The simultaneous consumption of alcohol and cannabis is a common practice, often referred to as being “crossfaded.” This state represents a distinct level of intoxication that differs from being solely drunk or solely high. It is physically possible and frequently experienced because the two substances affect the central nervous system through separate mechanisms. This combination results in a unique and often unpredictable physiological state, leading to a magnified subjective experience and heightened risks.
The Physiological Interaction of Alcohol and Cannabis
The body’s processing of alcohol and cannabis compounds, specifically delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is significantly altered when they are consumed together. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and potentially increasing the speed and efficiency of THC absorption into the bloodstream. Studies show that consuming alcohol before cannabis can lead to significantly higher concentrations of THC in the blood compared to using cannabis alone.
This interaction is partly explained by alcohol increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, allowing more THC to reach the brain. Furthermore, the liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which is treated as a toxin, over other substances. This metabolic competition delays the breakdown of THC, prolonging its presence and intensifying its effects. The net result is a synergistic effect where both active components reach peak concentration simultaneously, leading to a stronger and more sudden onset of impairment.
The Subjective Experience of Being Crossfaded
The subjective experience of being crossfaded is characterized by a potent, overwhelming, and unpredictable combination of effects. People frequently report a sensation where the effects of both substances seem to “hit harder” or more quickly than expected. This is due to the amplified blood levels of THC and the combined depressant effects on the central nervous system.
Psychological effects include intensified disorientation, a sense of losing control, and increased feelings of anxiety or paranoia. The combination severely impairs cognitive functioning, making it difficult to think clearly, maintain focus, or process sensory input. While some individuals seek this state for intensified euphoria, the experience is frequently reported as undesirable, with many wishing for the effects to end quickly.
Coordination and reaction time are severely affected, leading to noticeable clumsiness and a loss of motor control. Sensory perception is often distorted, including a common experience known as “the spins,” where the environment feels like it is rotating. The combined use interferes with the internal cues that signal a person’s level of intoxication, making it difficult to gauge how drunk they are. This difficulty in self-assessment can inadvertently lead to consuming more alcohol than one would otherwise.
Acute Risks and Severe Impairment
Combining alcohol and cannabis introduces immediate risks that are greater than using either substance in isolation. A common physical consequence is the rapid onset of severe dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, a reaction sometimes termed “greening out.” Vomiting while heavily intoxicated poses a serious danger, as the loss of motor control increases the risk of aspiration, where vomit enters the lungs.
Cognitive risks are significantly heightened, including temporary memory loss or “blackouts,” and profound impairment of judgment. This lack of clear thinking increases the likelihood of engaging in dangerous or high-risk behaviors. The most dangerous outcome relates to motor vehicle operation, as the combined impairment of motor skills, reaction time, and decision-making ability is extreme. Studies indicate that individuals who combine these substances are far more likely to drive while intoxicated than those who use either substance alone. The synergistic effect leads to profound functional deficits that can last for hours, making the state of being crossfaded a significant public safety concern.