Crossfaded Recreational drug users increasingly embracing cross-faded substances may have heard of “cross-faded”, an expression used to refer to mixing cannabis and alcohol together for an unpredictable range of effects. With more people becoming acquainted with this altered state, it is crucially important that they are aware of potential side effects or dangers associated with being cross-faded.
Crossfade Chemistry
Cannabis and alcohol both produce different effects on our endocannabinoid and central nervous systems, with alcohol particularly having an impactful euphoric effect due to binding GABA receptors within the brain, leading to physical and mental processes slowing down while cannabis acts as a stimulant on cannabinoid receptors, producing relaxation, euphoria and altered perception.
If these substances are taken together, their interactions may intensify and alter one another, potentially increasing sensations as well as feelings of euphoria and changing perceptions of space and time. Individual responses will differ based on factors like amount and type of cannabis consumed as well as tolerance levels and general health status.
What Is Crossfading?
Crossfading is the act of drinking alcohol and taking marijuana simultaneously. It could involve different types of marijuana consumption, such as edibles, joints vapes, bongs, and bongs.
The term originates from a technique in audio engineering which creates smooth transitions between two sound. The term “cross-faded” describes a person who is drunk and high due to crossingfading.
Effects Of Crossfading
The effects of crossfading vary based on the drug you are using first.
Effects Of Using Alcohol Before Marijuana
Alcohol consumption prior to drinking can enhance the effects of cannabis which include an increase in appetite and altered sensory perceptions and the feeling of euphoria (intense excitement).
It also increases negative effects of the drug, for example, an anxiety-related dry mouth and paranoia.
This is due to the fact that the chemical ethanol (the principal ingredient in alcohol drinks) can cause the blood vessels and arteries to be able to absorb more levels of THC. THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Drinking alcohol prior to marijuana may increase the risk in “greening out.” This is a condition that occurs when your body is absorbing excessive amounts of THC. The brain’s cannabinoid receptors (the receptors that are affected by cannabis) get over stimulated, which results in unpleasant side effects, such as:
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness
- shaking
- sweating
- chills
- intense anxiety
- panic attacks
- an increase in heart rate
- breathlessness
To add insult to injury it is also an antiemetic. This means that it will keep nausea, and that is the way the body flushes out dangerous amounts of alcohol.
The crossfading process can make you more likely to suffer from alcohol-related crashes in your car.
This is because marijuana may lower the negative impact alcohol can have on your motor abilities, which can make you feel as if you’re safe to drive even after having a drink. Even if you are feeling fine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could be way over the safe acceptable limit.
Crossfading & Addiction
As with other forms of drug misuse, crossfading could result in addiction particularly when it happens regularly. It is possible to develop signs of both addiction to alcohol and marijuana addiction.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol is among the substances that are most addicting around the world. The most common signs of addiction to alcohol are:
- that require increasing amounts or frequent drinks to get these desired outcomes (also known as tolerance)
- suffering from withdrawal symptoms that are unpleasant experiencing withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety and shaking when you do not drink alcohol (also known as physical dependence)
- having frequently cravings for alcohol
- being unable to control your drinking
- getting bored of activities that do not involve alcohol
- Refraining from family and friends in order to have more fun drinking alcohol
- getting behind at school or at work due to the frequent drinking or hangovers
If left untreated, addiction can trigger other health issues such as heart disease, depression, and some cancers.
Marijuana Addiction
Many people believe that marijuana isn’t addicting. But, many users show signs of addiction, particularly those who began using the drug before 18 years old.
Like alcohol addiction the most common signs of addiction to marijuana are tolerance, cravings, as well as withdrawal signs. The most frequent withdrawal symptoms that are associated with marijuana dependence are:
- irritability
- mood shifts
- diminished appetite
- Trouble sleep
If left untreated the addiction to marijuana can cause negative effects on your brain, such as low memory, difficulty concentrating and a difficulty in understanding new concepts. Furthermore, if often smoke marijuana, you could be more susceptible to lung problems, including pneumonia.
You or someone you know has issues with crossfading, or any other kind of addiction Contact us today. Ohio Recovery Center. We offer addiction treatment programs that provide customized, evidence-based treatments to assist you or your loved ones get rid of drugs.
Cross-Faded Workers Experience Negative Repercussions
Cross-fading can have far-reaching repercussions that are difficult to ascertain. While some report feelings of relaxation and happiness, others may experience nausea, dizziness, or anxiety that is intensified. Cannabis’ high can amplify alcohol’s relaxing qualities to create an experience of increased satisfaction; however, this could also lead to decreased coordination and poor judgment leading to accidents as well as poor decision-making.
Cross-fading often results in an altered perception of sensory experiences; auditory and visual experiences may become more vivid, time may seem to speed up or slow down; some might find this an incredible sensation while for others it could be disorienting.
Risks and Considerations
While mixing cannabis and alcohol may provide an enjoyable experience, it’s essential that consumers fully comprehend and assess any associated risks before undertaking such an endeavor.
- Coordination and Impaired Judgment: While both alcohol and cannabis may individually impair cognitive functions and coordination, when taken together they could exacerbate these impairments, increasing the risk of injuries and accidents.
- Higher Intoxication Levels: The cross-faded effect could result in higher intoxication levels than when taking each substance separately, which could cause extreme drowsiness, confusion and disorientation.
- Mental Health Effects: For those prone to anxiety or paranoia-like tendencies, cross-fade experiences can compound these feelings. Understanding their impact on mental wellbeing is paramount.
- Hangover Intensity: The aftereffects of being cross-faded may result in more intense symptoms of dehydration, headaches and nausea compared to being completely sober.
- Unpredictable Reactions: The experience of crossing fades can vary widely from person to person; what may be enjoyable or relaxing for one may be upsetting or distressful for the next person.
- Safety and Legal Concerns: Operating heavy machinery when cross-faded is both risky and illegal. Therefore, prioritising safety while adhering to all relevant legal regulations is essential.
Risk Mitigation and Engage Responsiblely
If you choose a cross-fade journey, responsible consumption is of the utmost importance. Here are a few steps that can help minimize risks and enhance safety of the experience.
- Know Your Limits: Know what your personal tolerance levels for cannabis and alcohol are. Be wary of overconsumption as this could have serious adverse side effects.
- Consume slowly: When experimenting with cross-fading, start out slowly consuming small quantities of both substances to see their impact before increasing your consumption.
- Stay hydrated: Both alcohol and cannabis can dehydrate the body, so drinking plenty of water will help mitigate its effects and lessen the severity of hangovers.
- Establish a safe environment: If you intend on becoming cross-faded, select an environment which provides comfort and allows you to unwind, without fearing mishap or unpleasant interactions.
- Transport Plan: Make arrangements for safe travel without driving or operating equipment while crossing-faded. Appoint a designated driver, take public transit or make use of ride sharing companies instead.
- Be Aware Of Your Body: If you begin experiencing anxiety or discomfort, it is essential that you recognize and acknowledge these feelings as soon as possible in order to prioritize your wellbeing. Consider speaking with someone trusted or seeking out an environment which promotes calmness for support.
1. You’ll Feel High Faster
Highs and drunks can be an enjoyable experience, but one of the most popular ways to achieve that feeling is through crossfading – mixing alcohol and marijuana together in one sitting to achieve high. While this method might sound harmless enough, crossfading has some very unpleasant side effects which should be taken seriously.
Misusing drugs can have unpredictable results. Alcohol is a depressant that can reduce coordination while THC affects how we think and creates feelings of intoxication. Mixing this with stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines could result in dangerously low blood pressure levels as well as increase heart problems risks.
Remember, both alcohol and cannabis can dehydrate you, so if you find yourself cross faded it’s wise to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – this may also reduce any nausea that could potentially make you throw up. In addition, find somewhere cool to lie down because being cross faded can lead to overheating which could result in serious trips if proper precautions aren’t taken.
2. You’ll Have a Hard Time Sleeping
Cross-fading is a practice often engaged in by younger adults in order to reach an altered state of consciousness they cannot achieve through using one drug alone. Peer pressure in social situations and the allure of mixing substances may play a part in this phenomenon.
Although indulging in occasional crossfaded may not cause major issues, mixing alcohol and THC may result in various side effects – the most notable of these being “green out,” which includes sweating, nausea, dizziness, paranoia, and anxiety.
exhausted man sleeping near open refrigerator on kitchen floor
Green outs are often cause by overconsumption of THC after already becoming quite intoxicated, such as when smoking a bong and then eating edibles simultaneously. Both alcohol and marijuana are dehydrating substances; to ensure an enjoyable nighttime experience without regret the next morning.
3. You’ll Have to Throw Up
Crossfading refers to having too much alcohol and marijuana at once, which can be both enjoyable and harmful. While combining alcohol and marijuana may seem fun at first, the reality can often prove disastrous as too much can create “greenout”, an experience marked by disorientation, nausea, dizziness and paranoia.
Alcohol abuse can be extremely hazardous because it impairs judgment and increases the chance of making poor decisions, such as driving recklessly and engaging in unsafe sexual encounters without protection. Furthermore, both substances relax blood vessels to bring down blood pressure.
Additionally, both alcohol and marijuana can dehydrate the body quickly, so staying properly hydrated to avoid getting crossed may require extra efforts in terms of drinking water or lying on cool bathroom tiles. Unfortunately, however, doing either of these will only delay sobering up faster – although small sips of water every few minutes might help your body through it all!
4. You’ll Have a Hard Time Stopping
If you enjoy drinking and smoking, combining both substances can provide an enjoyable crossfaded high on occasion, provided the dosage is just right. Depending on which drink comes first and how much THC is smoked afterwards, alcohol mixed with THC can produce any number of effects from euphoria to unpleasant spins.
Consider also that taking two drugs at once may make it more difficult to discontinue once desired – this can be especially hazardous for people already struggling with an addiction disorder. Both alcohol and marijuana dehydrate your body, so staying hydrated is key in order to avoid adverse crossfaded experiences.
As soon as you realize you’ve crossedfaded, it is also wise to arrange for a designated driver or ride with Uber/Lyft. If any symptoms of alcohol or THC overdose or greenout arise, seek medical help immediately; don’t attempt to sober up by vomiting or drinking coffee or other liquids – these won’t metabolize any faster in your system anyway!
5. You’ll Have a Hard Time Staying High
Experienced cannabis and alcohol consumers can find themselves trapped in a cross faded space where a night spent sipping drinks and smoking a joint turns into an unpleasant nightmare. This occurs when an intoxication level reaches both too high from alcohol consumption as well as too high from marijuana, leading to unpleasant feelings or even potentially life-threatening outcomes.
Alcohol’s active ingredient, ethanol, may enhance the absorption of THC into your bloodstream and cause it to leave your system faster than expected. Furthermore, alcohol’s relaxing effects on your blood vessels may result in reduced blood pressure which in turn causes dizziness, nausea and feelings of unsteadiness when standing or walking – all which may lead to dizziness, nausea or unsteadiness on feet; while its influence may impair motor skills to an unsafe degree that makes driving, ridesharing or unprotected sex unsafe as a result of impaired motor skills impairment or impairment.
If you find yourself experiencing dizziness, the best thing you can do to feel better quickly is to remain somewhere safe and drink small sips of water every few minutes until the feeling dissipates. Try lying on a cool kitchen or bathroom floor as an effective way to ease spins; avoid attempts at speeding recovery by vomiting or taking cold showers; this will only worsen matters further.
Conclusion
Crossing fades can be both exciting and terrifying for different people; some may find the experience both thrilling and frightening. As with all altered states, understanding its effects and risks are key for making informed decisions; taking an informed and balanced approach when consuming substances will ensure an enjoyable and safe journey.