alcohol may minimise alcohol's effects

While there is limited research on the effects of consuming weed before alcohol, some studies suggest that doing so may minimise the effects of alcohol. For example, a 1992 study found that weed slowed down the rise of blood alcohol levels after consuming a high dose of alcohol. This could delay feelings of drunkenness, making it harder to gauge your level of impairment. For instance, you might feel fit to drive when your blood alcohol level is, in fact, over the legal limit.

On the other hand, drinking alcohol before using weed can intensify the effects of weed by increasing the absorption of THC, its main psychoactive ingredient. This effect has been observed in some studies, although others have found no significant impact on THC concentrations.

It is worth noting that mixing alcohol and weed can lead to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dependence. Additionally, it can result in a "green out" or a case of the "spins", ruining a night out with nausea. Therefore, if you choose to mix the two, pay close attention to your consumption, especially if it is your first time combining them.

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