What is the difference between the effects of cbd and alcohol? The main difference is that CBD doesn’t intoxicate you, read more about the differences now.
CBD can be consumed in many forms. As a tincture or in capsule form, people can inhale it through vaporization (a process that heats cannabis oils without burning them).
But one of the most popular ways at the moment is through drinking it. CBD drinks are rising in popularity. And this is exactly why people want to know more about the difference between the effects of CBD and alcohol.
CBD and Alcohol
CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants and hemp. It is an active substance increasingly being used to infuse products such as oils, body creams, and lip balms.
CBD is a natural compound extracted from the cannabis plant, most commonly its flowers and buds. CBD is often used to treat anxiety, stress, and depression. Many people also use it to help with sleep issues and pain management.
Studies show that CBD, the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, could potentially interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The ECS is the network responsible for regulating many vital functions, such as sleep and immune response. People often use CBD to help them deal with poor sleeping patterns, chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
CBD can have similar effects as alcohol does on the body, mainly reducing anxiety. And like alcohol’s effect of reducing inhibition, CBD may help people feel more relaxed or socially comfortable in social situations. Combining the two can amplify the effects of CBD and alcohol.
What is the primary difference between CBD and Alcohol?
The main difference between CBD and alcohol is that CBD does not cause intoxication or other side effects commonly associated with excessive alcohol (such as slurred speech or impairment).
Let's dig a little bit more into the differences between CBD and alcohol.
Difference Between The Effects Of CBD And Alcohol
Alcohol is associated with domestic violence, liver toxicity, sexual assault, and an onslaught of health issues. CBD is not linked to any form of neurodegeneration. CBD is not addictive, and it does not cause any form of withdrawal symptoms. It can also be used safely by those recovering from alcohol addiction.
In one Canadian scientific review, the scientists found that CBD is non-harmful. They found it will not negatively impact you the same way as alcohol abuse does.
Furthermore, animal studies yield interesting results about CBD effects. These animal studies found CBD protected the test models against alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. The results also indicated that CBD protected against neurodegeneration in animals, the same neurodegeneration that leads alcohol users to violent behaviors and cognitive impairment. The same animal study saw CBD potentially protecting against liver toxicity, inflammation, and steatosis.
So, alcohol can aggravate the following:
- Neurodegeneration (leading to cognitive impairment and aggression)
- Liver toxicity
- Steatosis
- Inflammation
CBD, on the other hand, could potentially protect against these issues. That’s a pretty significant difference between the effects of CBD and alcohol.
What about CBD for those who abuse alcohol?
CBD seems to lessen the addictive effects of alcohol in animal test subjects. But researchers have not conducted enough studies to know if this is true for humans.
Could CBD Help Prevent Alcohol-Related Liver Damage?
Fatty liver disease is marked by excessive fat buildup in the liver cells. This condition disappears once heavy drinking stops. However, continued drinking will lead to degenerative liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatitis.
In a study published in 2014 by Yang et al., CBD was shown to lessen the severity of alcohol-induced liver disease.
The study found that CBD can prevent alcohol-induced liver injury, which is consistent with earlier studies showing its ability to lower blood alcohol levels. Scientists suggest it could result from CBD's potential to reduce oxidative stress.
CBD’s effects on Alcohol Withdrawal
A 2016 study in Neurotoxicity Research found that CBD may help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Administration of CBD reduced the severity and incidence of seizures in test subjects suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
CBD can restore some of the naturally-occurring endocannabinoids that were depleted due to excessive alcohol consumption by binding with CB1 receptors. However, the researchers noted the endocannabinoid system would need several months to restore itself fully.
Overall: CBD use in alcohol-addicted animal test subjects
CBD has been shown to reduce alcohol intake, lessen the desire for alcohol, and discourage relapse in animal studies. It also reduced anxiety and impulsivity with no harmful side effects on motor skills or coordination.
Should you Combine CBD and alcohol?
If you’re curious about combining CBD and alcohol, just know we need more research before anyone can guarantee safety. If you are curious about CBD drinks, chat with your trusted healthcare professional first.
How about trading your alcoholic social lube for a CBD drink?
There are many different CBD drinks on the market, so you’ll likely find yourself sipping on something you love if you shop around. The effects of CBD seem to be safer than alcohol, as alcohol is renowned for its various harmful effects.
However, they do share a couple of similarities in terms of relaxing qualities. Some people tend to reach for an alcoholic drink when they are feeling uncomfortable in a social situation.
They say it helps them relax and open up to more conversations, likely due to alcohol’s effects on inhibitions. CBD users say they experience similar effects when drinking CBD. Some people enjoy CBD drinks instead of alcoholic ones- because they get to lighten up and relax in social situations.
And the best part about CBD drinks? There’s no hangover.
For some people (i.e., me, the writer), the hangover is enough to avoid alcohol altogether. There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning feeling refreshed instead of like a washed-up haggard. CBD drinks offer some people an opportunity to lighten the load of social anxiety without the more harmful effects of alcohol. It’s pretty much a win-win.
The Bottom Line
What is the difference between the effects of CBD and alcohol? Alcohol is an intoxicating substance–CBD does not have that same effect. In contrast, some who enjoy CBD promote it as a stimulating substance, helping them focus.
Alcohol is known for many things, but improving focus? Definitely not. While a popular slogan for the CBD and cannabis movement is “regulate CBD/cannabis like alcohol,” they are entirely different.
If you want to try enjoying a CBD drink on your next social occasion, take a look at CENTR CBD. With third-party results to back up their product, you’ll be surprised by how delicious a daily dose of CBD can be. CENTR also has a sugar free CBD option and Instant Drink CBD Powders.
How convenient is that? Take a look at their website, and find your new favourite CBD drink..
