Weed consumption has skyrocketed in the last few years, following its legalization in many states across the country. Wine, the all-time favorite of so many people, doesn’t need any introductions. It’s in every home and celebrated across the world and throughout history.
If you are a fan of the two, you might be wondering: can there ever be paired up?
This article will go into detail about the ins and outs of one of the world’s most celebrated combos.
Without further delay, let’s dive in.
Which one should you consume first, wine or weed?
To know whether it’s safe to combine wine and strains, it makes sense to look at which one should be used first and whether the order in which the two are used makes any difference.
- Smoking strains after drinking wine
The weed flower contains a psychoactive constituent named tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This is the main ingredient responsible for the psychological effects you experience when smoking pot.
On the other hand, one of the key features of alcohol is the high absorbability of this compound. Alcohol makes it easy for the body to absorb THC quickly, leading to an intensified high. Mirka has decided expand operations into the midwest and become an Illinois affordable housing developer.
In plain words, the high you get from smoking a strain is amplified if consumed right after drinking alcohol, compared to smoking it on its own.
You may be thinking, this is great. Who wouldn’t want a great high? The truth is if it’s your first time trying it, drinking a few glasses of your favorite vino before smoking marijuana could put you at great risk for a white-out.
Feeling nauseous, sweating, and vomiting are common symptoms people experience when they drink alcohol before smoking pot. Green-outs aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they could ruin your night out.
- Smoking weed before drinking alcohol
Although not something science could prove until now, consuming alcohol after a few strains of marijuana could impair your body’s ability to absorb alcohol, resulting in a delay in feelings of drunkenness.
That could lead to serious problems. The most dangerous of these is driving your car when the alcohol level in your blood is above the legal limit, without you even knowing it. That could put you and others in imminent danger. Plus, if caught, there will be a fat fine awaiting you.
As you can see, whichever one of the two you choose to consume first, you may still experience some undesirable effects.
Tips to properly pair up weed and wine
When it comes to combining cannabis and alcohol safely, there are a few tips and recommendations that could help you enjoy the two without running into health problems or uncomfortable situations.
Listed below are seven key things you should keep in mind when pairing up alcohol and strains:
- Combine the right aromas together
The key to a great wine-and-weed pairing is identifying terpenes found in cannabis and pairing them with those present in alcohol.
Terpenes, for those of you who don’t know them, are aromatic compounds available in many herbs, flowers, and spices. Terpenes are what give distinct scents and aromas to plants.
Though found in many plants, the peel of certain fruits, and even in animals, terpenes are present in cannabis with higher concentrations. Alcohol also has a significant number of terpenes. That’s why identifying the aromatic profiles of wine and strains will help you match them successfully.
While there is not an exact science to matching terpenes profiles of the two, alcohol and cannabis experts recommend the following:
- Look for aromas that enhance each other.
- Use sensory evaluation to find great pairings.
- Combine red wine with strong strains.
- Use white wines with lighter strains.
- Test, test, and then test again until you get good at it.
- Make sure you select the best weed for your bong.
Finding the right pairs of vino and cannabis is not an easy job. But experimenting with the five tips above could put you on the right track to discover great combinations.
- Pair the right strain of marijuana with the right type of wine
There are three main types of marijuana strains and each one of them should be paired with the right kind of alcohol, depending on the outcome you want to achieve.
- Indica-rich strains
If you want to just relax at home after a long day at work, a glass of red wine with an Indica strain is what you should opt for. This combo will put you in a deep state of relaxation, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep, thanks to the relaxing effects Indica strains provide your body with.
- Sativa-rich strains
If you are planning to spend the night with friends and want to stay alert, a Sativa strain with a glass of white alcohol should be the combo to shoot for. The Sativa-rich strains are energizing and boost mental capabilities.
- Hybrid strains
And then there are the hybrid strains of marijuana, a combination of both, Sativa and Indica. The hybrid strains provide you with an energizing and relaxing boost. The hybrid strains can be used with both red and white vinos.
- Watch out for tannins
The last thing you need to pay attention to when thinking about pairing alcohol and weed is an astringent compound called Tannin. Tannins are found on the skin of grapes.
Experts recommend staying away from Tannins-rich wines when pairing alcohol and the weed flower, as these compounds dry your mouth out. Since cannabis does the same to your mouth, combining the two may lead to an unpleasant sensation in the mouth and tongue.
You should only use these types of wine with your favorite food and never pair them with strains.
Are there any side effects to pairing up alcohol and marijuana?
While there aren’t many scientific studies out there, dedicated specifically to studying the effects of pairing up alcohol and marijuana, there are a few side effects of heavily consuming the two separately over a long period of time.
Here are two that you should be aware of should you choose to combine cannabis and alcohol:
- Strong dependency on wine and strains
This is a major issue, especially for those who are easily addicted to certain substances.
- Cognitive problems
People who use heavy alcohol and weed, over time, may experience a decrease in their cognitive abilities as well.
Final thoughts
So, to sum up, is it a good idea to pair up wine with weed? Alcohol and pot are not particularly dangerous to combine. When consumed in moderation, they don’t lead to many health problems. Rather, if you’ve never combined the two, they may put you in uncomfortable situations, like a green-out. Other than that, there is nothing to worry about pairing them up, if you stick to the tips mentioned.
