Last updated: October 2026
Mixing CBD and alcohol isn’t known to be dangerous for healthy adults, but it isn’t recommended. Both can make you drowsy, alcohol raises the amount of CBD your body absorbs, and CBD doesn’t stop you getting drunk. The safest approach is to keep them apart, especially if you’ll drive, take medication, or have liver concerns.
Below: what the studies found, the risks, timing, driving, hangovers, and CBD as an alcohol-free evening swap.
What happens when you mix them? The research
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| 1979 trial (10 adults, 200mg CBD plus a large drink) | Blood alcohol was lower with CBD, but people were just as impaired on motor and mental tests |
| 2023 trial (36 adults, 30mg or 200mg CBD before a standard drink) | CBD had only trivial effects on breath alcohol and on how drunk people felt |
| 2020 trial (750mg CBD with alcohol) | Alcohol increased the amount of CBD absorbed by about 1.6 times |
So CBD doesn’t sober you up or protect you from alcohol, and drinking can make a dose of CBD stronger than usual. Most research uses doses far above typical supplement amounts, and long-term effects of combining the two haven’t been studied.
The risks, and who should avoid mixing
- Extra drowsiness. Alcohol is a sedative, and drowsiness is one of CBD’s more common side effects. Together they can slow your reactions. See CBD side effects.
- The liver. Both are processed by the liver, and high doses of CBD can raise liver enzymes. Avoid mixing if you drink heavily or have liver problems. See is CBD bad for your liver?
- Medicines. If you take sedatives, sleeping tablets, antidepressants or anything with an alcohol warning, adding CBD increases the risk. Ask a pharmacist. See CBD and medication.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid alcohol, and we don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If you do mix: timing and amounts
- Leave a gap. Take CBD on nights you aren’t drinking, or a few hours apart.
- Keep CBD low on any day you drink, and don’t raise your dose that day.
- Stay within the UK guideline of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread over 3 or more days.
- Notice how you feel. If you feel unusually sleepy or unsteady, stop drinking.
The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
CBD, alcohol and driving
CBD itself isn’t one of the drugs listed in UK drug-driving law, but THC is, with a very low limit. A poorly made CBD product containing THC could put you over it. It’s also illegal to drive if you’re unfit to drive for any reason, including drowsiness. Never drive after drinking and taking CBD together. See CBD and driving.
Does CBD help a hangover?
There’s no human research showing CBD helps with hangovers. Water, food, sleep and drinking less are what work. Adding CBD the morning after a heavy night also adds more work for your liver.
CBD as an alcohol-free evening swap
Many people use a nightly drink as a way to switch off. If you’re cutting back, for Sober October, Dry January or for good, a new wind-down ritual can help fill the gap: a warm reishi hot chocolate, a few drops of CBD oil, a bath, or a book. Swap the drink rather than adding to it. See reishi cacao as an alcohol alternative and the damp lifestyle guide.
If you’re worried about how much you drink, speak to your GP or call Drinkline free on 0300 123 1110.
FAQs
Can you take CBD and drink alcohol?
It isn’t known to be dangerous for healthy adults, but it isn’t recommended. Both can cause drowsiness, and alcohol increases how much CBD you absorb.
Does CBD make you more drunk?
Studies found CBD didn’t change how drunk people felt or how impaired they were, but the combination can make you sleepier.
Does CBD sober you up?
No. One old study found slightly lower blood alcohol with CBD, but people were just as impaired. Never rely on CBD before driving.
How long after drinking can I take CBD?
There’s no set rule. Leaving a few hours, or taking CBD on alcohol-free nights, is the simplest approach.
Does CBD help with hangovers?
There’s no human evidence that it does. Water, food and rest are what help.
Can CBD help me drink less?
Researchers are studying this, but there’s no proof yet. Some people find a new evening ritual helps them cut back.
Sources
- Consroe P et al. Interaction of cannabidiol and alcohol in humans. Psychopharmacology, 1979.
- Karoly HC et al. Consuming oral cannabidiol prior to a standard alcohol dose has minimal effect on breath alcohol level and subjective effects of alcohol. Psychopharmacology, 2023.
- Crockett J et al. Effect of meals, whole milk and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure in healthy subjects. Epilepsia, 2020.
- NHS. Alcohol units.
- GOV.UK. Drugs and driving: the law.
