Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most commonly used substances, so it’s no shock that some people end up using them together. It’s called crossfading — getting drunk and high at the same time — and while it might sound like a fun idea, it’s not as harmless as it seems. Knowing the risks and how it can mess with your body and mind can help you make informed decisions.
Crossfading: Most Young People Don’t Think It’s Worth It
You may have heard of crossfading, maybe even tried it, or been asked to give it a go. It might seem like everyone’s doing it, but honestly, most young people don’t see it as something worth trying.
While it might seem like mixing alcohol and cannabis could make a night more fun, it can actually hit you way harder than you expect. Feeling sick, super anxious, or making decisions you wouldn’t normally make are pretty common side effects. 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?
So, what really happens when you mix alcohol and cannabis or crossfade? Here’s what you need to know:
- Stronger High, 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 your high can hit harder than you expect. 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 uncomfortableness. 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. Whether it’s walking, driving, or doing something else, you’re more likely to hurt yourself or someone else.
- Alcohol Poisoning and Blackouts
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. 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. If they’re unconscious, 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.
Alcohol First or Cannabis First? Does it Make a Difference?
Studies show that drinking before smoking cannabis can make the high feel way stronger. And you don’t need a lot of alcohol for it to have this effect. But what if you smoke cannabis before drinking? Some research suggests that weed might actually slow down how fast alcohol hits you, making it harder to tell when you’re actually intoxicated. So, it can be tricky to know how drunk you are or are not. More research is needed, but the general consensus is that regardless of what comes first, there’s going to be an impact.
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. 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. 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. But if you do decide to mix the two, start slowly, keep track of how much you are consuming of each, and be sure to listen to your body. If you feel pressure to experiment, know that it’s okay to say no or set boundaries!
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.
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