Crossfading: Mixing Alcohol & Cannabis
This article is not to promote Crossfading (as we do not recommend that you do it). We are just trying to offer some information about what it is, and some of the science behind it.
Alcohol + marijuana. If you rolled your eyes unconvincingly at this, the chances are that you’re one of those who think cannabis and alcohol are poles apart. And you wouldn’t be wrong. Alcohol tends to keep you confident and kinda loud, while herbs tend to keep you contemplative and relaxed, just like your momma likes it. Could any two substances be any more naturally different?
The Science of Crossfading
It’s common knowledge that mixing beer with bong hits or whiskey with vaping can be problematic for certain folks. But only a few understand the science behind crossfading and why things quickly get out of hand when mixing alcohol and marijuana. For example, studies have shown that many traffic collisions involve victims who were simultaneously high and drunk.
The thing is, drinking alcohol while vaping considerably raises blood THC levels and its metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC. Since 11-hydroxy-THC is a substantially more potent version of delta-9-THC, raising its concentration can significantly intensify the intoxicating effects.
In a study, cannabis that was considered “high-dose” had a THC level of 6.7%. Meanwhile, most contemporary cultivars have more than thrice this quantity. This explains why several hits with just a few drinks are enough to get you in trouble.
So, Why Crossfade?
Yes, numerous people have had horrible experiences with crossfading. No, it doesn’t mean you can’t mix alcohol and cannabis safely (although we do not recommend it).
It is said that crossfading can provide a rush that neither substance alone can.
The Art of Crossfading
Crossfading successfully requires strategy and a plan. People usually ensure that they establish some ground rules for themselves before they begin. People often suffer dangerous side effects because they try to crossfade when already too inebriated to make sober choices about dosage and pace.
Now, there are two ways that people can crossfade—smoke first or booze first:
● Smoke First:
Some people want to light their match before belting down? But they should remember that marijuana can modify how quickly their body absorbs alcohol. This means that smoking before drinking may delay their crossfaded feeling.
But here’s the catch: they’ll likely consume too much alcohol before they realize how inebriated they really are. So, if they decide to light up first, they should probably go slowly and wait until their drink has settled before pouring another.
● Drink First:
Some people prefer to crossfade by drinking before smoking. This method can significantly enhance THC effects as well as its metabolites.
People tend to take each toke slowly and wait a few minutes before taking another dose.
People should not overindulge before smoking. If they overindulge, they’ll become overconfident and stray from their initial plan. That’s how some folks wake up trying to resuscitate a broken cookie with a band-aid.
Can I Add Edibles To The Mix?
We also wouldn’t advise you to crossfade with edibles. That’s because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC when you eat marijuana. 11-hydroxy-THC produces a stronger effect than delta-9-THC.
Meanwhile, edibles produce a much stronger high than you get from smoking pot, even if they take more time to kick in. Adding alcohol will enhance the amount of 11-hydroxy-THC in circulation. Because of this, your experience will become even more intense (and devastating).
How Some People Manage Negative Reactions to Crossfading
Crossfaders tend to get nasty side effects when crossfading (as it is difficult to regulate). Some reported side effects include paranoia, shivering, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, rapid heart rate, etc. Here’s what is recommended (by 3rd party sources) to do in such a situation:
- Take a few deep breaths by inhaling through your nose and exhaling from your mouth
- Find a quiet and comfy place to relax till you feel better
- Ask a close friend to keep an eye on you if you’re feeling very ill and tired to reduce the risk of asphyxiation
- Increase your blood sugar by eating some snacks, if you can
- Dilute your blood by drinking lots of water