Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most commonly used substances, so it’s no surprise that some people end up using them together. It’s called crossfading—getting drunk and high at the same time.
You may have heard of crossfading and think it’s safe because it involves legal substances, but it’s not as harmless as it seems. So, let’s break it down and talk about why mixing the two might not be such a great idea after all.
What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Cannabis?
- Stronger Effects, Less Control
Drinking alcohol before using cannabis can make the effects of cannabis feel much stronger. This is because alcohol increases how much THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) your body absorbs, which means the effects can hit harder than you expect.1 For some people, this can lead to what’s called “greening out.” When you “green out,” you might experience sweating, dizziness, nausea, or anxiousness.
- Higher Risk of Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling sick is pretty common when crossfading. The combo of alcohol and cannabis can overwhelm your stomach, leading to nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of discomfort.1 And if you’re using edibles, it can be even worse because the delayed effects can trick you into consuming more than you planned.
- Increased Risk of Accidents
Both cannabis and alcohol can slow your reaction time and affect your ability to think clearly. Together, they make it even harder to think clearly or move normally, increasing the risks of accidents.2 Whether it’s walking, driving, or doing something else, you’re more likely to hurt yourself or someone else.
Alcohol Poisoning and Blackouts
One of the biggest risks of crossfading is alcohol poisoning. When you mix alcohol and cannabis, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve had, especially since cannabis can make the effects of alcohol sneak up on you.1 This can lead to drinking more alcohol than your body can process, which can be deadly.
Signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion and slowed responses
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty remaining conscious
- Vomiting
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Cold, clammy, or bluish-colored skin
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
If someone near you shows signs of alcohol poisoning, call 911 right away. Stay with them and try to keep them awake, offering small sips of water to help them stay alert and hydrated. But if they’re unconscious, don’t give them anything to drink, as they could choke; additionally, turn them on their side to prevent choking in case they vomit. Stay calm and keep watch until help arrives. Remember, under Good Samaritan laws, you won’t get in trouble for calling for help.
Long-Term Effects to Think About
Regularly mixing alcohol and cannabis can mess with your brain and overall health. Up until the age of 25, your brain is still growing, and using these substances together can impact how you think, concentrate, and remember things.3 Over time, it can also increase the risk of becoming dependent on both substances, meaning you might feel like you can’t have fun or relax without them. It can also make mental health issues like anxiety or depression worse.
The Bottom Line
Mixing alcohol and cannabis might seem like no big deal, but the impacts are real. It might seem like everyone’s doing it, but in reality, most young people don’t see it as something worth trying.4
Understanding how these substances work together—and how they can affect you—can help you make choices that protect your future. The safest bet is to avoid using alcohol and cannabis together. If you feel pressure to experiment, know that it’s okay to set boundaries for yourself.
Five Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries
1. Have ready-made responses: Practice a few simple, direct phrases you can use, like “I’m driving” or even “I don’t feel like it tonight.” You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation.
2. Bring your own drinks: Show up with your favorite non-alcoholic beverage so you already have something in your hand.
3. Surround yourself with supportive friends: Real friends will respect your choices even if they don’t make the same ones. If certain people aren’t quite getting it, it might be time for a heart-to-heart about what matters to you.
4. Be the designated driver: Volunteering to be the designated driver is a great way to help your friends and take care of yourself, too.
5. Exit strategy: It’s okay to leave situations where the pressure feels too intense. Have a plan for how you’ll get home safely.
Resources
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-622-HELP (4357).
- The helpline is free, private, and available 24 hours a day/7 days a week for individuals and families experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
- They can provide referrals and information on local resources, facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
- You will not be asked or required to give any personal information.
You can also visit their website at Samhsa.Gov, or send your zip code via text message to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.
For more information on available resources, check out our Get Help page.
Sources:
1. Vandergriendt, C. (2019, August 27). What Really Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Weed? (A. Carter, Ed.). Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-and-weed
2. Downey, L. A., King, R., Papafotiou, K., Swann, P., Ogden, E., Boorman, M., & Stough, C. (2013). The effects of cannabis and alcohol on simulated driving: Influences of dose and experience. Accident; analysis and prevention, 50, 879–886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2012.07.016
3. Office of the Surgeon General. (2019, August 29). Surgeon general’s advisory: Marijuana use & the developing brain. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/addiction-a…
4. Patrick, M. E., & Lee, C. M. (2018). Cross-faded: Young Adults’ Language of Being Simultaneously Drunk and High. Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 1(2), 60–65. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis.2018.02.006