Alcohol and cannabis are like the Olsen twins—sometimes they work well together, and sometimes…they do not. Look, I love Full House but I admit that Two of a Kind was problematic. I also love booze ‘n’ bud, but I’ll admit that sometimes they don’t work so well together.
It’s been found that alcohol significantly increases THC levels in the bloodstream—meaning that one glass of wine can make the fat blunt you smoked feel like five fatter blunts.
Doctors, scientists, and other folks trying to be like your parents will tell you that mixing alcohol and cannabis is a bad idea and that you shouldn’t do it. Wah-wah-wah. I’ve been through enough Catholic school to know that telling people not to do something only makes them want to do it more….
So, do it! Smoke that weed, sip that cup. You’re a grown-ass person. Just be smart about it. Here are a few ways you can safely and smartly consume your bud and your booze together.
Related: The Most Bootleg Bongs We’ve Ever Seen
Know your types.
Does rum make you gag but whiskey make you dance? Do high levels of THC make you paranoid? It’s important to know which alcohol types and cannabis strains suit your body chemistry. Everyone responds to booze and weed in their own ways—just like little impaired snowflakes. Do some experimenting and figure out which strains and drinks work best for your bod. Try to aim for anything above bottom-shelf—it will decrease your odds of a hangover. (Pizza in the evening AND morning also helps.)
Know your limits.
Now that you know what kind of booze ‘n’ bud work for you, experiment with the quantities. Remember that any kind of alcohol will increase your high, so go easy. A few puffs of the vape and a couple drinks go a long way when you mix them together. If you get the spins, you’ve gone TOO FAR. Get a car home, sleep on your side so you don’t choke on your puke and die like a rock star, and try not to recreate that dizzy-making mix in the future.
Use the buddy system.
Going to parties with a wing-person is key. Not only will this pal help you make conversation if everyone is lame, but you can also help each other get home safely at the end of the night. (You can also help one another determine if the room is actually spinning or not.)
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Booze and pot are notorious dehydrators, so be sure to guzzle plenty of water while you’re out drinking and partaking. The more water you consume, the better you’ll feel the next day and the less likely you will be to get the spins and pukes.
So, this holiday season, whether you are at the office holiday party or home binging on holiday movies, enjoy your hot toddies, eggnogs, and Jell-O shots while you consume the weed you bought with your gift monies from gramma—just be sure to use your brain and some moderation so you don’t end up getting the spins and puking into your coat. Winter coats are REALLY hard to clean.
