We use cookies for certain features and to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to learn more

Leafly

Shop legal, local weed.

Open
advertise on Leafly
ShopDeliveryDispensariesDealsStrainsBrandsProductsCBDDoctorsCannabis 101Social impact
  • Sign in
  • Create account
  • Strains
  • Shop
  • Shop
  • Delivery
  • Deals
  • Dispensaries
  • CBD Stores
  • Brands
  • Products
  • Learn
  • Cannabis 101
  • News
  • Leafly Learn
  • Science of cannabis
  • Doctors
  • Social impact
  • Lab partners
  • Download the Leafly App
  • Advertise on Leafly
    • Leafly.comUSA flag
    • Leafly.caCanadian flag
    • Leafly.deGerman flag
  • Help
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Strains & products
  • Industry
  • Growing
  • Health
  • Science & tech
  • Leafly USA
  • Podcasts
  • Learn
Science & tech

How does alcohol affect THC blood concentration?

Bailey RahnPublished on June 3, 2015 · Last updated October 16, 2023

If you’re the type of person who likes having a beer in one hand and a joint in the other, you may be interested in this new study from the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC), which found that THC blood concentrations increase significantly with alcohol consumption.

Most of us are experientially familiar with the effects of pairing marijuana with drinks, but not a lot of research has been done on what’s actually happening physiologically speaking. This particular study had a small sample size of just 19 people, but it does provide a jumping-off point for future research on how the two interact. They tested variations of small and large doses of cannabis and alcohol, and compared them with control and placebo groups. Without alcohol, THC concentrations fell between 32.7 and 42.2 µg/L THC with low and high doses respectively, and with alcohol, those amounts increased to 35.3 and 67.5 µg/L THC.

These figures may not mean much out of context, but the jump in THC concentration is a notable one. In their press release, the researchers mention the implications these results may have on the drafting of DUI laws, which have been a point of contention among marijuana users as it is more difficult to measure impairment with cannabis than with alcohol. This beast of a topic warrants a longer discussion (oh hey, like this one here), but at the very least, it’s good to see that research is being done in this area; those who’ve witnessed the implementation of arbitrary per se cannabis DUID limits know it’s sorely needed. But really, you don’t need empirical evidence to know that consuming alcohol, cannabis, or a combination of the two requires a degree of responsibility when driving is involved.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

Showing you dispensaries near
See all dispensaries
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
    Loading...Loading...
  • See all dispensaries
See all dispensaries
alcoholduiresearch
Bailey Rahn
Bailey Rahn
Bailey is a senior content manager at Leafly, specializing in strains and health. She's spent 7+ years researching cannabis products, spreading patients’ stories, and exploring healthy ways of integrating cannabis into daily life.
View Bailey Rahn's articles

The latest in Science & tech

  • Researchers say cannabis may help treat Covid-19 image
    Researchers say cannabis may help treat Covid-19
    Emily Earlenbaugh
  • Weed & exercise Part III: Can cardio make you fail a drug test? image
    Weed & exercise Part III: Can cardio make you fail a drug test?
    Nick Jikomes, PhD
  • How THC impacts your heart, lungs & exercise performance image
    How THC impacts your heart, lungs & exercise performance
    Nick Jikomes, PhD
  • Here’s the euphoric chemistry behind your runner’s high image
    Here’s the euphoric chemistry behind your runner’s high
    Nick Jikomes, PhD
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

Something went wrong, please try again.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App StoreDownload Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play

Business Solutions
  • List your store
  • List your CBD store
  • List your brand
  • List your practice
  • Business log in

About Leafly
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Investor relations
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Accessibility

Dispensaries in
  • Los Angeles
  • Seattle
  • Portland
  • San Francisco
  • Toronto
  • Detroit

Privacy & Terms
  • Terms of use
  • Commercial terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • Do not sell my personal information

* Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.


© 2025 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.