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Lower risk guidelines / Cannabis Use with Alcohol

CANNABIS USE WITH ALCOHOL

Using Cannabis & Alcohol Simultaneously

Individuals who are both cannabis and alcohol users tend to use them at the same time. Using them simultaneously is associated with more frequent and larger quantities of alcohol consumption (3, 4)

Impairment

Alcohol

Cannabis

Using together

Using together

Cannabis

Alcohol

Alcohol

Cannabis

Using together

Risk of Car Accidents

Perceived Effects

Loss of rationality

The impairment effects when cannabis and alcohol are used simultaneously are synergistic. These effects include:

 

  • Multiply increased risk of getting into a car accident (4)

  • Stronger perceived effects on mind and body (4)

  • Increased potential to act impulsively, have poor judgement or engage in risky behaviours (2)

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THC Enhancement

Using cannabis & alcohol together leads to enhanced effects of THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) as well as significantly higher blood THC levels (1, 2)

This likely explains the increased performance impairment when both are used simultaneously (1)

Page References:

  1. Any dose of alcohol combined with cannabis significantly increases levels of THC in blood (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) (2015). Access here

  2. Taking Marijuana & Alcohol Together (Alcohol.org). Access here

  3. Simultaneous vs. concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis in the National Alcohol Survey (Alcohol Clinical Exp Res) (2015). Access here

  4. Alcohol & Marijuana (Learn About Marijuana Fact Sheet) (2015). Access here

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References
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