Can you drink alcohol with delta-8?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC) has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years as a legal alternative to standard delta-9 THC. Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC produces psychoactive effects when consumed, though delta-8 is generally considered to be less potent. This has led many people to experiment with combining delta-8 with alcohol in the hope of enhancing or altering the effects. However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind before mixing delta-8 and alcohol.

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Is it safe to combine delta-8 and alcohol?

There is limited research specifically on the effects of combining delta-8 THC and alcohol. However, we do know that mixing alcohol with marijuana containing delta-9 THC can intensify the effects of both substances. It is likely that delta-8 interacts with alcohol in a similar way, producing stronger intoxicating effects than either substance alone. Some key points to consider:

Delta-8 and alcohol are both depressants that can slow brain activity. Combining depressants increases the risk of central nervous system depression.

Impaired coordination, dizziness, nausea, anxiety and sedation may be greater when delta-8 and alcohol are mixed.
There may be an increase in heart rate and blood pressure when combining delta-8 and alcohol.
Judgment, reaction times and motor coordination are likely to be impaired more severely.

The risk of alcohol poisoning may be greater when large amounts are consumed with delta-8.

Because of these potential additive effects, it is generally not recommended to combine delta-8 and alcohol. If you choose to mix them, it is extremely important to drink only in moderation to minimize health risks.

Does order matter when taking delta-8 and alcohol?

The order in which you consume delta-8 THC and alcohol may impact the intensity and type of effects you experience. However, there is no definitive research available to suggest the safest order. Some general tips if you plan to combine delta-8 and alcohol:

Consuming alcohol before taking delta-8 may cause you to ingest more delta-8 than originally planned. Being drunk can impair judgment and self-control.
Taking delta-8 first may lead you to drink more alcohol than you otherwise would due to reduced inhibitions.
Staggering consumption (e.g. one drink, then delta-8, then one drink) may reduce impairment but can still be risky.

Starting with very low doses of each substance is advisable to assess effects.
Avoid binge drinking alcohol in any quantity before or after taking delta-8.

The safest option is to not combine delta-8 and alcohol in large amounts or within short periods of time. Be sure to allow either substance to wear off considerably before using more.

Does delta-8 intensify the effects of alcohol?

Yes, delta-8 THC is believed to intensify many of the effects of alcohol. Reasons this likely occurs include:

Delta-8 and alcohol both act on GABA receptors in the brain, which regulate neuronal excitability. This can induce sedative-like effects.
THC potentiates the release of dopamine, intensifying alcohol’s rewarding effects on the brain.

Delta-8 may block the metabolism of alcohol in the liver, leading to higher blood alcohol levels.
THC alters motor coordination, equilibrium and perception, exacerbating alcohol’s impacts on balance, reaction time and senses.

Due to these synergistic effects, mixing delta-8 and alcohol often results in greater intoxication, motor impairment and sedation compared to consuming either substance on its own. The combination should be approached with extreme caution.

Does alcohol intensify the effects of delta-8?

Alcohol is also believed to intensify several effects of delta-8 THC, including:

Increasing delta-8 absorption and bioavailability in the body.
Causing more severe cognitive impairments like memory, learning and judgment deficits.

Worsening motor coordination problems, loss of balance and blurred vision from delta-8.
Leading to more intense anxiety or paranoia from high doses of delta-8.
Creating greater sedation and lethargy compared to delta-8 alone.

Additionally, alcohol allows people to ingest more delta-8 than they would without alcohol before passing out. This combination of effects can increase the risk of delta-8 overconsumption and alcohol poisoning.

What are the effects of combining delta-8 and alcohol?

The effects of mixing delta-8 and alcohol may include:

Impaired coordination – Makes driving and operating machinery extremely dangerous. Standing and walking can become difficult.

Altered perception – Judgment, reaction times, senses and awareness are impaired more severely.
Memory problems – Delta-8 and alcohol both disrupt memory formation and recall. Blackouts or amnesia can occur.
Anxiety or paranoia – Delta-8 may exacerbate alcohol’s ability to intensify emotions and cause panic attacks.

Increased nausea/vomiting – Common side effect of overconsumption of either delta-8 or alcohol.
Dangerously slowed breathing – High doses may lead to respiratory depression and death.
Higher heart rate/blood pressure – Potential cardiovascular risks from synergistic effects on the heart.

Intensified sedation – Extreme tiredness, lethargy, “couch lock” from excessive intoxication.

The combination also impairs judgment, self-control and perception of one’s own intoxication level, increasing the likelihood of alcohol poisoning or adverse effects. The hazards are highest when large amounts of delta-8 and alcohol are consumed together or in rapid succession.

Is it safe to consume delta-8 edibles and alcohol?

No, it is not considered safe to consume delta-8 edibles along with large amounts of alcohol. Key reasons this combination poses high risks:

It takes much longer (1-4 hours) to feel peak effects from delta-8 edibles compared to smoking/vaping. This makes it more difficult to titrate dosage.
The extended duration of edible delta-8 (up to 8 hours) overlaps with alcohol’s effects for a long period.
Overconsumption and “stacking” doses is more likely due to the delayed onset of edibles.

The potent, psychedelic effects of delta-8 edibles are drastically intensified by alcohol.
Nausea, vomiting, anxiety and paranoia are more common with edibles vs. smoking/vaping delta-8.

If you choose to combine delta-8 edibles and alcohol, exercise extreme caution:

Only consume 1-2 alcoholic drinks maximum.
Use very low THC doses (2.5-5mg delta-8 per edible).
Allow at least 1.5 hours between consuming each substance.

Never drive or operate machinery after combining.
Have sober supervision in case adverse effects occur.

What are the risks of mixing delta-8 and alcohol?

There are several major health and safety risks associated with combining delta-8 and alcohol, including:

Respiratory depression – Excessive sedation leading to dangerously slowed or stopped breathing.
Motor vehicle accidents – Severely impaired coordination and reaction time while driving.
Injuries from falls – Balance problems make falls much more likely.

Unsafe behavior – Impaired judgment increases risky behaviors like aggression or recklessness.
Heart problems – Potential heart palpitations, racing heart rate, or sudden changes in blood pressure.
Vomiting – Can lead to aspiration, choking or suffocation while unconscious.

Alcohol poisoning – Greatly increased risk of overdose via slowed breathing, vomiting or unconsciousness.
Anxiety, panic attacks – Intensified by the combination in those prone to delta-8/THC-induced anxiety.

These risks are highest when high doses of delta-8 and alcohol are consumed together or within short periods of time. Using small amounts and allowing time between dosing can reduce, but not eliminate risks.

Can you drink alcohol after taking delta-8?

It’s generally not advised to drink alcohol after recently using delta-8 THC, but there may be ways to reduce risks if you choose to do so:

Allow several hours (at least 4-6) for delta-8 effects to fully wear off before drinking alcohol.
Consume alcohol slowly and moderately. Avoid binge drinking.

Have only 1-2 drinks maximum to minimize synergy.
Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery after drinking.
Ask a sober friend to monitor you for over-intoxication.

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
Choose lower alcohol drinks like beer or wine rather than hard liquor.

The longer you wait between delta-8 use and drinking alcohol, the less interaction there will be between the two substances. Consuming only minimal amounts of alcohol can also help mitigate risks if you choose to drink after taking delta-8. However, avoiding alcohol entirely is the safest option.

Can you take delta-8 after drinking alcohol?

Taking delta-8 THC after you’ve been drinking alcohol is an extremely dangerous combination. Effects and risks include:

Alcohol inhibits judgment and self-control, making delta-8 overconsumption more likely.
Motor impairment, sedation and respiratory depression are greatly increased.

Vomiting and asphyxiation risks go up if passed out after taking delta-8 while drunk.
You may accidentally ingest more delta-8 than planned due to drunkenness.
Memory blackouts and loss of consciousness risks rise sharply.

If you opt to use delta-8 after drinking, be very cautious:

Allow lots of time (4-6 hours minimum) for alcohol to metabolize before taking delta-8.
Use very small amounts of delta-8 and wait at least 1-2 hours between dosing more.

Don’t combine delta-8 edibles and alcohol due to slower onset.
Have a sober friend monitor you for signs of alcohol poisoning or overdose.
Never operate vehicles or machinery after combining.

The best advice is to avoid using any delta-8 until you are completely sober and all alcohol has left your system. Combining when drinking or drunk poses serious health hazards.

How long should you wait between delta-8 and alcohol?

There is no established safe timeframe for waiting between using delta-8 and alcohol. However, some general guidelines include:

Wait at least 4-6 hours after delta-8 before drinking alcohol.

Wait at least 4-6 hours after drinking before taking delta-8.
Longer waits (8+ hours) are advisable for higher delta-8 doses or binge drinking.
Allow even more time if consuming delta-8 edibles due to longer lasting effects.

When in doubt, err on the longer side. There is no safe way to “rush” the combination.

The most important factor is allowing enough time for either the delta-8 or alcohol to fully metabolize out of your system before taking the other. This helps prevent overlapping effects or cross-potentiation between the substances. Be very cautious about consuming either one soon after the peak effects of the other have started to fade, as significant impairment can persist.

Tips for Moderate and Safer Use

If you do decide to combine delta-8 and alcohol, here are some tips to moderate use and reduce (but not eliminate) the risks:

Consume very small amounts of each (1-2 drinks max, low THC dose edibles or vapes).
Space out dosing time – don’t consume simultaneously. Allow 1-2 hours between.
Avoid additional doses of either once effects start – no redosing.

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
Have trusted, sober supervision in case adverse effects occur.
Don’t operate vehicles or machinery for at least 24 hours after last dose.

Never combine if you need to be alert or functional soon after.

However, it bears repeating – the only truly safe approach is avoiding mixing delta-8 and alcohol altogether. The potentiation of effects can be highly unpredictable and dangerous. Use extreme caution and moderation if you choose to combine them.

The Bottom Line

Combining delta-8 THC and alcohol is widely considered to be risky due to the synergistic effects that can lead to amplified intoxication, impairment and the potential for adverse effects. If you choose to use them together, exercise extreme caution:

Consume minimal amounts of each.
Allow significant time between dosing delta-8 and alcohol.
Don’t operate any vehicles or machinery after combining.

Monitor yourself and have sober supervision.
Be prepared for much stronger effects than consuming either substance alone.

The most responsible option is avoiding mixing delta-8 and alcohol altogether. But if you do decide to combine, managing dosage carefully and allowing time between using each substance can help reduce major risks. Just be very mindful of the potential for intensified impairment, especially with higher amounts.